Supply Nation has announced the winners of its annual Supplier Diversity Awards, recognising the organisations and individuals making an outstanding contribution to strengthening Australia’s Indigenous business sector.
The annual Supplier Diversity Awards recognise businesses, government agencies, not-for-profit organisations and individuals who are making a significant contribution to supplier diversity and helping build a vibrant Indigenous economy.
The winners were announced at the Connect Gala Awards dinner on 12 August at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, on the lands of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. Connect is Australia’s largest and longest-running Indigenous business event and was held in Boorloo (Perth) for the first time in its current format.
The prestigious Dr Dean Jarrett Award recognising Outstanding Impact was presented to Morrgul, a Broomebased not-for-profit organisation dedicated to creating lasting economic empowerment through business development and procurement opportunities.
Fully Aboriginal-owned and operated, Morrgul supports Indigenous businesses across regional and remote Western Australia at every stage of growth. Its tailored services include mentoring, business establishment, capability building, compliance support, and helping businesses secure government and industry contracts.
Between September 2024 and August 2025, Morrgul supported 328 Indigenous businesses. Through one of its project funding streams alone, the organisation helped Aboriginal businesses secure more than $39.3 million in contracts, creating an estimated 118 jobs for Aboriginal people.
Corporate Member of the Year 2026 was awarded to Sodexo, a food service, hospitality and facilities management business with a focus on servicing the energy and resources sectors.
Government Member of the Year 2026 was awarded to Main Roads Western Australia and the Transport Portfolio Aboriginal Engagement branch.
The Indigenous Businesswoman of the Year 2026 is Jasmine Kadic, Founder and Managing Director of Benang, a multi-disciplinary infrastructure and mechanical services company.
This year’s Connect theme, ‘Journey’, celebrated progress, growth and resilience. It acknowledged the enduring traditions of trade and entrepreneurship that have sustained Indigenous economies for generations while recognising the legacy being built for future generations.
More than 230 verified Indigenous businesses exhibited at the Indigenous Business Tradeshow, representing sectors including consumer products, digital services, construction, project management, geospatial mapping and environmental services. Almost 2,000 attendees visited the Tradeshow to connect with suppliers and explore procurement opportunities.
The Connect Knowledge Forum attracted more than 600 participants from business, industry, government and academia. Through panel discussions and practical workshops, attendees explored the opportunities and challenges facing the Indigenous business sector while gaining insights to strengthen business capability and success.
Supply Nation is Australia’s leading supplier diversity organisation. As a not-for-profit, it works to grow the Indigenous business sector by connecting verified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses with procurement opportunities across corporate, government and not-for-profit organisations.
Supply Nation CEO Kate Russell said: “Indigenous businesses remain resilient, optimistic, and committed to their values, and this is driving growth and success. The Supplier Diversity Awards honour organisations and individuals that are making a positive difference to prosperity and their communities, and that is something worth celebrating.
“Procurement of quality products and services from our Indigenous businesses remains a foundation stone of business growth but Connect is much more than contracts. It’s about knowledge sharing, building relationships and trust through personal connections and taking time to reflect on the achievements that are supporting economic empowerment, greater self-determination and improvements in the livelihoods of Indigenous peoples right across Australia.
“We have received wonderful support for Connect 2026 and our Supplier Diversity Awards from businesses and partners in Western Australia. It’s been exciting to see the passion on show in Boorloo. Congratulations to this year’s winners and all finalists,” said Ms Russell.
Supply Nation acknowledges major sponsors for Connect 2026:
- Commonwealth Bank of Australia – Gala Awards Dinner (Platinum Sponsor)
- BHP – Gala Awards Dinner (Gold Sponsor)
- Qantas – Gala Awards Dinner (Gold Sponsor / Official Airline Partner)
- Woolworths Group – Indigenous Business Tradeshow (Platinum Sponsor)
- Baidam – Indigenous Business Tradeshow (Gold Sponsor)
- Kirra Services – Indigenous Business Tradeshow (Gold Sponsor)
- Business Events Perth – Destination Partner
- City of Perth – Event Partner
- SBS/NITV – Media Partner.
2026 Supplier Diversity Awards winners
Award category and sponsor Winners
Certified Supplier of the Year Gunggandji Aerospace
Telstra
Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year Mark Kucks – Hutchinson Builders
Supply Nation
Corporate Member of the Year Sodexo Australia
Rio Tinto
Indigenous Businesswoman of the Year Jasmine Kadic – Benang
Westpac
Registered Supplier of the Year Morrgul
bp
Procurement Professional of the Year Sharleen Airs – BHP
Killara Services
Government Member of the Year Main Roads Western Australia and the Transport
Yurra Portfolio Aboriginal Engagement branch
Sam Tjengala Reuben Award recognising Young Entrepreneur of the Year Samuel Coote – SIERA Logistics
EY
Indigenous Exporter of the Year Kakadu Organics
Export Finance Australia
Supplier Diversity Partnership of the Year Kardan Construction and Department of Housing and Works
ANZ
Dr Dean Jarrett Award recognising Outstanding Impact Morrgul
Coles Group
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