An Indigenous-owned business is shaping safer workplaces across Australian after growing from a small start-up into a trusted supplier of safety solutions for both government and major industry.

Operating out of Naarm / Melbourne and Boorloo / Perth, Panku Safety Solutions, which means "united, together" in the Nyiyaparli language of Western Australia, draws on more than 25 years of industry experience to offer personal protective equipment (PPE), site safety products and related categories to support hundreds of organisations nationwide.

Founding CEO Jadah Pleiter launched the business after seeking greater flexibility to support her young family while combining her expertise in project management, strategic planning, marketing and first aid.

Established shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, Panku quickly adapted to unprecedented demand for PPE, hand sanitiser and other essential safety products.

By working collaboratively with industry partners — including businesses that might otherwise have been considered competitors — the company helped meet critical supply needs during one of Australia's most challenging periods.

"The COVID pandemic was a crazy time, we were able to access supply and ship products to the eastern states who couldn't access stock," Ms Pleiter said.

"Everyone banded together. We were working non-stop from our homes during prolonged Victorian shutdowns and leveraging relationships so we could receive, pack and transport orders."

One of Panku's first major opportunities came through a tender to supply first aid products and services for Victoria's Metro Tunnel Project, which at the time was Australia's largest public transport infrastructure investment of its kind.

Panku successfully secured the first aid supply component of the contract, laying the foundation for continued growth.

Today, the business supplies PPE, site safety products and related categories to hundreds of corporate, government and community organisations across the country.

Ms Pleiter said her grandmother inspired her to found Panku.

"All my great grandmother's children were taken from her. My grandmother was brought up in a children's home. She fought, and she created opportunities, establishing both a florist business and an antique shop," she said.

"So, I thought that's my heritage, I owe it to them to create something that has generational impact."

Supply Nation said from financial year 2020-21 to 2025-26, Panku has experienced 518 per cent growth in turnover and in financial year 2024-25 the business doubled its turnover and employee numbers.

The Indigenous business verification organisation said since 2020, Panku has spent almost $2 million with Indigenous businesses and not-for-profit organisations.

"Panku Safety Solutions is a fantastic example of a business founded by a proud Aboriginal woman honouring her heritage and creating economic and social impact that will last for generations," Supply Nations CEO Kate Russell said.

"Indigenous Business Direct, the national directory of verified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses now lists over 6,400 businesses representing all sectors of the economy. Particularly pleasing is that approximately one-third of those businesses are led or owned by women driving innovation, jobs growth and financial security for their communities."

Ms Pleiter's success has earned her recognition as a finalist in the Indigenous Businesswoman of the Year category at the 2026 Supply Nation Supplier Diversity Awards.

The awards will be presented during Connect 2026, Supply Nation's flagship event, to be held in Boorloo / Perth from 11-12 August.

The annual gathering brings together Indigenous businesses, corporate members and government organisations to strengthen commercial relationships, share knowledge and create new opportunities through supplier diversity.

"The Supply Nation Supplier Diversity Awards celebrate those who are supporting the growth of the Indigenous business sector," Ms Russell said.

"We are excited to see Jadah Pleiter as a finalist for the Indigenous Businesswoman of the Year Award 2026 alongside two very inspiring entrepreneurs that have also founded substantial businesses."