Indigenous Business Month Celebration
When
-
Friday, 16 October 2026 | 05:00 PM
- 09:00 PM
Frenchville Sports Club
Advance Rockhampton’s Indigenous Business Month Celebration recognises and celebrates the strength, innovation and contributions of Indigenous business across the Rockhampton Region.
Delivered in partnership with the Queensland Indigenous Business Network (QIBN), this annual event features inspiring stories from speakers representing the Darumbal, Gaangalu and Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala peoples.
Hear firsthand how business leaders are driving change, creating opportunities and celebrating culture and community, while reflecting on the diverse achievements of Indigenous business.
To ensure maximum benefit, participation is by expression of interest at this time.
Submit an EOI to attend
Event Artwork created by Lelarnie Hatfield
This artwork design features a central circle surrounded by people, symbolising the strength and unity of our community. At the heart of the circle is a fire, with hands reaching out, representing the collaborative spirit of our mob as we work together for the benefit of all.
The blue water and home symbols depict the journeys of people across Central Queensland, highlighting how local businesses contribute positively to community growth. These waters represent and acknowledge the life that flows through Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala (BKY) Country, continuing through Gaangalu Country and down to Tunuba on Darumbal Nunthi (country). This journey reflects the deep connection between traditional homelands and community, showing how the contributions of each nation flow together, supporting unity and shared prosperity.
This collective effort leads to the vibrant green leaves, which bear fruit, signifying the rewards of our hard work and collaboration.
The two mountains within the design represent significant landscapes from the Gaangalu and Darumbal nations. Their presence acknowledges that we stand between them today, honouring place, as we come together to celebrate this Indigenous Business Month event.
Surrounding the artwork, the yellow crosshatching signifies our deep connection to Country, reflecting the shared history of the Rockhampton Regional Council, Advance Rockhampton, and both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Together, we nurture our country, encourage growth, and support one another through business and community care.
Award Nominations
Know an Indigenous business or organisation exhibiting excellence or going above and beyond in our community? Nominate a local Indigenous-led business or organisation for recognition in our annual awards.
Make a nomination
Can't make a nomination online or need assistance? You can download a printable form and email it to advancerockhampton@rrc.qld.gov.au once complete. If you require additional assistance, please call the Advance Rockhampton Industry Engagement Team on 07 4936 8282.
What you need to know
- Nominations close midday 25th September
- Self-nominations will be accepted, however nominations provided with a reference or letter of support will be scored higher
- Nominated businesses must operate within the Rockhampton LGA on Darumbal, Gaangalu or Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala Country
- Nominated individuals must operate within the Rockhampton LGA on Darumbal, Gaangalu or Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala Country or be of Darumbal, Gaangalu or Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala Country operating within the broader Central Queensland area (Rockhampton, Livingstone, Central Highlands, Woorabinda, Gladstone, Banana)
- One nomination will be permitted per person
For more information, please review our Terms and Conditions(PDF, 43KB).
Categories and Selection Criteria
Cultural Community Impact Award
Overview
Recognises an Indigenous business making a significant positive impact on their community through cultural leadership, social initiatives, or community empowerment.
Criteria
- Demonstrates strong cultural values and practices in business operations OR
- Has delivered measurable benefits to Indigenous communities (e.g. employment, education, health, cultural preservation) OR
- Shows leadership in community engagement and empowerment OR
- Promotes intergenerational knowledge sharing or cultural continuity OR
- Evidence of sustained impact or long-term commitment to community wellbeing.
Make a nomination
Integration Collaboration Award
Overview
Celebrates partnerships that foster meaningful collaboration between Indigenous businesses and other sectors, organisations, or communities.
Criteria
- Demonstrates successful collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous entities OR
- Promotes mutual respect, shared decision-making, and cultural understanding OR
- Leads to tangible outcomes such as joint ventures, co-designed projects, or inclusive procurement OR
- Builds capacity within Indigenous businesses or communities OR
- Sets a precedent or model for future partnerships
Make a nomination
Rising Star Award
Overview
Recognises an emerging Indigenous entrepreneur or business showing exceptional promise, innovation, and leadership in their early stages.
Criteria
- Business is in early growth phase (e.g. within first 5 years of operation) OR
- Demonstrates innovation, creativity, or unique value proposition OR
- Shows strong potential for scalability or long-term success OR
- Actively engages with community or cultural values OR
- Has achieved notable milestones or recognition in a short time.
Make a nomination
Empowering Communities Award
Overview
Recognises an Indigenous owned, governed or community led organisation, group or initiative that demonstrates Indigenous self determination in action by strengthening social, cultural and economic wellbeing. The award celebrates initiatives that uphold the rights of Indigenous peoples to determine their own futures, create sustainable economic opportunity, and build strong, resilient communities through culturally grounded leadership and partnerships.
Criteria
- Supports Indigenous self determination by enabling Indigenous led decision making, control and outcomes AND/OR
- Delivers meaningful benefits for Indigenous communities, including economic participation, employment, skills and enterprise growth AND/OR
- Strengthens Indigenous economic sovereignty through support for Indigenous owned and community-controlled businesses and initiatives AND/OR
- Builds respectful, equitable partnerships guided by Indigenous leadership, shared decision making and accountability.
