Welcome
I would like to say a big thank you to the businesses that attended and participated in the 2010 Dardi Victorian Aboriginal Business Excellence Awards.
The presentations were held on Monday 24 May 2010 and were a celebration and testament to the quality and diversity of Victorian Aboriginal business. Victorian Minister for Small Business The Hon Joe Helper MP was on hand to recognise the winning four businesses for their innovation and leadership.
Entries for the Awards were 26% up on last year, with an increase coming from non-traditional Aboriginal business sectors including the retail trade, manufacturing, media and telecommunications, and education and training.
These Awards showcased not only the diversity of Victoria’s Aboriginal business enterprises, but also the success of these businesses in Victoria.
Congratulations to our winners and finalists.
I would like to thank the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), Indigenous Business Australia (IBA), Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, Skills Victoria and the Melbourne Business School for their support in sponsoring each Award. I also thank the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC), Kinaway - Victorian Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce, and our media partners 3KND and Koori Mail.
I would like to also thank our suppliers who helped make the night a success. In no particular order, Mark Olive's 'Black Olive', for hosting the event, Richard J Frankland for being our Master of Ceremonies, The Charcoal Club for the entertainment, Wathaurong Glass & Arts for their production of the stunning trophies, Wurru Wurru Ngarga Warendj for the gifts presented to Minister Helper and the sponsors, Wayne Quilliam for his photography, and Conference Works for their assistance in coordinating the event.
I look forward to an even bigger and more successful Dardi Awards next year. The 2011 Dardi Awards will be held on the evening of Thursday 3 November 2011, at The Sebel, Albert Park as part of the Yulkuum-Jerrang: 3rd Indigenous Business Development Conference.
Esmai Manahan
Manager
Koori Business Network
