Leading Aboriginal business networking organisation AEMEE hopes a new cultural tool will revolutionise how organisations address Indigenous procurement, employment and engagement needs.
The Culture Catalyst Tool was designed specifically for the resources industry to maximise Indigenous outcomes and amplify Reconciliation Action Plans, providing valuable insights and strategies to achieve RAP and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.
Chief executive Jyi Lawton launched the product at the 17th Annual AEMEE Conference in Fremantle, telling 200-plus delegates he hoped the tool would propel organisations to meaningful cultural change.
"This is set to reshape how the corporate sector engages with Indigenous businesses and communities, to meet procurement, employment, and engagement objectives within the resources sector," he said.
Mr Lawton also announced the annual conference would return to Larrakia Country in Darwin next year for the first time in six years, with the event doubling as a celebration marking AEMEE's 20th anniversary facilitating networking and economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses and the resources industry.
The return of the two-day business event to the NT will carry extra weight given AIMEE's long-established partnerships with industry bodies there, including the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network and the NT Government, a financial supporter of next year's milestone event.
The 2025 conference in the NT coincides with bullish government development of it resources sector, worth $6 billion annually to the economy, and emerging renewables sector via major investments in solar and other renewable projects.
These included the Alice Springs and Katherine solar farms and solar initiatives in Darwin, along with an array of battery storage projects, hydrogen production efforts, and the proposed Renewable Energy Zone to intensify renewables development.
AIMEE's annual conference has proven a consistent vehicle for crucial analysis and feedback on the impact Indigenous enterprises have on the resources sector.
The two-day event culminates with AEMEE's National Resources Sector Awards, recognising outstanding Indigenous businesses and resources companies, which were announced on Thursday night.
The Sector Champion of the Year Award, a new honour introduced in 2024 for outstanding commitment to the industry by an individual was bestowed on Tammy O'Connor, a Nyiyaparli/Paylku woman and Traditional Owner from the Pilbara.
The Indigenous entrepreneur founded and runs KingKira Group, which works with various stakeholders to provide opportunities for Indigenous communities in the vast, remote iron ore rich region.
Ms O'Connor is widely regarded and respected for her industry knowledge and deep connection to Country, and the ideal liaison between community and business interests in the Pilbara.
Mr Lawton extended heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the AEMEE family to all 2024 winners and finalists for their impact and dedication to the industry.
"These awards highlight the exceptional leadership, innovation, and collaborative spirit within the Indigenous business sector," he said.
2024 AEMEE National Resources Sector Award winners
Indigenous New Business of the Year:
Winner: Waru Vehicle Hire
Runner Up: Mandana
Resource Indigenous Business of the Year:
Winner: MundaMurra
Runner Up: Brida
Judges' Choice Award:
Winner: BlackRock Industries
Resources Sector Collaboration of the Year:
Winner: Biodiversity Australia and QGC
Runner Up: Toll
Resource Sector Business of the Year:
Winner: Chevron
Runner Up: Rio Tinto