AWARDS

  • Supply Nation Indigenous Businesswoman of the Year
  • Canberra Women in Business – Indigenous Category Award 2024
  • AusMumpreneur Awards – Gold 2016 – Silver 2018, 2020, 2023 – Bronze 2023
  • ACT NAIDOC Indigenous Business of the Year, 2015
  • 4x International APAC Awards, 2022–2025
  • Canberra Women in Business –Best New Business Category Award 2016
  • Telstra Businesswomen’s Awards ACT Finalist, 2016
  •  Business Excellence Finalist Awards

 

Additional accolades

  • International Award Finalist – 2022
  • International Award – 2021
  • International Award – 2020
  • Global Brand Award – Ausmumpreneur National Awards – 2016
  • Heart and Edge Award – Ausmumpreneur National Awards – 2016
  • Telstra Finalist ACT Women In Business – 2016
  • ACT Emerging Exporter of the Year – 2016
  • Canberra Women in Business – New Business – 2016
  • Finalist, Product Innovation category of the 2015 AusMumpreneur Awards.
  • Finalist, Retail Business category of the 2015 AusMumpreneur Awards.
  • Finalist ACT Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Apprentice, Trainee or Student of the Year – ACT Training and Excellence Awards 2015.
  • Finalist Lifeline – Women Of Spirit Awards 2015.
  • Nominated Finalist– Indigenous in Business – Ethnic Business Awards 2015.
  • Supply Nation Supplier Certification – Dilkara Hair.
  • 2015 “15 Women to Watch” – Her Canberra Magazine
  • Canberra Institute of Technology – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Ambassador 2015/2016.
  • Canberra Institute of Technology – Reconciliation Action Plan Committee member 2015/2016.

Key Strengths and
Qualifications

YAAMA

I am a proud Kamilaroi woman, living on Ngunnawal Land, and award-winning Indigenous entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, author, cultural educator, storyteller, artist, and business innovator. Founder of Dilkara, All First Nations, and Our Sistahood, I bring over 30 years of experience in business, creative industries, education, and social impact experience. A passionate advocate for Indigenous economic empowerment through enterprise, education, and cultural leadership. Indigenous community advocate for health, wellbeing and economic sustainability.

CAPABILITIES

  • Business Owner since 1995 – Self Employed 1995< – Trainer 2005<– 150 staff. 10 salons. 3 external companies.
  • Business & Brand Development
  • E-commerce & Digital Strategy
  • Culture, RAP & Capability Training
  • Indigenous Mentoring & Education
  • Product Development (Beauty, Fashion, Art)
  • Publishing, Podcast & Media Production
  • Public Speaking & Leadership Facilitation

EXPERIENCE

  • University of Canberra Advisory Panel – Indigenous member – Current – 2022,2023,2024,2025,2026
  • Facebook SMB Advisory Council – Influence and knowledge share – culture and business Mentor Australian
  • Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) – Mentor and educate
  • Founder & Director, Dilkara Australia – Skincare, haircare, and cultural/business consultancy
  • Founder, All First Nations –  AFN Awards for First Nations mob
  • Founder Our Sistahood – Online learning for Indigenous women & sistergirls, and podcast
  • Black Coffee Facilitator, ACT – Indigenous business networking leader
  • Magazine Editor, All First Nations Magazine – Australia’s Indigenous Magazine
  • Published Author & Creative Producer – Book currently optioned for TV adaptation
  • Export & Investment Advisor – Indigenous-led global product strategy

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Indigenous Business Masterclass – MURRA, MBS
  • Indigenous Leadership – AILC – Certificate II
  • Diploma – Project Management
  • Certificate IV – Training & Assessment (TAE)
  • Certificate III & IV – Hairdressing
  • Trichology, Beauty Therapy, Styling – Various accreditations

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Committed to addressing Indigenous employment gaps by mentoring, educating, and empowering community members to succeed in enterprise. I actively promote reconciliation through inclusive leadership and culturally safe economic development.
Designed and created Indigenous rhinestone merchandise for Elders and Aunty’s in community.

  • Water for Utopia project in remote Australia, led by Julie Okely. The Utopia Homelands project in the Northern Territory of Australia has focused on improving water access and management for its residents. A fundraising group called “Water for Utopia” raised over $12,000 to fund a new bore after a previous one failed. The NT Government ultimately funded the drilling, and the funds were transferred to the Urapuntja Health Service for another water project. The broader Utopia Homelands project also included housing repairs and energy efficiency measures, demonstrating a holistic approach to improving living conditions.