Make a nomination
Shared Prosperity Award
Overview
Recognises a business or individual who has demonstrated a genuine, sustained and principled commitment to advancing Indigenous self determination and economic prosperity by supporting Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurship. The award celebrates leadership that contributes to shared prosperity, recognising that respectful partnerships, ethical practices and Indigenous led decision making are critical to long term economic outcomes.
Criteria
- Supports Indigenous owned and community controlled businesses through respectful, Indigenous led relationships AND/OR
- Demonstrates culturally safe, ethical engagement based on trust, accountability and Indigenous rights AND/OR
- Delivers tangible Indigenous economic outcomes, including business growth, employment and sustainability AND/OR
- Shows leadership and advocacy for Indigenous economic inclusion and self determination AND/OR
- Builds long term, equitable partnerships that enable enduring Indigenous led economic opportunity.
Make a nomination
Business Directory
Indigenous-led businesses operating within the Rockhampton LGA on Darumbal, Gaangalu or Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala Country are invited to submit their details for inclusion in Advance Rockhampton's online First Nations Business Register and a printed directory booklet to be distributed during Indigenous Business Month.
Submissions should include:
- Business name
- Logo
- A website or social media link
- Brief description (maximum 50 words) outlining your business and the services you offer.
Submissions should be made by Thursday 1st October to be considered for inclusion.
Add your business to the register
Display Your Art
Are you an Indigenous artist based in, or originating from, the Rockhampton LGA on Darumbal, Gaangalu or Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala Country?
We welcome both visual (eg - paintings, drawings, prints, illustrations, photography) and applied (eg - pottery, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, glassware) artists wishing to display their work at the Indigenous Business Month event.
Please contact us by Thursday 1st October should you wish to display art, and an Advance Rockhampton representative will be in touch to discuss logistics.
Submit an art display EOI
Event Sponsors
The Darumbal People Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (DPAC) is the Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) representing the Darumbal People and is responsible for protecting, managing, and advancing the rights, interests, culture, and aspirations of the Darumbal People across Darumbal Country.
DPAC delivers a diverse range of cultural, environmental, heritage, community, and advisory services through the integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge, cultural governance, and contemporary best practice. Working alongside Traditional Owners, government agencies, local government, industry, educational institutions, researchers, and community organisations, DPAC provides practical, culturally informed solutions that protect Country while creating sustainable economic and social outcomes for future generations.
Our work is founded on Darumbal cultural values and the enduring responsibility to care for Country, protect cultural heritage, strengthen community, and preserve Traditional Knowledge.
Central Queensland Indigenous Development (CQID) is one of Queensland’s leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, dedicated to empowering Indigenous individuals, families, and communities.
Culture is at the heart of everything we do - our work, our people, and the communities we support and walk alongside. For more than 20 years, CQID delivers impact-making programs across regional Queensland, supporting over 10,000 families, advocating for and influencing systemic reform, and driving lasting change for our Mob.
With a service footprint spanning an area the size of Victoria, CQID continues to lead through cultural strength, deep community connections, and an unwavering people-first approach. Employing more than 260 staff, with over 85% identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, our work is grounded in respect, guided by community needs, and committed to creating lasting social and community wellbeing.
The First Nations Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chamber) is owned and operated by the Byellee peoples, the Traditional Owners from the Gladstone Region. Established in 2022, the Chamber focuses on improving local outcomes resulting from economic development opportunities in this resource rich region. With Gladstone and the Central Queensland Regions hosting many large national and international companies, the scale of opportunities is immense, yet the value of sustained local participation remains unrealised. So, the Chamber works tirelessly to advocate for the benefits of applying place-based procurement solutions with targeted investment in local participation.
The Chamber supports industry, government, community groups, Traditional Owners and First Nations businesses with coaching and mentoring, accreditation, tailored supply chain mapping and supplier readiness and maintenance. We connect First Nations businesses with seasoned experts and industry and government with First Nations suppliers. By working alongside industry and government from the outset, we help create strong relationships to deliver real, lasting economic outcomes.
Stanwell is Queensland’s leading provider of electricity and energy solutions to the National Electricity Market, and large energy users along the eastern seaboard of Australia.
With over 40 years of continuous operations, Stanwell maintains a reliable supply of power from two of the most efficient and reliable coal-fired power stations in Australia – the Tarong power stations near Kingaroy and Stanwell Power Station near Rockhampton.
Stanwell’s experience in working with communities to build, operate and maintain reliable energy generation assets is also being applied to the shift to renewable energy, as we work on a pipeline of renewable energy and storage projects throughout Queensland.
We also acknowledge the support of Local Jobs Fitzroy in delivering this event.
Location
Frenchville Sports Club, Clifton Street, North Rockhampton, 4701, View Map
-23.3572135,150.5294378
Clifton Street ,
North Rockhampton 4701
Frenchville Sports Club
Clifton Street ,
North Rockhampton 4701
Indigenous Business Month Celebration