As International Women's Day was celebrated around the world on the weekend, I took a moment to honour the strong Black women of the Northern Territory—the matriarchs, trailblazers, and business leaders who continue to redefine success and resilience. From the women who walked before me, paving the way for cultural strength and self-determination, to the next generation breaking barriers in business and leadership, today I celebrate their tenacity and excellence.
The Northern Territory has long been home to a strong matriarchal tradition. Aboriginal women have led the way in protecting Country, maintaining culture, and advocating for our rights. This resilience has translated into modern-day success, with Indigenous women leading businesses across industries such as automation, events, accounting, consultancy, and community services. Yet, their journey has not been without challenges—systemic barriers, limited access to funding, and the additional responsibilities that come with being cultural leaders and caretakers in their communities.
These five incredible Black women in business are making waves across the NT:
As the founder of TEC Automation, Soraya Smith is breaking new ground in the male-dominated electrical automation industry. Her company provides cutting-edge solutions that enhance industrial processes while creating employment pathways for Indigenous professionals in STEM fields.
Ms Smith is not just a businesswoman—she is a mentor, actively fostering the next generation of Indigenous innovators and away from the workplace spends her time managing her local footy clubs' women's teams alongside being a busy mum to three.
When it comes to creating culturally enriching and memorable events, Tikesa Hale is at the forefront. As the founder of Xhalevents, she has built a business that delivers top-tier event management while incorporating cultural storytelling and Indigenous traditions. Whether it's a corporate event or a large-scale cultural gathering, Ms Hale ensures that the voices of Indigenous communities are heard and celebrated.
Financial knowledge and resilience are key to the success of Indigenous enterprises, and Anaiwan woman Sarah Hyland is leading the charge. As a Chartered Accountant and advocate for Indigenous businesses, she ensures Indigenous entrepreneurs have the financial strategies and resources to build sustainable enterprises. As founder of Together Business, one of Australia's leading Indigenous-led Chartered Accounting firms, Ms Hyland and her team provide expert financial services to First Nations businesses and social enterprises, helping them navigate growth and sustainability.
She also founded Together Academy—a platform by mob, for mob in business—to strengthen Indigenous business resilience through financial education, auspicing, and strategic support. A DGR1 charity, Together Academy is launching the Indigenous Business Resilience Fund to help Indigenous businesses overcome economic challenges. By providing financial tools and guidance, it empowers entrepreneurs to build strong, sustainable futures. Ms Hyland's work is about more than numbers—it's about financial empowerment, resilience, and ensuring Indigenous businesses thrive.
Tammy Abala's business, Mamanta, is more than a brand—it's a movement dedicated to fostering community wellbeing and positive economic impact via a social enterprise for profit, for purpose model. Ms Abala has created a business that focuses on Reconciliation Action, Cross-Cultural Learning & Immersive Workshops, Camps and Project Strategy & Management across the Tiwi Islands and the Top End. Mamanta's activities promote mental health, positive participation and engagement pathways with impact extending beyond business; it's about healing, connection, and empowerment.
Jodie Brown, a proud Larrakia woman, is the Managing Director of North Australia Projects and Services (NAPAS), a majority Aboriginal and female-owned construction business based in Darwin. Established in August 2023, NAPAS offers a range of construction services, including carpentry, roofing, cladding, building repairs and maintenance, and renovations.
The company is committed to supporting the local community by partnering with local suppliers and fostering workforce development, maintaining a balance between Indigenous and non-Indigenous personnel. Ms Brown's leadership ensures that NAPAS delivers high-quality projects while upholding strong cultural values and creating opportunities aligned with community needs.
Still much work to be done
Despite their success, Black women in business in the NT face unique challenges. Access to capital remains a significant hurdle, with many Indigenous entrepreneurs struggling to secure funding or investment opportunities. The additional cultural responsibilities placed on Indigenous women—as carers, community leaders, and business owners—mean they often juggle multiple roles while striving for economic success.
Notwithstanding these barriers, their resilience remains unwavering. Each of these women have built businesses rooted in cultural values and community empowerment. They are not just creating jobs and economic opportunities; they are reshaping industries, mentoring young women, and ensuring that Indigenous knowledge and leadership continue to thrive.
Their success is a testament to what is possible when Indigenous leadership is championed and supported. Moving forward, greater investment is needed in Indigenous women-led businesses—through mentorship programs, funding opportunities, and stronger representation in decision-making spaces.
On this International Women's Day, I honour the past, celebrate the present, and look to the future. Black women in business are not just surviving; they are thriving, and their impact will continue to be felt for generations to come. To all the strong women of the Northern Territory— I see you, I celebrate you, and I stand with you.
