The Supplier Diversity Awards 2024 have named the winners at a gala dinner held in Meanjin (Brisbane) as part of Connect 2024, Supply Nation's annual flagship event for the Indigenous business sector, now in its 15th year.
The atmosphere at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre was electric with 1300 guests in attendance to celebrate the awards and recognise the achievements of outstanding individuals and organisations.
Amanda Inman, Senior Indigenous Affairs and Social Inclusion Advisor at Laing O'Rourke was presented the Dean Jarrett Award for Outstanding Impact, an award recognising one individual for significant and long-lasting contribution to the sector.
Ms Inman was also named Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year, and international construction and engineering enterprise, Laing O'Rourke, awarded Corporate Member of the Year.
Supply Nation's Chief Executive Officer, Kate Russell said the Supplier Diversity Awards are a way to support and recognise excellence amongst businesses that are committed to diversified procurement policies and the benefits of working with Indigenous businesses.
"Despite ongoing challenges including the outcome of last year's Referendum, Indigenous businesses remain resilient, optimistic, and committed to their values, and this is driving growth and success," Ms Russell said.
"The Supplier Diversity Awards honour organisations and individuals that are making a positive difference to prosperity and their communities, and that is something worth celebrating."
Carol Vale, a Dunghutti woman and the founder and CEO of Murawin, was named Indigenous Businesswoman of the Year.
Established ten years ago, Murawin is a national Indigenous consultancy that works to break cycles of disadvantage and amplify initiatives that contribute to improved futures for Indigenous Australians.
"Just being nominated is very special for me, it's nice to recognised for my efforts and for commitment to growing the Indigenous female-led business sector, and it's not easy being in business," Ms Vale said.
"Our efforts are paying off, Murawin does impactful work not just in Australia but in the Pacific, Canada, New Zealand and other areas."
The 11 categories in the Supplier Diversity Awards recognise businesses, government agencies, not-for-profit organisations and individuals making a significant contribution to supplier diversity, and excellence in driving a prosperous and vibrant Indigenous business sector.
Each of the categories was sponsored by a Supply Nation verified Indigenous business member.
Supply Nation is a non-profit organisation that aims to grow the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business sector through the promotion of supplier diversity and maintains the leading database of verified Indigenous businesses.
Held in Meanjin on the lands of Turrbal and Jagera peoples for the first time this year, Connect is Australia's biggest national Indigenous business event that brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, corporate and government organisations to foster strategic opportunities and celebrate the success of the sector.
National Indigenous Times would like to congratulate all finalists and winners.
Supply Nation Supplier Diversity Awards 2024 winners
Certified Supplier of the Year
Killara Services
Supply Diversity Advocate of the Year
Amanda Inman – Laing O'Rourke
Corporate Member of the Year
Laing O'Rourke
Indigenous Businesswoman of the Year
Carol Vale – Murawin
Registered Supplier of the Year
Printing with Purpose
Procurement Professional of the Year
Ryan Sims – Laing O'Rourke
Government Member of the Year
Transport for NSW
Sam Tjengala Reuben Award recognising Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Jasmine Newman – Killara Services
Indigenous Exporter of the Year
Elephant in the Room Consulting
Supplier Diversity Partnership of the Year
Kooya Fleet Solutions and Telstra