Earlier this month in Gladstone, KAEFER Australia hosted a standout event in honour of Indigenous Business Month 2025, a powerful gathering that brought together industry leaders, local Indigenous enterprises and regional stakeholders united in their mission to grow and strengthen the Indigenous business ecosystem.
The event created an important space for open dialogue between major industry players and emerging Indigenous businesses striving to expand their presence within the Gladstone region. Through panel discussions, networking sessions and knowledge sharing, participants explored how collaboration, procurement and capacity building could drive economic opportunity and cultural inclusion across industries. It was an occasion that went beyond conversation, providing a tangible demonstration of how the private sector and Indigenous entrepreneurs can work hand in hand to create meaningful, long-term change.
For Kylie Thorn, Aboriginal Engagement Advisor at KAEFER, it was a proud moment to witness the shared commitment in the room.
"True progress is built through strong, respectful relationships, not just employment numbers," she said.
"It's about creating opportunity, driving change, and empowering others through meaningful career pathways."
That approach is nothing new for KAEFER, whose track record in this space speaks volumes. The company has long supported Indigenous employment and training pathways through initiatives such as the Santos KAEFER Indigenous Training and Employment Program and scaffold cadetships in Gladstone that prepare community members for long-term, sustainable careers.
Ms Thorn explained that these initiatives are about far more than recruitment drives or quotas.
"Beyond initial employment, our focus has always been on retention and career development," she said. "Through mentoring and wrap-around supports, we help individuals overcome barriers and progress within the business."
The 2025 Indigenous Business Month theme, Strength Through Collaboration, resonated deeply throughout the day. It reminded everyone that sustainable success for Indigenous enterprises is rooted in strong partnerships between businesses, communities and industry allies who are prepared to walk beside each other.
For Ms Thorn, collaboration is more than a principle; it is a shared responsibility.
"We recognise that collaboration helps us grow stronger together," she said. "By sharing resources, aligning commitments, and championing Indigenous inclusion, we create outcomes that benefit everyone, not just now, but for generations to come."
The conversations in Gladstone encouraged attendees to think beyond transactions and toward transformation, to view collaboration as a driver of innovation, stronger supply chains and inclusive regional development. KAEFER's partnerships already reflect this philosophy. Across Australia, the company works closely with Indigenous owned businesses, community organisations and Traditional Owner groups to co-design programs that reflect community aspirations. In Gladstone, those partnerships have become living examples of how mutual respect can lead to shared success.
"Our long-term strategy is about expanding traineeships, cadetships, and leadership opportunities across multiple projects and disciplines," Ms Thorn said. "We want Indigenous participation to remain an enduring and growing part of KAEFER Australia's workforce."
The impact of the event was measured not only by the business opportunities it generated but by the sense of unity it inspired. Attendees left motivated, connected and ready to continue building the Indigenous business ecosystem in Central Queensland.
"Creating opportunities for our people and communities isn't just about employment, it's about empowerment, pride, and connection to Country. When industry and community come together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive economy that honours Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and entrepreneurship," Ms Thorn said.
KAEFER's senior leadership team has long recognised that genuine reconciliation must be embedded at every level of the organisation. Through its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, the company ensures cultural learning, Indigenous engagement and employment outcomes are not just aspirations but operational realities. Cultural awareness training, procurement practices and leadership accountability are all aligned with the company's goal of creating inclusive workplaces and supply chains that reflect Australia's diversity.
In the Gladstone region, KAEFER's ongoing collaborations with Traditional Owner groups and Indigenous suppliers are helping to strengthen local capacity and foster self-determination.
"The legacy we aspire to leave is one of opportunity, empowerment and respect," Ms Thorn said. "We want Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to see lasting benefits from our presence in their communities, where cultural heritage and business success thrive side by side."
As Indigenous Business Month 2025 draws to a close today, the Gladstone gathering stood as a testament to what can be achieved when vision, respect and collaboration intersect. It was not simply a networking event; it was a moment of shared purpose and pride. For Kylie Thorn and the team at KAEFER, it reaffirmed the belief that reconciliation is not a single act, but an ongoing journey.
"Collaboration isn't a one-off event; it's a lifelong commitment to walking beside each other, creating space for Indigenous voices, and ensuring that every partnership leaves a positive legacy," she said.
Through events like this, KAEFER continues to lead by example, showing that when industry stands shoulder to shoulder with community, the result is not just good business, but a stronger, fairer and more connected Australia.
