Coles Group Indigenous Affairs Manager Sam Muir is a finalist in Supply Nation Awards in the 'Supplier Diversity Partnership of the Year' category.

The award recognises businesses that have worked in partnership to contribute to the growth of the sector and/or specific Indigenous businesses.

For Mr Muir, a Wiradjuri man raised on Yorta Yorta country in Shepparton in rural Victoria, working with a Indigenous producer Yaru Water to expand their range has resulted in him becoming a first-time award finalist.

For the past 12 years, Yaru Water has supplied to Coles with still bottled water, and through their partnership with Coles, was able to expand their range, bringing one-litre sparkling water and flavoured sparkling water with finger lime and wild berry varieties to shelves as part of a 12-month Coles exclusive.

Mr Muir started with Coles Group in the communications team in 2022 and said he jumped at the opportunity to join the Indigenous Affairs team 18 months ago.

"We've been on a journey to better understand how we can innovate and adapt our supply chain to create more pathways for Indigenous businesses to engage with us," Mr Muir said.

"Raising awareness for supply opportunities, exploring alternate ranging options, and simplifying some of our processes are a few of the avenues we're exploring."

Mr Muir said the Coles Nurture Fund provides grants to Australian producers and growers to innovate and grow and in the last three years, it has granted $1.1 million to three Indigenous businesses.

"Our focus on building long-term and sustainable relationships with our supplier partners enables us to focus on transformational activity through our supply chain, rather than just transactional - the Coles Nurture Fund is a great example of how we've been able to work with Indigenous growers and producers over longer periods of time and provide initial engagement opportunities with our business."

"I'm constantly in awe of the determination, innovation, and sustainability of Indigenous businesses and admire the commitment they all have to social impact and giving back to First Nations peoples and communities."

Yaru Water donates $1 for every 100 litres sold to its Yaru Foundation that aims to close the gap, raise cultural awareness and improve health outcomes for Indigenous people.

"Working with Indigenous businesses is good business," Mr Muir said.

"Rather than focussing on the sector as a 'hand out' or charity, it should be viewed as smart business that when done right can transform supply chains while driving spend into businesses that are rooted in community.

"It's an incredibly exciting time to be working in this space and I look forward to continuing to watch the sector go from strength to strength."

Winners will be announced at the Supply Nation Connect 2025 Gala Awards Dinner will be held at ICC Sydney, on Gadigal Land on Thursday, 21 August.