If you've ever ridden on the Sydney Airport Link, the Malaysian Double Track, or the Singapore Circle Line, it's highly likely you've seen an Australian export in action. Hidden in the world's major transport networks is the work of Aldridge Railway Signals, an Indigenous-owned company that has been driving innovation in railway signal technology for decades.
Founded by Kamilaroi man David Aldridge, Aldridge Railway Signals is a powerhouse in the transport infrastructure sector, supplying critical railway signals in Australia, Asia and beyond.
The company's journey began with a major breakthrough in 1995 when it designed, manufactured, and commissioned Australia's first LED rail signals into the Sydney Underground System.
Today, Aldridge is a leading exporter at a time when recognition of Indigenous business success on the global stage is growing.
In a landmark move, the Australian Export Awards have introduced the First Nations Exporter Award for the first time in their 63-year history. The award acknowledges the increasing impact of Indigenous-led enterprises in international markets, with the First Nations Businesses Succeeding Internationally Report revealing that Indigenous exporters generated over $670 million in revenue in 2022-23 and employed over seven times more workers than other First Nations businesses.
Aldridge Railway Signals has been a shining example of Indigenous business success, winning the Indigenous Exporter of the Year at the Supply Nation Diversity Awards in 2023, followed by the Indigenous Exporter Award at the 2024 NSW Premier's Export Awards.
For Mr Aldridge, these accolades are not just about recognition - they are about opportunity.
"There are a lot of people out there who help Indigenous exporters, and they are always happy to help. There is enormous potential for Indigenous people in export," he says.
Export markets now make up 43 per cent of Aldridge's turnover, with markets as diverse as Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines, and New Zealand among its key destinations. But according to Aldridge, success doesn't come from waiting for opportunities to appear.
"You cannot export from behind a computer. You've got to get out, get up and running. Go meet clients. Speak to people. Just putting yourself out there including for awards," he says.
Managed by Austrade, the Australian Export Awards celebrate the country's most successful and innovative exporters. Applications for the 2025 awards open on 29 April and remain open for six weeks. State and territory winners in national categories will progress to the national awards, with the final ceremony set for 26 November 2025 at Parliament House.
For more information or to apply, visit www.exportawards.gov.au.