Kinaway Awards Oct 2025: Aboriginal Businesses recognition for outstanding achievements.

On Friday October 10, I had the privilege of attending the 2025 Kinaway Victorian Aboriginal Business Awards at Marvel Stadium, an event that continues to represent one of the most important gatherings of Aboriginal business, leadership and enterprise in Victoria.

Being present in that space was intentional. The Kinaway Awards are not simply a celebration of commercial success - they are a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience and future vision of Aboriginal-led businesses and the ecosystems that surround them. The room was filled with entrepreneurs, cultural leaders, government representatives and industry partners who genuinely understand that economic empowerment and self-determination go hand in hand.

I had conversations with many existing and up and coming businesses from start ups to fully commercialised businesses already doing deals International with Austrade, Invest in Victoria and other key stakeholders

"The event, presented by Kinaway Chamber of Commerce, continues to hold an important place in Victoria’s business calendar. It is more than an awards night; it is a platform where leadership, cultural strength and commercial excellence intersect. "

"Across the stadium floor, the atmosphere reflected a powerful blend of celebration, recognition and strategic connection, showcasing the depth, innovation and economic contribution of Aboriginal-owned businesses operating at every scale."

Attendance at this year’s awards reaffirmed the importance of traditional owners and owner groups being fully present in spaces where meaningful partnerships are redesigned and reimagined, Conversations can be deepened and long-term alignment is possible to be built.

From emerging start-ups, small-to-medium enterprises growing and established organisations doing what they do best.

I found that the room represented a similar collective to Maori peoples commitment to self-determination, sustainable growth and community-led progress, without limitations.

Hallway conversations with the board members of key organisations such as BARPA and ICON constructions, people like Paul Paton and Rod Jackson signals ongoing support for the Aboriginal business sector - not as symbolism, but as an active and sustained relationship with a growing economic force.

For me, as a first timer at the awards, it highlighted potential for additional collaborations across construction, energy, professional services, tourism, design and innovation, reinforcing the role of allyship as a strategic and ethical business imperative.

While the focus of the night rightly remained on the award recipients, and the amazing hosts and speakers such as Alex Kerr (Wurundjeri) who spoke at the Shane Warne Tribute night at the MCG, the broader value of the event lays in the engagement, listening and relationship-building, allowing space to understand where the next generation of impact will emerge and how industry partners can play a respectful, consistent role in supporting that journey. Especially the chamber of commerce, their executive teams and their ongoing commitment to this space

The Kinaway Awards continue to stand as a benchmark for inclusive economic leadership in Victoria - and being present in the room matters.

We look forward to future awards ceremonies as we work towards further self-determination and a commitment to betterment of small and medium to large enterprises.

Catch you at the next one!