Blak Business

HOW TO GET FIT

He is super-fit himself, runs a great fitness business and can help anybody get into shape.  Darwin-born Stephen, who is of Malak Malak (Daly River) and Torres Strait Island descent, has transformed the lives of many Territorians – Indigenous and non-Indigenous – since setting up SC Fitness in November 2021  “I began fitness...

Blak Business

STEDMAN’S LEADS THE WAY 

At the heart of the business is the father-and-son team of Michael and Chris Stedman, whose combined expertise spans decades.  Michael, a seasoned construction manager, laid the groundwork by building homes and infrastructure in Maningrida, where the family has deep roots. Chris followed in his footsteps, leaving school at 16 to undertake...

Blak Business

LIGHTING UP LIVES 

A feasibility study prepared with the support of development partners Alice Springs-based Ekistica shows that solar and battery storage could replace diesel generators on 10 priority Borroloola homelands.  The power upgrades would save residents more than $200,000 per year on diesel – and create skilled local jobs in electrical and...

Blak Business

BORROLOOLA BASKS IN SUN POWER

The Ngardara project will improve energy security and reduce energy expenditure for the remote township of Borroloola in the Gulf of Carpentaria, 1000 kilometres south-east of Darwin by road, by switching from diesel power to lower cost solar.  It is being driven by two Indigenous-controlled organisations, Ngardara Cooperative and...

Blak Business

DEDICATED TO JOB CREATION

North East Arnhem Land Aboriginal Corporation provides a range of training, development courses and programs in accredited and non-accredited subjects.  Accredited training includes chemical applications, small motors and small machinery operations, chainsaw courses, first aid, horticultural, trainer assessor, driver licences and...

Blak Business

NORTHERN LAND COUNCIL

With approximately 50 per cent of the Northern Territory’s land mass under Aboriginal ownership, land use agreements are generating big business.  Across vast tracts of resource-rich land abundant in mining, agriculture, tourism and renewable energy opportunities, leases and licences are the green light for governments, businesses,...

Blak Business

NIGHTHAWK DRIVES TO THE NEXT LEVEL 

Nighthawk Transport, which was established 40 years ago, now has a fleet of prime movers and trailers.  The company was acquired by Marlu Transport in 2024, a move that has taken the business to a new level.  Managing director Alex McPhee, who is of Noongar, Nyamal and Nyiaparli heritage, says Marlu’s extensive network in the...

Blak Business

MICK’S CRANES 

Michael Assan and his partner Kate Coggan launched their crane company for two good reasons – to fill a critical gap in the Northern Territory for high-quality services and to provide employment opportunities for Indigenous workers.  “We are committed to delivering exceptional service while empowering local communities,” says...

Blak Business

KATTIE DRIVES CHANGE 

Kattie Risk, a member of a large and influential Larrakia family, set up Billirrawarra Trucking & Training after qualifying as an assessor.  She has been a roadtrain driver for 15 years.  Her career has seen her do everything from carting to mines, earthworks, oversize and general.  But she now concentrates on Outback...

Blak Business

DRIVEN TO SUCCEED 

His wife Caitlyn had just fallen pregnant with their first child, Titan  “Her pregnancy filled me with such a sense of anxiety that I needed to start building a better life for us, so I jumped into business feet first, so that the future is in my hands. ” he says.  Stephen hasn’t looked back  The 100 percent owner of...

Blak Business

WAR ON PESTS

Centre Pest Management is now operating in Katherine as well as its home base of Alice Springs.  “We are starting to see the fruits of our efforts,” says Director Rachel Ellis. “We’re well known in Alice and have built up a good reputation in the town. Now we’re doing the same in Katherine.”  The company services...

Blak Business

DICE: EMPOWERING INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

But that motivation soon evolved into something bigger – not only to succeed in business but to help Indigenous people help themselves.  His motto is: power communities and empower people.  Mr Pratt is the owner of construction company Dice, which has won a string of major projects across Northern Australia, including building...