CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE
2024 EBA FINALISTS
Indigenous in Business Category
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Baidam Pty Ltd – Jack Reis
Baidam is a 100% Australian-owned cybersecurity business. Jack Reis co-founded the company in 2018 with Phillip (Pip) Jenkinson, their mission being not only to serve customers but also to bridge the digital divide for Indigenous and First Nations communities. They established Baidam to provide employment pathways in the IT sector for Indigenous Australians, addressing issues like intergenerational wealth and economic independence.
Their company now has offices across Australia and employs over 70 people, dedicating a portion of its profits to creating opportunities for Indigenous people in cybersecurity.
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Koori Curriculum – Jessica Staines
The Koori Curriculum, founded by early childhood teacher Jessica Staines, is an Aboriginal early childhood consultancy that offers professional development, resources, and workshops to help educators include Aboriginal perspectives in early childhood curriculums and improve their confidence in teaching First Nations culture and history. The consultancy focuses on breaking down systemic racial inequality through education, aiming to raise a generation of Australians who celebrate Aboriginal culture, while encouraging educators to share their knowledge widely.
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Djurwa Recycling and Waste Management – Nathan Martin
Djurwa is a majority Aboriginal-owned recycling and waste management company with a "Profit for Purpose" model. They provide top-tier waste management services to leading construction firms while using their profits to support economic participation and empowerment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, especially those transitioning from the correctional system. Their vision is to rejuvenate lives, communities, and Country. Operating across New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, Djurwa aims to create opportunities through education, capacity-building, and employment for underrepresented groups.
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Waminda – Sue Cutmore
Waminda is an Aboriginal women-led, community-controlled health organization dedicated to empowering Aboriginal women and their families to lead self-determined futures. It provides culturally safe and holistic health and well-being services, focusing on tailored, strength-based care. Founded in 1990 in response to the lack of health services for Aboriginal women, its mission includes addressing colonial oppression, advocating for equitable health outcomes, and creating safe cultural spaces for Aboriginal women and families to thrive.
The Henry Ngai Medium to Large Business Category
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Vitex Pharmaceuticals – Elie Chami
Vitex International Services, founded by Elie Chami in 1989, began as an exporter of Australian complementary medicines to the Middle East. Over 35 years, the company expanded into African markets and transitioned into manufacturing, becoming Australia's largest supplier of complementary medicines in these regions. Vitex vertically integrated its supply chain to improve efficiency and reduce costs, and by 2017, it opened the country's largest advanced manufacturing facility for tablets and softgel capsules.
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Ace Quality Produce – Indra Angkola Ang
Founded in 2016 by Indra Angkola, ACE Quality Produce began with a mission to deliver the highest quality Australian fruits to international markets. Leveraging strong relationships with local growers and a deep understanding of market needs, they quickly became a leading exporter, capturing over 50% of the Indonesian market for grapes, citrus, and stone fruits by 2019. Today, ACE Quality Products are expanding into farming to ensure a consistent supply of fresh produce and to meet the growing demands of their global clients.
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Alba Cheese Manufacturing – Mario & Gaetano Bongiorno
Bringing with them to Australia their father’s cherished Italian cheese-making recipes, Alba Cheese was founded by Mario and Gaetano Bongiorno in the 1960s recognising a market demand for authentic Italian cheese-making techniques in Australia. With a focus on quality and traditional methods, Alba Cheese has become a renowned name in both local and international markets. Now, with over 18 years of export experience, Alba Cheese delivers premium products to over 20 countries, reflecting the high demand for Australian dairy excellence.
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ATS Building Products – Haytham Moshi
After arriving in Australia during the Iraq war, Haytham Moshi founded ATS Building Products with just a $12,000 investment in 2003. The business has grown into one of Australia's leading suppliers of timber and building materials. Their approach of directly sourcing from global manufacturers allows them to deliver high-quality products to customers while eliminating traditional supply chain costs while also enabling their business to expand in operations to five major distribution centres across Australia in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide.
Small Business Category
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My Physio My Health – Sailendra Kundrapu
Founded in 2007 by Sailendra Kundrapu, My Physio My Health started with a focus on providing quality clinical care and effective management. After a challenging legal battle in 2016, the business was rebranded in 2019 and has since expanded to 12 locations across Adelaide. Over the years, the business has grown to a team of 70, offering new job opportunities and training for new graduates and immigrants. Today, My Physio My Health continues to excel in delivering top-notch care and supporting professional development.
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Oscar Security Group – Sam Rahif
Oscar Security Group was founded by Sam Rahif, an immigrant from Iraq with a vision to redefine security services in Sydney by focusing on professionalism, reliability, and personalized service. Initially starting as a subcontractor, the company transitioned to providing direct security services, allowing for better control over service quality and client relationships. This shift enabled Oscar Security Group to offer customized solutions, rapidly expanding its clientele to over 30 major hospitality and corporate clients across Australia.
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Physiometrics – Ignacio Ferrer Amat
Founded in 2019 by Ignacio Ferrer, Physiometrics is a physiotherapy clinic focused on care, diversity, and affordability. Despite initial challenges in Australia, Ignacio built the clinic, which has since served over 5,700 clients and received referrals from around 50 doctors. Physiometrics now offers expanded services, including hydrotherapy, dry needling, and chronic pain management, along with scar and trauma care. The clinic's growth reflects Ignacio's dedication to the local community and his profession.
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DKM – Dorry Kordahi
DKM, founded by Dorry, exemplifies visionary entrepreneurship and strategic growth. Starting from a garage, its flagship brand Dkm blue is now a leader in promotional marketing and corporate uniforms with a Shanghai hub established over 23 years ago. In 2019, Dorry acquired a major stake in Swanky Socks, growing it from a $40,000 turnover to a major global player with offices in Sydney and London, donating over 100,000 pairs to those in need. In 2024, DKM launched ZipSip, a globally patented sports bottle with a built-in storage compartment. DKM’s brands serve top global clients while making a positive impact.