Diversity Awards: 2025 finalists

Supply Nation has announced the finalists in the annual Supplier Diversity Awards.

The awards recognise individuals, businesses and government agencies making significant contributions to the Indigenous business sector.

Award winners for all 11 categories will be announced at the Connect 2025 Gala Awards Dinner on Thursday 21 August. The night will conclude Australia’s largest and most influential Indigenous business event connecting verified Indigenous suppliers with corporate and government buyers.

Now in its 16th year, Connect will return to Gadigal Land at ICC Sydney, having been held in Meanjin on the lands of the Turrbal and Jagera peoples last year. The theme for this year’s event is ‘Beyond the Horizon’.

After celebrating our 15-year anniversary, we look to where land, sea and sky meet, ready to break new ground and help shape the future of Indigenous business.

Supply Nation’s Chief Executive Officer and proud Awabakal woman, Kate Russell said there is a lot to celebrate, with both the growth and diversity of the sector, but the benefits are even more far reaching when the broader social value is considered. Indigenous-owned businesses are contributing to the prosperity of all Australians.

Supply Nation now has over 5,700 verified Indigenous businesses listed on its national database, Indigenous Business Direct, and more than 850 corporate, government and non-profit members. Indigenous-owned businesses are contributing $16 billion to the Australian economy each year and paying $4.2 billion in wages.

“Despite the success, challenges remain from both domestic and international drivers. Indigenous entrepreneurs still find it difficult to access capital to support start-ups or expansion,” Ms Russell said.

“There is a need for more support around building business knowledge and skills as well as accessing support services and grants.

“In addition to the Tradeshow hosting hundreds of Indigenous exhibitors across all industries, the Supplier Diversity Awards recognise Blak excellence and highlight corporate and government organisations that are committed to diversified procurement and the benefits of these policies and practices.”

Over 4,000 participants are expected to attend across the two days, spanning the Knowledge Forum, Indigenous Business Tradeshow and Gala Awards Dinner.

Certified Supplier of the Year
Sponsored by Telstra
Ethan Indigenous
Hardy Fencing Australia
Pipeline Talent

Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year
Sponsored by Department of Industry, Science and Resources
Amy Crookes – EY
Sam Muir – Coles Group
Shinead Coleman – Transport for NSW

Corporate Member of the Year
Sponsored by Ethan Indigenous
BAE Systems Australia
CPB Contractors
Woolworths Group

Indigenous Businesswoman of the Year
Jadah Pleiter – Panku Safety Solutions
Nicole Appleton – NLA Logistics
Tammy O’Connor – KingKira Group

Registered Supplier of the Year
Sponsored by bp
Jabil Commercial Diving
Mob Jobs
TVN On-Country

Procurement Professional of the Year
Sponsored by Killara Services
Mark Harrington – CPB Contractors
Matthew Plichta – Rio Tinto
Samuel Hampson – Sodexo Australia

Government Member of the Year
Sponsored by Laing O’Rourke
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Department of Defence
Main Roads Western Australia and the Transport Portfolio
Aboriginal Engagement (TPAE) branch

Sam Tjengala Reuben Award recognising
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Sponsored by EY
Associate Professor Rick Macourt – First Nations Economics
Steven Fordham – Blackrock Industries
Tara Croker – Yaala Sparkling

Indigenous Exporter of the Year Complete Business Solutions (Australia)
Kakadu Organics
WV Technologies

Supplier Diversity Partnership of the Year
Sponsored by ANZ
ARA Indigenous Services and Woolworths Group
Djinda Produce and Cater Care Group
MobReady and Ventia

Dr Dean Jarrett Award recognising
Outstanding Impact
Winner to be selected from finalists across all
award categories.