A business founded by 15 visionaries on a veranda that transformed ancient Traditional Knowledge into a thriving, modern enterprise was remarkably crowned best business at last week's Telstra Best of Business Awards in Melbourne.

The remarkable story began when DJAARA – the representative body for the Dja Dja Wurrung People of Central Victoria - began commercialising Traditional practices in agriculture and aquaculture.

Judges said the organisation's successful and sustainable approach to developments, such as developing the biggest yabby farm in the Southern Hemisphere on Djandak Country, balanced cultural integrity with commercial success.

The yabby farm was part of DJAARA's vision to build a food and fibre enterprise on Djandak Country called DJAKITJ, which means 'dining room' in Dja Dja Wurrung language.

Construction of the farm, situated around an hour's drive from Bendigo, began this year, with the farm featuring 50 yabby ponds, a broodstock and hatchery facility, as well as research and development areas for aquaculture and native plants and bush foods.

Dja Dja Wurrung Group CEO, Rodney Carter, said DJAKITJ was developing several projects around native Australian ingredients, with its own funding.

"For the first time, DJAARA has invested its own funds - $1.6 million - to buy our own land back so we can set up this exciting business," he recently told this publication.

DJAARA's holistic approach combines the natural world with cultural governance, ensuring Traditional Owners have a seat at the decision-making table.

The business triumphed over a highly-competitive field of the nation's top small and medium-sized businesses, after a 12-month process where judges received 22,000 nominees – the highest amount in more than two decades.

Its thriving enterprise that ingrains ancient knowledge and Traditional practices to modern agriculture and aquaculture has helped the DJAARA protect cultural heritage and manage land and resources, in partnership with government and community organisations.

DJAARA's expertise has been in demand across the globe too, with the United Nations engaging the business for its unique ability to combine environmental stewardship with economic development.

"To be recognised at a national level is a great honour – especially considering that, 20 years ago, Dja Dja Wurrung People were virtually invisible in our own Country," Dja Wurrung group CEO Rodney Carter said.

Telstra Business group executive, Amanda Hutton, said despite a complex process judging thousands of businesses, DJAARA was a standout, recognised for its clear merits and transformative impact as a trailblazer in its field of Indigenous Excellence, a gong it also took home.

"What stands out about this year's winner is their connection to purpose, which drives this organisation at its core," Ms Hutton said.

"More than 20 years ago, 15 people on a verandah recognised their collective strength and the positive impact it could have on their people and community.

"Like so many businesses, they faced challenges to become the thriving enterprise they are today, and it's success stories like DJAARA and our other category winners that highlight the incredible resilience of Australia's small business community."

Established thriving Indigenous business, Ikuntji Artists, was another First Nations winner on the night, winning Telstra's Best of Business Accelerating Women award.

The Northern Territory-based not-for-profit art group - established in 1992 originally as a women's centre – changed tact in 2005, focusing on support for local Aboriginal artists and foster Anangu culture.

Specialising in canvas, fabrics and jewellery, Ikuntji artists collaborate globally to exhibit works from more than 40 artists in museums and on fashion runways worldwide.

Judges were captivated by the organisation's unwavering commitment to innovation and impact across the community.

"With a 32-year legacy of creating all products on Country and representing five generations of women, they've not only diversified their product streams but also made First Nations art and storytelling more accessible to all," they said.

The group's passion for empowering women to reclaim economic independence through art, was a testament to their powerful vision.

"Focused on community over profit, Ikuntji Artists continues to invest locally, bridging First Nations and non-Indigenous communities, and leaving a lasting legacy of cultural celebration," judges said.

For more information on 2024 winners and nominations for the 2025 awards is available online.