Finalists have been announced for one of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business sector's biggest nights at Supply Nation's Supplier Diversity Awards.
Over 200 businesses are registered to exhibit at the Connect Tradeshow ahead of the Gala Awards Dinner, with a Knowledge Forum also set to take place, on Whadjuk Noongar Country at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on August 11 and 12 in Boorloo.
Thousands are expected to attend Connect 2026, with a major force, not just contributor, to Australia's economy: Indigenous-owned businesses, set to be celebrated, as stated by Supply Nation.
Winners across 11 categories will be announced at the awards night.
30 finalists have been confirmed.
Supply Nation describes the Connect 2026 as 'Australia's largest and most influential business gathering connecting verified Indigenous suppliers with corporate, government and not-for-profit buyers'.
In 2024-25, members spent $5.83 billion in procurement with Supply Nation Indigenous-owned verified businesses.
$2.1 billion was spent in mining and resources alone, Supply Nation chief executive Kate Russell said, making WA a fitting choice to host this year's celebration of the sector.
"The Indigenous business sector is not a marginal contributor to Australia's economy; it is a force multiplier," she said.
"Supply Nation's members spending billions with verified Indigenous-owned businesses is not simply a symbolic figure; it represents real contracts, real jobs, and real economic momentum."
Categories and finalists:
Telstra Certified Supplier of the Year: Elephant in the Room Consulting, Gunggandji Aerospace, Karlka Fencewright
Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year: Celia Perkins - Department of Defence, Christine Ross - Christine Ross Consultancy, Mark Kucks - Hutchinson Builders
Corporate Member of the Year: BHP, Hutchinson Builders, Sodexo Australia
Westpac Indigenous Businesswoman of the Year: Kylie-Lee Bradford - Kakadu Organics, Jasmine Kadic - Benang, Jadah Pleiter - Panku Safety Solutions and
Heart2HeartTraining & Supplies
bp Registered Supplier of the Year: BilaEmpower, Little Wombats Program, Morrgul
Killara Services Procurement Professional of the Year: Barbara Giudici - Fortescue, Dilan Perera - Suncorp Group, Sharleen Airs - BHP
Government Member of the Year: Main Roads Western Australia and the Transport Portfolio Aboriginal Engagement branch, The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Western Power
EY Sam Tjengala Reuben Award recognising Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Caleb Gordon - Gordon Plumbing Solutions, Lane Stockton - Yarn'n Co, Samuel Coote - SIERA Logistics
Export Finance Australia Indigenous Exporter of the Year: Kakadu Organics, Kirrikin, Munda Wines
ANZ Supplier Diversity Partnership of the Year: Benang and ATCO Gas Australia, Dundee Rock and LION, Kardan Construction and Department of Housing and Works
The Dr Dean Jarrett Award recognising Outstanding Impact will be awarded to a finalists from all categories above.
In 2026 Connect is celebrating its theme: Journey.
This reflects progress, growth and resilience, honouring 'the enduring foundations of trade and entrepreneurship that sustain Indigenous economies while recognising the legacy being built for future generations', Supple Nation outlined.
BHP, Qantas, Woolworths Group, Baidam, Kirra Serives and Business Events Perth are major sponsors of Connect 2026.
