Gida Jilanda, (Jaru for ‘’Good Day’’)

Empowering Indigenous Women in Business: A Call for Support in the Kimberley Region.

The Kimberley region of Western Australia is home to a rich and diverse Indigenous culture, with Aboriginal people making up nearly 50% of the population. Yet, despite this significant presence, Indigenous businesses in our region, account for approximately only 10% of the total business sector. This gap represents an untapped opportunity for economic growth, innovation, and community empowerment. It is time for locally based Indigenous organisations, Government agencies, and other NFPs to rethink their approach and prioritise support for Indigenous business owners—particularly women—who are driving change on the ground.

Too often, business opportunities in the Kimberley are awarded to fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) companies that do not have a long-term stake in the region. These businesses take contracts, generate revenue, and leave—without reinvesting in local communities or creating lasting economic benefits. The result? Wealth that should be contributing to the sustainability of our region is siphoned away, leaving local businesses overlooked and struggling to gain traction. By now, it seems it would be obvious to identify and engage locally based businesses, if they have the capability and capacity to deliver. This is especially true for businesses that are owned and operated by traditional owners of our region.

Supporting local businesses is not just about fairness—it’s about strengthening the Kimberley economy in a way that benefits everyone. Indigenous businesses bring unparalleled cultural knowledge, local expertise, and a deep commitment to the region’s long-term prosperity. By prioritising locally owned and operated businesses based on their merit, organisations can play a key role in fostering inclusive economic development because our reinvestment back into community is significant.

Indigenous women in business face unique challenges, but we also represent an incredible source of resilience, leadership, and economic potential. We are an untapped resource. By providing mentorship, investment, and contract opportunities, organisations can help Indigenous women overcome barriers and build sustainable enterprises. This, in turn, creates jobs, supports families, and strengthens entire communities. The Kimberley is a microcosm of the challenges being experienced throughout Australia, so we urge people wherever they are, to engage authentic Indigenous led businesses, which contribute to creating positive change.

We encourage both Indigenous and mainstream organisations, including Government agencies in the Kimberley, to rethink their procurement strategies and ensure that local Indigenous businesses—male and female owned—are given a fair chance. Before outsourcing contracts to external contractors and firms, consider the talented, hardworking, and committed local business owners who are already on the ground, ready to be activated and who are heavily invested in their communities. By taking this first step, we lay the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive economy—one that truly reflects the people, culture, and future of the Kimberley region.

Economic development in the Kimberley should not be an extractive process; it should be a collaborative one. Investing locally is an investment into the region’s future. Let’s seize this opportunity to grow together, ensuring that Indigenous women (and men) who own businesses, are included in shaping the prosperity of our home and future.

We sincerely thank those that have been our champions and supporters in this space. It is through your support that some of us have been part of the positive growth that is occurring within the Indigenous business sector. Your support has ensured our sustainability and our self-empowerment through self-employment. To learn more about female led businesses in the Kimberley, connect with the Maganda Makers Business Club.
Let the leaders and visionaries nationwide, continue to build on this important work together and commit to prioritising the use of Indigenous enterprise, connect with our business networks, explore partnership opportunities, and be part of the change that will lead to a thriving, locally driven economy, and transformed communities.

Natasha Short
Managing Director