A growing number and breadth of Indigenous exporters has caught the eye of Austrade, whose Australian Export Awards will for the first time recognise the growing contribution of Aboriginal enterprise globally.
The federal agency has introduced a dedicated First Nations category for the first time in 63 years of the national awards as a nod to the burgeoning success of Indigenous-led exporters across international markets.
Six Indigenous finalists were named in the landmark category, which was also introduced to recognise First Nations traders were the country's first exporters and again are making significant economic contributions from afar.
Trailblazing regional South Australian business Munda Wines has gone from strength to strength since releasing its 2021 Syrah from Kaurna Country (McLaren Vale), now engaging grape growers to create a collection of wines from vineyards across Australia that are intrinsically linked to Country.
They include Munda Wines (SA), Elephant in the Room Consulting (QLD), Aldridge Rail Group (NSW), Ikuntji Artists (NT), Jala Jala (Vic) and Kirrikin (WA).
Munda Wines - which subsequently now release a Grenache from Ngadjuri and Peramangk Country (Barossa Valley) and a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Padthaway wine region (along SA's Limestone Coast) - exports to Malaysia and has broken into the notoriously-tough Canadian market, with its next target now the United States.
Founder Pauly Vandenbergh said international markets were eager to engage the oldest continuing culture in the world.
"It is an incredible point of difference for Aboriginal-led businesses and resonates powerfully with our commercial partners," he said.
"Our deep connection to Country that gives our wines their heart, identity, and sense of place."
Fellow finalist, Queensland-based Elephant in the Room Consulting, blends Indigenous knowledge systems with commercial acumen to export cultural intelligence, inclusion, and leadership programs.
The 100 per cent Indigenous-owned business founded by Jenni Walke is exporting its frameworks to major organisations in the US, Canada, Singapore and South Korea, partnering with Ignite Movement and Native American Business Association in Canada.
"Exporting isn't just about taking services offshore; it's about sharing values, vision and voice," Ms Walke said.
"If your story can create change, it's export-worthy."
Austrade's head of Indigenous Engagement and Export, Melanie Harris, said Australia had a lot more Indigenous-owned businesses exporting to the world than people realised.
"They're working in a variety of industries and all across the country," she said.
"So the new category is about highlighting the success of these exporters and recognising the economic impact they're making.
Ms Harris encouraged more Indigenous-owned businesses to consider if they were export ready and use Austrade's Go Global Toolkit to help them assess their capacity and and resources needed to get started.
