GABC Newsletter | 2025 CCIWA Awards & WIBF | 19 November 2025
Today’s
Top Stories
Today’s top news stories and interesting reads of the last two weeks.
GABC Shines Bright, Winning Cultural Inclusion Award at CCIWA Diversity & Inclusion Awards
A Golden Moment for the Goldfields Aboriginal Business Chamber named winner of the Cultural Inclusion Award at the CCIWA Diversity & Inclusion Awards
A special thank you to Mineral Resources for your nomination and for standing with us in promoting diversity and inclusion across our region and for helping shape the Goldfields where diversity isn’t just seen, but embraced and celebrated.
The Goldfields Aboriginal Business Chamber (GABC) has proudly been named the winner of the Cultural Inclusion Award at the CCIWA Diversity & Inclusion Awards, presented in partnership with BHP. This prestigious recognition honours organisations who go above and beyond to champion diversity and build a future where every voice is valued – and this year, the spotlight shone brightly on us.
From day one, GABC has stood firm in its mission to amplify Aboriginal voices, build meaningful business opportunities, and champion inclusion across the Goldfields and Western Australia. Whether supporting local enterprise, advocating for culturally informed business practices, or building bridges between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal businesses, GABC continues to demonstrate what true inclusion looks like-practical, powerful, and community-driven.
Winning this award is more than a trophy. It’s a testament to the strength of our members, partners, Elders, Board & the Goldfields community. It’s proof that culturally inclusive leadership isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s the key to a thriving future for all. As we celebrate this achievement, we also celebrate you – our community, our champions, and everyone who believes in the power of inclusion. Thank you to Northern Star Resources and BHP for the Stronger Business Program and for walking this path with us also.
Here’s to many more milestones, stronger communities, and a future built on respect, opportunity, and cultural pride.
First Nations People and Communities Impacted by Clean Energy Projects
First Nations engagement and negotiation, equity and benefit-sharing, in compliance with proponent’s tender commitments, offers mutual benefit for investors and First Nations groups alike, and reduces project risk, cost and delay.
We invite you to visit our webpage From Commitment to Delivery to access detailed information on successful tenders through the CIS, the First Nations and social licence merit criteria that proponents had to address, and the commitments made by proponents.
Your involvement is crucial in driving these initiatives forward. Let’s work together to ensure the benefits of clean energy projects supported through the CIS are shared equitably with First Nations and communities.
Awarded CIS Projects Impacting First Nations communities
So far, there are 59 awarded projects in locations across the Australia where First Nations groups have rights and interests.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA:
Goldfields–Esperance RED Grants: Round 8
Funding now open for local projects! The WA Government’s Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants support initiatives that grow and diversify the Goldfields–Esperance economy. Grants of up to $250,000 are available, apply now! The objectives of the REDS Grants program include:
– Sustainable jobs
– Developing skills or capabilities
– New investment in the region
– Expanding or diversifying industry
– Increasing productivity
Great Southern Development Commission – RED Grants Round 8 FAQ (PDF)
Applications close: 5pm, 09 January 2026
Visit the GEDC website for more information or to apply. Alternatively, contact:
grants@gedc.wa.gov.au , www.tinyurl.com/gedc-reds
GABC Attends the World Indigenous Business Forum in Melbourne
Goldfields Aboriginal Business Chamber (GABC) Chair Rowena Leslie and CEO Melissa Tombs recently attended the World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) held in Melbourne from October 28–30.
The forum brought together leaders from business, government, academia, and industry to share insights, strengthen connections, and develop strategies that drive economic empowerment and self-determination for Indigenous communities across the globe.
Since its inception in New York City in 2010, WIBF has travelled to numerous countries, celebrating and showcasing the strength of Indigenous entrepreneurship worldwide. As the 2025 host city of Melbourne this reaffirms Australia’s commitment to supporting and elevating Indigenous business on an international stage.
Rowena and Melissa’s attendance provided valuable opportunities to connect with global Indigenous leaders, exchange ideas, and bring back insights that will help further strengthen Indigenous business capacity in the Goldfields region.
16 Days in WA community grants recipients
Decision: The 16 Days in WA campaign runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) through to 10 December (Human Rights Day) each year. The campaign takes its inspiration from the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
16 Days In WA Community Colour Run Kalgoorlie
Mara Pirni Healing Place is hosting a free, vibrant Community Colour Run during the 16 Days in WA campaign to raise awareness about family, domestic and gender based violence. Join us for a fun, colourful day with a colour run, BBQ lunch, ice cream and slushies, lively music, and community connection. We’ll all wear t-shirts and bucket hats with messages to Play Your Part – Stop Violence Against Women, emphasising that violence against anyone is unacceptable, and together we can help change attitudes and behaviour across WA.
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Oasis Playing Fields, 99 Johnston St, Somerville, Kalgoorlie
Organiser: Mara Pirni Healing Place
Contact:
Billie Richards
Email: billie.richards@hopecs.org.au
Phone: 0402 659319
Ticket cost: Free event
Goldfields Aboriginal Community Services has their final Youth Bush trip for 2025 Monday 24th November, facilitated by Mr Stephen Morrision GACS Youth Coordinator and GACS Aboriginal Ranger Team. (Facebook LInk Here)
“Return to community trip for Goldfields children in care: As part of WA Foster and Family Carers Week celebrations, eight children in care recently returned to their community to reconnect with their families in the Goldfields” For more information please click here.
Small Business Development Corporation Workshops
SBDC Regional – Goldfields: A Beginners Guide to Understanding Business Financials – Kalgoorlie – 25 November 2025 -10am – 12pm AWST – FREE
📍5/58 Egan St, Kalgoorlie WA 6430, Australia
Website Planning – Online – 04 December 2025 5:00pm – 8:00pm AWST – $20
Introduction to Microsoft Copilot – Online – 11 December 2025, 9am – 12pm AWST – $20
GABC Survey for all Aboriginal Businesses, you don’t have to be a member to participate in the survey
We at GABC greatly value your input and want to ensure that we are providing the services you need most. We invite you to complete a brief survey to share your thoughts on what services you would like to see from GABC. Your feedback is crucial in helping us tailor our offerings to better serve you. Thank you for your time and participation.
Click forms.office.com to access the survey. The survey is confidential.
Want to become a GABC Member?
GABC membership offers a diverse range of services across the mining, industrial, commercial, and civil sectors, and with new members joining regularly, our capabilities continue to expand. We currently have approximately 101 business members, including 73 Aboriginal owned businesses, with 52 operating specifically in the Goldfields Esperance region. Plus, your membership could potentially be free for the first 12 months
Please e-mail enquiries@gab.org.au to receive the membership information and form.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
The Goldfields Aboriginal Business Chamber (GABC) acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands where we work, travel and live. We celebrate the diversity of all Aboriginal people and their ongoing culture and connection to country. We pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging and acknowledge those that are members of the chamber.