First Nations organisations, businesses and not-for-profits swept the stage at Thursday night's Broome Business Excellence Awards, hosted by the Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry, celebrating innovation across the Kimberley.
Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation (DAC), an organisation from the remote Aboriginal community of Djarindjin on the Dampier Peninsula, was spotlighted during the evening, taking home three major awards — Innovation, Indigenous Excellence and the top honour, Business of the Year.
Chief executive Nathan McIvor said the recognition reflected years of hard work and cultural leadership.
"Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation is deeply humbled by this remarkable recognition," Mr McIvor said.
"To be named Business of the Year shows what's possible when community-led enterprises are supported to innovate and thrive. This is a win for all our people across the Dampier Peninsula."
Broome-based Nyamba Buru Yawuru (NBY), the organisation of the Yawuru Traditional Owners whose Country encompasses Broome and its surrounds, was named Large Not-for-Profit of the Year.
NBY works to build an inclusive and sustainable economy while supporting Yawuru and other Aboriginal people to thrive in the region, guided by the philosophy of mabu liyan — good spirit and wellbeing.
Garnduwa Aboorny Wirnan, a long-running Kimberley Aboriginal organisation that builds youth leadership and wellbeing through sport and cultural programs in remote communities, took home Small Not-for-Profit of the Year.
In the creative sector, Magabala Books, Australia's leading Indigenous publishing house also based in Broome, received the Workplace Team Culture and Inclusivity Award, recognising its commitment to amplifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices from across the country.
Chief executive Dr Lilly Brown said the award was a reflection of the strong, values-driven culture that underpins the organisation.
"The culture of Magabala is set at the top, where our board of Kimberley First Nations directors are so incredibly supportive of ensuring Magabala meets the needs of staff," Dr Brown said
"From paid gender-affirming care and parental leave policies to being open about the importance of social and emotional wellbeing in the workplace," she said.
"For me as the CEO, that support also gives me the mandate to ensure staff care for one another and the work we do."
"That ethic of care is fundamental to the culture of Magabala, and key to our success. Receiving the Broome Business Award for Workplace Culture and Inclusivity is a wonderful recognition of that collective effort."
The night highlighted the growing strength of Aboriginal-led organisations driving economic and social transformation in northern Australia — from cultural enterprises and youth programs to community-owned businesses shaping the region's future.
"What's so inspiring," Mr McIvor said, "is that these awards reflect the future of business in the North — one where culture, innovation and community walk together."
