Excellence, collaboration, and innovation in Indigenous business were recognised at the 2025 National AEMEE Awards, held in Darwin last week.
The event concluded the 20th anniversary conference of Aboriginal Enterprises in Mining, Energy & Exploration (AEMEE); a two-day gathering recognising two decades of work advancing Aboriginal participation in Australia's resources and energy sectors.
Hosted by AEMEE Director Brendan Bishop, the ceremony featured performances by Drifting Clouds and DJ Kassandra Wild and closed the conference under the theme "Beyond Boundaries: Partnerships, Power, Prosperity."
AEMEE Chairperson Derek Flucker said this year's awards reflected the capability and growth of Indigenous enterprises across Australia.
"This year's finalists and winners represent the best of who we are; proud, capable, and future-focused," he said.
"The quality of applications shows how far Indigenous enterprise has come and how strong our future is in this sector."
Recognising Collaboration and Innovation
The awards recognised achievements across multiple categories, reflecting the breadth of Indigenous business engagement in the national economy.
3BB Contracting Pty Ltd received the New Indigenous Business of the Year award, recognising an emerging enterprise contributing to local employment and regional capability.
The Collaboration of the Year award went to Indigital, in partnership with the Caring for Country Aboriginal Community Reference Group (ACRG) and Rio Tinto, for work with the communities of Mapoon, Aurukun, Weipa, and Napranum. The partnership brought Indigenous knowledge and digital technology together to deliver cultural and environmental outcomes.
In the environmental and sustainability category, the Aboriginal Clean Energy Partnership (ACEP) received the Powering Country Award for advancing Indigenous participation in renewable energy projects and sustainable resource development.
Rio Tinto was named Resource Sector Business of the Year in recognition of its engagement with Indigenous businesses and communities across the resources sector.
The Indigenous Business of the Year award was presented to Eastern Guruma Pty Ltd, a 100 per cent Aboriginal- and female-owned business operating in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Leadership and Enterprise
Established in 2004 and led by Managing Director Tania Stevens and Director Samantha Connors, Eastern Guruma provides services including mine site rehabilitation, civil and bulk earthworks, and facilities management. Its operations span Tom Price, Paraburdoo, and Port Hedland, with a focus on safety, quality, and environmental management.
The company also delivers training and employment initiatives such as the Drilling Traineeship Program with JSW Drilling and the Marangka Operator Training Program, offering entry-level opportunities for Indigenous participants entering the mining industry.
The Sector Champion of the Year (Female) award was presented to Kia Dowell, Chairperson of Gelganyem Limited, for her leadership in the East Kimberley.
Steve Noy, Managing Director of Biodiversity Australia, received the Sector Champion of the Year (Male) award for his contribution to environmental services and workforce development.
Gooring Jimbila Contracting (GJC) received the Judges' Choice Award, rounding out a field of record entries that AEMEE CEO Jyi Lawton described as the strongest in the organisation's history.
"The 2025 Awards celebrated not just success stories, but the partnerships and leadership shaping the next chapter of Indigenous enterprise," Mr Lawton said.
Cultural Design and Recognition
The trophies presented on the night were designed by Mark Jones (Straddle Adventures, Minjerribah), Trent Lee (Larrakia), and Wayne McGinness (Aboriginal Steel Art), representing a collaboration of Indigenous artistry and craftsmanship.
As AEMEE marks two decades of operation, the National AEMEE Awards continue to highlight the increasing diversity and maturity of Indigenous enterprise in Australia's resources and energy industries; from emerging small businesses to established contractors and community-led partnerships.
