2024 Winner for Indigenous Business Category
Jack Reis - Baidam
2024 Finalist’s Stories
Jessica Staines
Koori Curriculum
The Koori Curriculum, founded by early childhood teacher Jessica Staines, is an Aboriginal early childhood consultancy that offers professional development, resources, and workshops to help educators include Aboriginal perspectives in early childhood curriculums and improve their confidence in teaching First Nations culture and history. The consultancy focuses on breaking down systemic racial inequality through education, aiming to raise a generation of Australians who celebrate Aboriginal culture, while encouraging educators to share their knowledge widely.
Jack Reis
Baidam
Baidam is a 100% Australian-owned cybersecurity business. Jack Reis co-founded the company in 2018 with Phillip (Pip) Jenkinson, their mission being not only to serve customers but also to bridge the digital divide for Indigenous and First Nations communities. They established Baidam to provide employment pathways in the IT sector for Indigenous Australians, addressing issues like intergenerational wealth and economic independence.
Their company now has offices across Australia and employs over 70 people, dedicating a portion of its profits to creating opportunities for Indigenous people in cybersecurity.
2024 Finalists for Indigenous Business Category
2024 Finalists receiving the EBA plaque award.
Sue Cutmore
Waminda South Coast Women’s Health & Welfare
Waminda is an Aboriginal women-led, community-controlled health organization dedicated to empowering Aboriginal women and their families to lead self-determined futures. It provides culturally safe and holistic health and well-being services, focusing on tailored, strength-based care. Founded in 1990 in response to the lack of health services for Aboriginal women, its mission includes addressing colonial oppression, advocating for equitable health outcomes, and creating safe cultural spaces for Aboriginal women and families to thrive.
Nathan Martin
Djurwa
Djurwa is a majority Aboriginal-owned recycling and waste management company with a "Profit for Purpose" model. They provide top-tier waste management services to leading construction firms while using their profits to support economic participation and empowerment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, especially those transitioning from the correctional system. Their vision is to rejuvenate lives, communities, and Country. Operating across New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, Djurwa aims to create opportunities through education, capacity-building, and employment for underrepresented groups.