Beyond Patronage:
Celebrating Indigenous Business Month

As we celebrate Indigenous Business Month, it is essential to recognise the significant contributions and unique perspectives of First Nations people not only as business owners but also within the workforce that contributes to a business’s success. At Biodiversity Australia, we take immense pride in being an Indigenous-owned business, led by our Managing Director, Steve Noy, who passionately advocates for Indigenous employment and business opportunities.

“While Indigenous Business Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of Indigenous-owned enterprises, it is also an opportunity to reflect on our employees—the pillars of our success,” says Steve Noy.

“At Biodiversity Australia, we are committed to fostering a supportive environment where our team members, including those from First Nations backgrounds, can thrive. Our upskilling programs are designed to ensure that all our employees have access to the professional development they need to succeed.”

Biodiversity Australia is dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities for First Nations people, recognising their invaluable insights and traditional knowledge in managing Australia’s ecosystems. It is commonly believed that Australian Indigenous peoples were the world’s first ecologists, skilfully managing their environments for thousands of years. This profound understanding of land management, developed over generations, is a critical asset in today’s environmental landscape.

Our commitment to Indigenous employment goes beyond meeting quotas; we foster a genuine culture of inclusion and support, providing First Nations individuals with the same professional development and training as their non-Indigenous counterparts to help them thrive in the environmental management sector.

One shining example of our commitment is Vegetation Field Team Member Ruby, who is currently completing her Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management. This program not only upskills Ruby but also reinforces our dedication to fostering talent within Indigenous communities. By investing in our workforce, we aim to create a diverse team that reflects the unique perspectives necessary for effective environmental stewardship.

We also work closely with our clients to assist in establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) focused on Indigenous employment while supporting initiatives that foster meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities.

Equally important to reflect on this Indigenous Business Month, is the very concept of what it means to support Indigenous businesses.

“It’s not just about patronage,” explains Steve.

“When searching for a business to engage with, we encourage everyone to simply spend a little extra time to find the right one. There are numerous Indigenous-owned companies capable of delivering quality work and achieving exceptional outcomes, on par with or exceeding their non-Indigenous counterparts.”

“It’s also crucial to educate yourself on superficial Indigenous engagement practices to recognise inauthenticity in the market. By choosing to collaborate with Indigenous businesses, you not only support economic growth but also foster cultural understanding and community empowerment.”