Broome-based Aboriginal Economic Development not-for-profit organisation Morrgul has helped Indigenous entities across regional Western Australia, secure more than $31.3 million in contracts in the last year alone, creating an estimated 63 jobs for Aboriginal people and demonstrating the significant economic impact of locally based business support.

Meaning ‘working together’, Morrgul supports Aboriginal economic development through culturally grounded business support, mentoring and capacity-building.

Since 2013, Morrgul has worked alongside more than 2000 Aboriginal business owners, enterprises and corporations, helping them establish and grow their businesses, meet compliance requirements and pursue government and industry contracts.

Between September 2025 and August 2026, Morrgul supported 392 Indigenous entities. For every dollar Morrgul received under its service contract, $101.9 was returned to Aboriginal businesses through successful tenders.

More than 91 per cent of businesses supported by Morrgul are still trading after three years, highlighting the lasting value of tailored, culturally informed business support.

Morrgul’s impact has been recognised through two major industry awards this year. The organisation was awarded the Dr Dean Jarrett Award for Outstanding Impact, following its recognition as Registered Supplier of the Year at Supply Nation’s Supplier Diversity Awards in Boorloo (Perth) on 12 August 2026.

Morrgul also supported nine Indigenous businesses from regional Western Australia to showcase their products and services at the Indigenous Business Trade Show as part of Connect 2026.

The businesses represented a diverse range of industries, including machinery and civil works, art and design, employment and recruitment, asset maintenance and plumbing, and tourism.

For Morrgul, supporting Aboriginal businesses is about more than securing individual contracts, it is about strengthening local economies, creating employment opportunities and building the capacity of Aboriginal businesses to pursue sustainable growth.

The results demonstrate how targeted, locally based support can help Aboriginal businesses overcome barriers to procurement and translate business opportunities into tangible economic outcomes for communities across regional Western Australia.

Supply Nation CEO Kate Russell said: “Along with privately owned businesses, Aboriginal corporations and the not-for-profit sector are contributing significantly to Australia’s economy through business support and other initiatives such as financial education and facilitating access to capital.

“Additionally, Aboriginal corporations are active in ecological restoration, cultural burning, carbon farming, ranger programs and renewable energy projects, for instance, which have a direct impact on Australia’s GDP.

“Morrgul is a wonderful example of practical support delivered in regional and remote locations resulting in real change and real opportunities. They are improving lives and communities they work in, grounded on Country and connected to place.

“Local government and localised support can also play a pivotal role in creating positive economic and social impact through business and procurement. When local government and councils support Indigenous businesses, particularly in regional locations, jobs and benefits stay local.”

Morrgul CEO Patrick Le Lievre said: “The Morrgul team were extremely pleased to be able to attend Supply Nation’s Connect this year. We also took the opportunity to support businesses in exhibiting at the Trade Show. We had businesses from Albany to Kununurra and many places in between, so that gives you an idea of the vast distances we cover.

“We are actively seeking new partnerships to expand the suite of services we can provide as the demand is there for specific types of business support and have established a Perth office to assist outreach on behalf of our clients.

“While we are proud of our numbers, businesses assisted and tenders won, the real story is what we see every day – Aboriginal businesses showing resilience, growing stronger, and employing Aboriginal people within their own communities. The social and economic impact of this work extends far beyond the figures.

“This is what fills us with the greatest pride. Our work speaks for itself, and we are honoured to be part of making it happen.”