Nicole Appleton- NLA Trucking
Founder and Director of NLA Trucking, Nicole Appleton — a Ngarrindjeri woman — leads Victoria’s only 100% Aboriginal female‑owned transport and plant hire company. She has built a high‑performing operation supporting major infrastructure projects and creating pathways for Aboriginal people, women and disadvantaged individuals — a legacy that positioned her as the Winner of the 36th Annual Indigenous in Business Category.
Q: How did NLA Trucking begin?
A: NLA Trucking began with one truck and a single goal — to earn a living. There was no long‑term plan at the outset, but once Nicole entered the industry, she quickly recognised how many others faced the same barriers she had, particularly Aboriginal people and women. The business soon evolved beyond personal necessity, becoming a platform for opening doors and creating opportunities for those historically excluded from the sector.
Q: What challenges did Nicole face building the business?
A: As a young Aboriginal woman in a male-dominated industry, Nicole was constantly doubted. Banks refused to finance her first truck, clients questioned her capability, and she was even asked to send a video proving she could drive a truck. She was told she wouldn’t last — especially if she became a mother. Instead of giving up, she did everything herself: driving, bookings, admin, chasing payments, and delivering job after job until trust was earned.
Q: What makes NLA Trucking different?
A: NLA Trucking pairs operational excellence with genuine social impact. It’s not just about moving freight — it’s about changing lives. The business actively employs Aboriginal people, women, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, while helping clients achieve meaningful social procurement outcomes. Today, around 30% of the workforce identifies as Aboriginal and 30% are women.
Q: How has the business grown over time?
A: From a single truck, NLA Trucking has grown to operating more than 100 company trucks daily and managing a subcontractor network of over 500 small businesses, many of them owner‑drivers. The company now delivers on major government and Tier 1 infrastructure projects across Victoria and beyond, earning a strong reputation for reliability, professionalism and integrity. This growth reflects their commitment to supporting local industry and delivering high‑quality service at scale.
Q: Tell us more about the Path to Business Ownership program
A: NLA Trucking’s in-house Pilot Program offers Aboriginal participants a 12‑month pathway that combines paid employment, practical training, and dedicated business mentoring. The program is designed to support participants in becoming self‑employed owner‑drivers — building not just careers, but long-term economic independence, genuine business ownership, and opportunities that can create lasting generational change.
Q: What’s next for NLA Trucking?
A: NLA Trucking’s future is defined by growth with purpose, backed by a clear plan to expand its owned fleet, establish a second depot in Melbourne’s south‑east, and double turnover within the next five years. A key pillar of this strategy is scaling the Path to Business Ownership program so more Aboriginal participants can transition into sustainable self‑employment and long‑term economic independence. The long‑term vision is to become Australia’s leading Indigenous‑owned transport and plant hire company — recognised for commercial strength, operational excellence, and the meaningful community impact created along the way.
