The Victorian Aboriginal Business Awards is a yearly event celebrating the outstanding achievements of Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. These awards recognise the hard work, resilience, and dedication that Victorian First Nations businesses have to the self-determination of our people. Created by Kinaway Chamber of Commerce, the awards aim to inspire, reinforce pride, and share the stories of First Nations business owners. Corporate Allied Businesses that work alongside Mob to create meaningful opportunities are also honoured for their support and commitment.
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating excellence, innovation, and leadership in Aboriginal business across Victoria. Hosted by Kinaway Chamber of Commerce, the Victorian Aboriginal Business Awards Gala is the premier event recognising the outstanding achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and entrepreneurs. The night will feature:
A formal gala dinner
Announcement of the 2025 Award Winners
Live entertainment and cultural performances
A celebration of Aboriginal business success stories
Networking with industry leaders, corporate partners, and community
Whether you’re a business owner, community supporter, partner or ally—this event is a moment to honour the strength, creativity, and impact of our Aboriginal business sector.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Early bird tickets are now available and close on Sunday 24 August 2025. Limited seats available.
Dress code - Black tie
Tickets include - 3-course dinner, drinks, entertainment, and more!
Kinaway Member ticket cost - $210.00 a ticket
Kinaway Member table of 10 - $2000
Non Member ticket cost - $310.00 a ticket
Non Kinaway Member table of 10 - $3000
Be part of this powerful celebration of Blak excellence in business.
ABOUT THIS YEARS LOGO
The choice of blue and orange for this logo reflects the core values and vibrant spirit of the Kinaway community.
Blue symbolises strength and cultural continuity, emphasising the enduring resilience and rich heritage of Aboriginal peoples. It represents a steadfast connection to history, tradition, and the collective identity that has sustained communities through generations. The use of blue also conveys trust, stability, and confidence—qualities essential for leadership and progress in business.
Orange, on the other hand, embodies energy, resilience, and vibrancy. It reflects the dynamic and forward-looking nature of Aboriginal communities as they innovate, grow, and shape the future. Orange signifies the passion and enthusiasm driving Aboriginal entrepreneurs and leaders, highlighting their ability to adapt, thrive, and inject vitality into their industries and communities.
Aligned with the theme of "Celebrating the Future of Aboriginal Business Leadership," the colour palette underscores a harmonious balance between honouring cultural roots (blue) and embracing the energetic momentum towards future success (orange). Together, these colours visually encapsulate a community that respects its past while actively building a vibrant, resilient, and innovative future in business.
NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!
The Victorian Aboriginal Business Awards (VABA) are proud to announce that nominations for the 2025 awards are officially open. This is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements, innovation, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses across Victoria.
Businesses, entrepreneurs, and community organisations are encouraged to submit their nominations to be acknowledged for their dedication, leadership, and positive impact within their communities and the broader Victorian economy.
Nominations close Sunday, 10 August.
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Karen Milward Excellence Award
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The Karen Milward Business Excellence Award recognises a business that is achieving outstanding outcomes within its field. This award is dedicated to a business that is excelling as an industry leader, showcasing exceptional achievements across their operations and setting a strong example of business excellence.
This award is named in honour of Karen Milward OAM, a proud Yorta Yorta woman and respected advocate for Aboriginal business and self-determination.
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Sistas in Business Award
Sponsored by Multiplex
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The Sistas in Business Award celebrates the exceptional achievements of a First Nations, female-led business owner.
This award recognises not only business success but also honours the strength, leadership, and compassion demonstrated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in business.
It shines a light on women who are empowering others, making an impact in their communities, and leading by example through resilience, innovation, and cultural pride.
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Up-and-Coming Business Award
Sponsored by Liberty
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The Up-and-Coming Business Award recognises a promising Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander-owned business that is in the early stages of its journey but has already laid strong foundations for future success.
This award highlights businesses that show potential, innovation, and readiness for growth — celebrating the hard work it takes to establish something new and the bold vision behind it.
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Best Collaboration Award
Sponsored by Monash University
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The Best Collaboration Award recognises the power of unity, creativity, and shared vision between two Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander businesses.
This award honours a successful partnership that has resulted in meaningful innovation, impact, or business success through a balanced and collaborative effort — not just transactional work. It celebrates how working together can drive cultural, economic, or creative growth across communities and industries.
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Regional Business Award
Sponsored by First Nations Traffic Management (FNTM)
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The Regional Business Award celebrates an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander business based in Regional Victoria that has made a significant impact within its community or industry over the past year.
This award recognises excellence in business performance, innovation, and community contribution — highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities faced by regional businesses. It celebrates resilience, growth, and the value of strong local connections.
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Creative Business Award
Sponsored by Indigenous Business Australia (IBA)
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The Creative Business Award celebrates an Indigenous business that has demonstrated outstanding innovation, creativity, and originality within the arts and creative industries. This includes — but is not limited to — visual arts, music, performance, design, fashion, film, and other creative expressions.
This award recognises businesses that not only excel in creative execution but also demonstrate a strong sense of cultural identity, innovation, and strategic direction in their practice.
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Community Choice Award
Sponsored by ANZ
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The Community Choice Award celebrates the exceptional achievements and impact of a Kinaway Member, as decided upon by the unified voice of the Kinaway community and greater networks.
All nominated Kinaway Members across all categories will be put forward to the Kinaway community for voting.
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Corporate Partner Excellence Award
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The Corporate Partner Excellence Award recognises a corporate partner that has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to engaging and supporting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander businesses.
This award celebrates meaningful, long-term engagement rather than one-off initiatives — highlighting corporate partners who embed Aboriginal business inclusion across their operations. It acknowledges those who are creating real, measurable outcomes and fostering sustainable partnerships that elevate First Nations businesses.
This award is distinct from the Corporate Partner Innovation Award, which focuses on innovative strategies or pilots. The Excellence Award honours consistent, wide-reaching impact and long-term dedication.
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Corporate Partner Innovation Award
Sponsored by Mott Macdonald
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The Corporate Partner Innovation in Indigenous Partnership Award recognises a Kinaway Corporate Partner that has demonstrated exceptional originality and forward-thinking in its approach to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.
This award celebrates strategies, initiatives, or programs that go beyond traditional methods — addressing challenges in new ways, opening doors to untapped opportunities, and shifting the landscape for Indigenous entrepreneurship. It honours bold thinking, collaboration, and solutions that can grow beyond a single partnership.
Unlike the Corporate Partner Excellence Award, which recognises long-term, embedded engagement, this award focuses specifically on creative and innovative approaches that are new, experimental, or strategically disruptive.
Silver Sponsors
