SPEAKWRITE FOUNDERS JESSICA CARMODY AND CHERISSE BUZZACOTT. PHOTO: MICHA BARTLETT 

SpeakWrite’s mission statement, “Let’s Speak, Let’s Write, Let’s Drive Change”, outlines a commitment to generating opportunities for individuals and communities toward self-determination and prosperity. 

Their comprehensive offerings address critical needs for Aboriginal people, with expertise covering event management (local and national), to business plan development, preparation of capability statements, grant and tender writing, and workshop facilitation across the NT. 

A key strength is their presentation of workshops on critical themes such as lateral violence, leadership, Aboriginal business principles, cultural safety, and understanding cultural intellectual property (CIP). 

SpeakWrite celebrated six months of operations and are showing signs of continuing success. With a high attainment rate of local and government grant applications, both for clients and SpeakWrite, and obtaining several new contracts across the NT, the growth of this business highlighting a strong ambition. 

SpeakWrite has built a solid profile, but Cherisse and Jessica, both mothers with eight sons between them, are committed to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

Cherisse, an Arrernte woman with connection to Arabunna, Kaytetye and Anmatyerr, has held leadership roles in national projects and Aboriginal-led initiatives, advocating for culturally safe practices. Her community leadership is demonstrated through many ways, supporting connection and trust for community-led projects for SpeakWrite. 

Jessica, a Bidjara woman raised in Mparntwe, is a transformative leader who has dedicated her career to economic empowerment and Aboriginal-led solutions. With a background through roles with the NTIBN and establishment of several blak businesses. Jessica’s business knowledge brings awareness to solutions to overcoming barriers in this area, making her the ideal strategist. 

One NT-wide Aboriginal organisation contracted SpeakWrite to engage local Aboriginal board members on the importance of remuneration in Aboriginal governance and CIP. 

They wrote: “The (SpeakWrite) workshops were fantastic! Some young entrepreneurs were inspired to pursue ideas they have been sitting on for a while, and the SpeakWrite session most definitely ignited a spark in our Local Community Board members and got them thinking about the value of their cultural knowledge”. 

Jessica reflects on that sentiment, emphasising the freedom and impact of business ownership: “As business owners, we get to choose where our greatest impacts are and drive change in our own way … but remain accountable to our People, those we choose to support and partner with.” 

SpeakWrite is more than a consultancy, it is a movement to empowerment and pursuit of building blak wealth. For Aboriginal people stepping into business, SpeakWrite serves as both an inspiration and a practical resource, promoting sustainable growth through vision and true Aboriginal leadership. 

CONTACT 

SpeakWrite Consulting 

speakwriteconsulting.com.au