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CELEBRATING Blak Excellence 

It was a night to remember in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) as hundreds gathered to celebrate Aboriginal business leadership at the 2024 NTIBN Blak Business Awards.

Hosted by the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN), the event showcased the incredible strength, diversity, and success of Blak businesses across the Northern Territory. 

Guests were welcomed with music from DJ Shy Monk before MC Steven Oliver took to the stage, bringing his trademark humour and energy to set the tone for a night of celebration. 

After a powerful Welcome to Country from Aunty Kumalie Riley and the Tinkerbee Dancers, NTIBN Chair Tyson Carmody and Big Boss Naomi Anstess reminded everyone why these awards matter — not just to recognise achievement, but to drive the movement of Blak economic power forward. 

The night also featured an address by then Deputy Chief Minister Chansey Paech, recognising the leadership role Aboriginal businesses are playing in the Territory’s future. 

Across 14 award categories, business owners, leaders and community organisations were recognised for their innovation, resilience and contribution to the NT economy. 

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THE WINNERS 

BEST BLAK CONSULTANCY BUSINESS 
Penangke Cultural Consultants 
An Aboriginal-owned and operated consultancy dedicated to creating genuine cultural outcomes through collaboration with community, corporate and government partners.

BEST BLAK BUSHFOODS & BOTANICALS BUSINESS 
Kungkas Can Cook 
Led by Rayleen Brown, this trailblazing business showcases the unique flavours of Central Australian bushfoods while promoting cultural knowledge and supporting Aboriginal women in business. 

BEST BLAK CREATIVE BUSINESS 
Ltyentye Apurte Traditional Craft Centre 
Honoured for preserving Eastern Arrernte culture through traditional tools, crafts and cultural education, supporting local employment and community pride.

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BEST BLAK TOURISM BUSINESS 
Angkerle Aboriginal Corporation 
Custodians of Standley Chasm, this community-led organisation delivers authentic cultural experiences, connecting visitors to Arrernte culture and Country. 

TOURISM BUSINESS ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD 
100% Finke River Culture and Adventure 
Recognised as a rising star in Indigenous tourism, providing immersive cultural experiences that strengthen local employment and community connection. 

BEST BLAK CONSTRUCTION & RESOURCES BUSINESS 
Intract Australia 
A national leader in Indigenous-owned contracting, delivering civil, construction and mining services while creating lasting economic and social impact. 

BEST BLAK START-UP BUSINESS 
No Fixed Gallery 
An Indigenous, female-led gallery transforming the art industry in Mparntwe, empowering local artists and preserving cultural expression through contemporary platforms. 

BEST BLAK GROWTH BUSINESS 
Stedmans Construction and Engineering 
A Territory-grown success story, achieving significant growth and employing a large Aboriginal workforce across construction projects in remote NT communities. 

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YOUNG BLAK ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 
Courtney Summers – SUMTIMESSAD 
A proud Arabana woman making waves in mental health advocacy and creative entrepreneurship, using her platform to foster connection and conversation. 

BEST BLAK SOLE TRADER OR MICROBUSINESS 
Tanyah Nasir Consulting Services 
A Darwin-based consultancy empowering Aboriginal communities through cultural leadership programs and transforming organisations through cultural capability development. 

BEST BLAK COMMUNITY-CONTROLLED ORGANISATION 
Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation
Based in Yirrkala, this organisation leads cultural preservation, land management, economic development and community advancement for the Rirratjingu people.

BEST ALLY BUSINESS 
Ventia Australia Pty Ltd
Recognised for its commitment to Aboriginal business engagement, workforce development and meaningful partnerships that deliver real outcomes.

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BEST BLAK MALE BUSINESS OWNER 
Stephen Stavrinos – Pinnacle Plumbing
Recognised for his leadership, growth and dedication to building a trusted Territory business. Through Pinnacle Plumbing, Stephen has not only delivered high-quality services in the construction industry but has also created meaningful employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal people. His hands-on leadership and commitment to excellence continue to inspire the next generation of Blak trades and small business owners.

BEST BLAK FEMALE BUSINESS OWNER 
Rachel Ellis – Centre Pest Management
Recognised for her entrepreneurial leadership and commitment to community. From humble beginnings, Rachel has grown her business into one of Central Australia’s most trusted pest management providers, delivering services across the Big Rivers Region. More than just a business owner, Rachel is a role model for Aboriginal women in business, creating jobs, supporting community and demonstrating that Blak women can lead and succeed on their own terms.

NT BLAK BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 
DICE
The highest honour of the night was awarded to DICE, proudly recognised as the 2024 NT Blak Business of the Year. Founded and led by proud Western Arrernte man Raymond Pratt, DICE has grown from humble beginnings into a nationally recognised Aboriginal-owned leader in construction, electrical and smart energy solutions. With projects spanning urban, regional and some of the most remote communities in the Northern Territory, DICE has demonstrated what is possible when Aboriginal businesses are empowered to lead on their own terms.
More than a contractor, DICE is a business built on values — values of community, cultural integrity and real economic empowerment. Their commitment to creating local jobs, building Aboriginal workforce capability, and closing the gap between urban and remote service delivery is what sets them apart. DICE is not only transforming industries, but also transforming lives by proving that Blak businesses can lead large-scale, high-value projects with excellence, professionalism and community at the heart.
As they continue to expand their impact across the NT and beyond, DICE stands as a role model for what Blak economic leadership looks like in action — strong, capable, and unapologetically Blak.


With dinner, dancing, and entertainment from Sneaky Train to finish the night, the 2024 Blak Business Awards not only celebrated success—they reminded everyone that Blak Business is leading the way, creating jobs, building wealth, and shaping the Territory’s future.

NTIBN congratulates all finalists and winners for their commitment to excellence and their leadership in building a stronger Blak economy for generations to come.

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