2022 Indigenous in Business Finalists
The Ethnic Business Awards Foundation would like to congratulate all of the finalists of the 2022 Indigenous in Business Category.
Speaking in Colour - Cherie Johnson - Adamstown NSW
Cherie Johnson is a proud Gamilaroi and Weilwun woman who resides in Newcastle, NSW. During her time as a teacher, Cherie saw the need for Aboriginal education resources written by experienced aboriginal educators. Starting with Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regional art galleries Cherie wrote educational resources supporting the exhibitions and gallery staff. After the birth of her two children Cherie returned to teaching for a few years prior to establishing Speaking in Colour which was originally founded as a company providing National Education Standards Authority (NESA) endorsed training for educators and providing cultural experiences in school. However, it has grown considerably to now offer professional development and support in the corporate, business and government sectors. Run by a passionate and dynamic team, the entrepreneurial spirt of Speaking in Colour continues to thrive and be a blessing to many in the community.
Blackrock Industries Pty Ltd - Steven Fordham - Muswellbrook NSW
Being 25 years old, dyslexic and having a minimal understanding of how to run a business was always going to make it difficult to start a new venture. However, Steven Fordham was no stranger to adversity and hard work. Armed with a small tipper, $20,000 dollars and a dream, he and Glen Finnan started Blackrock Industries with the intention of creating a sustainable business while also making a difference to the community around them. With 4 employees in 2016, Blackrock Industries today employs over 100 people offering services across multiple industries, including earthworks, construction, mining services, community-based programs, retail, equipment hire, labour hire, prison programs as well as government and corporate consulting services. Eager to engage in new industries such as renewable energy and an expansion into overseas markets, Blackrock Industries is certainly making a big difference in the community at large.
Eather Group - Peter Eather - Llandilo NSW
Filled with an entrepreneurial spirit, Peter Eather sensed from a young age that he could do bigger and better. It was Peter’s dad, Albert “Hoss” Eather, that guided him into construction. Scoring a job with the same employer as his father, he learned the ‘old way’ of doing business - building relationships, earning respect, and never compromising on integrity. It prepared him well for that fateful day in 2010, when, supported by his wife, Peter quit his job and registered his business with nothing but a $10,000 credit card and years’ worth of ideas. Starting with one 1994 Mack truck and a contract to handle excavated quarry materials, Eather Group’s (EG) services today extend through transport, bulk material supply and handling, plant hire, landscaping, and waste management. The focus though, is to innovate effective ways to save and repurpose project “waste”. Growing from just 3 employees in 2010 to 25 in 2022, Eather is a remarkable success story that showcases the ‘Aussie battler’ and continues to build a legacy for family and community.
Mallard Contracting Pty Ltd - Robby Mallard - Osborne Park WA
Robby Mallard developed his business operations from very humble beginnings as an apprentice plumber in rural Carnarvon to now running four successful businesses with offices in Perth, Carnarvon, Newman and Karratha in Western Australia. Mallard Contracting which he founded in 2011 provides turnkey solutions in all areas of construction and maintenance across multiple industries, including mining and resources as well as civil and residential construction forms and demolition works. Mallard Contracting today employs over 60 people, is currently placed in the Top 20 Aboriginal businesses in WA and although he has attained numerous accolades and awards, Robby Mallard chooses to measure his success in a more unique way. Robby claims that ‘we will be judged not by how much money we make but by how many lives we change for the better’.
