2026 Indigenous in Business Finalists
The Ethnic Business Awards Foundation would like to congratulate all of the finalists of the 2026 Indigenous in Business Category.
Djinda Produce - Phil Matera – Perth, WA
Phil, an Aboriginal entrepreneur and founder of Djinda Produce, has spent the past decade transforming an identified gap in Australia’s fresh produce sector into a distinctive Indigenous enterprise of national significance. Named after the Noongar word for “star,” Djinda Produce has grown into Australia’s only 100% Aboriginal-owned fresh produce supplier, servicing more than 350 sites across Western Australia.
Under Phil’s leadership, the business has developed a fully integrated supply chain spanning sourcing, processing, packaging, quarantine inspection and delivery. Yet Phil’s contribution extends beyond commercial achievement; through disciplined governance, operational excellence and a commitment to Aboriginal representation, he is demonstrating the enduring commercial potential of Aboriginal enterprise and creating a visible pathway for the next generation.
Kooya – Sharna Collard – Osborne Park, WA
Sharna, a Ballardong/Whadjuk woman, is the CEO and co-founder of Kooya, Australia's largest Aboriginal-owned provider of Fleet Leasing, Vehicle Rental and Salary Packaging. Founded in 2015 alongside her father, Kim Collard, Kooya has grown from a small Western Australian business into a nationally recognised organisation serving major clients across government, resources, corporate and not-for-profit sectors.
Under Sharna's leadership, Kooya has built a reputation for exceptional customer service and meaningful social impact. She believes business can be a powerful vehicle for change, combining commercial success with Aboriginal economic participation and supplier diversity. Beyond business, Sharna is deeply committed to community development, reinvesting more than $2 million into Aboriginal communities. Her leadership continues to create opportunities for future generations while demonstrating the strength, capability, and potential of Aboriginal enterprise in Australia.
Elephant in the Toom Consulting – Jenni Walke - Carindale, QLD
Jenni, a Bundjalung woman and founder of Elephant in the Room Consulting (EITRC), is a leader in transforming how organisations engage with First Nations people and businesses. With over 25 years’ experience across Defence, government and the private sector, Jenni leads a 100% Indigenous-owned, female-led consultancy that has supported 350+ clients and 100+ Indigenous businesses, helping secure over $10 million in contracts and grants while advancing cultural capability, reconciliation and supplier diversity.
Her impact has earned national recognition, including the 2026 Women Changing the World Award for First Nations Leadership, three Gold ROAR Awards, four Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and Queensland Premier’s First Nations Exporter of the Year Award. Through her work, Jenni continues to create lasting opportunities and positive outcomes for First Nations communities across Australia.
Blackrock Industries - Steven Fordham - Muswellbrook, NSW
Steven is a Kamilaroi man and founder of Blackrock Industries, established in 2016 with $20,000 and an old tipper truck. From one employee, Steven has grown the business to 46 employees, delivering workforce, civil construction, equipment hire and industrial services across mining, infrastructure and renewable energy.
Blackrock’s integrated model combines commercial excellence with genuine social impact, creating careers through Indigenous employment, second-chance pathways and community investment. Through its workforce and recruitment operations, the business provides integrated solutions to major contractors, government and private industry across Australia.
Recognised through awards including CEO Magazine CEO of the Year 2025 and Supply Nation Young Entrepreneur 2023, Steven continues to demonstrate how Indigenous business can create lasting economic and community impact.
