The Awards
2010 Dardi Victorian Aboriginal Business Excellence Awards include four categories:
1. Outstanding Victorian Aboriginal Small Business Award - $15,000 courtesy of Dept of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations and Indigenous Business Australia
Winner
Gary McInerney, Too Deadly Cleaning Services
Too Deadly Cleaning was chosen as this years winner to recognise the significant achievements of its staff in overcoming personal challenges and providing employment opportunities for Aboriginal people to establish itself as a successful commercial cleaning business in metropolitan Melbourne.
Finalists
Graham Clarke, Harry Nanya Tours
AJ Williams, Girraway Ganyi Consultancy
2. Victorian Aboriginal Community Enterprise Award - $10,000 courtesy of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria
Winner
John Collyer, Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd
Worn Gundidj was chosen for its successful tourism and educational venture at the Tower Hill State Reserve that has provided significant training and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people in south western Victorian and promoted awareness of Aboriginal culture both in Australia and abroad.
Finalists
Debra Salvagno, Koorie Night Market
Grattan Mullet, Gippsland & East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative
3. Young Victorian Aboriginal Entrepreneur Award (up to 30 years old) - $15,000 courtesy of Skills Victoria
Winner
Hayly Williams, Hair Erratic
Hayly was chosen on the basis of her determination and drive to establish a successful small business at such a young age, as well as her commitment to supporting Aboriginal communities through health and wellness programs, taster programs for secondary students and sponsoring sporting clubs.
Finalists
Malan Dimopoulos Native Oz Cuisine
Meagan O’Shannessy, BJ & ML O’Shannessy
4. Outstanding Victorian Aboriginal Business Leadership Award - $10,000 business scholarship courtesy of Melbourne Business School’s Asia Pacific Social Leadership Centre
Winner
Melissa Clare, Gunnai Advisory Service
Melissa was chosen because of her outstanding individual contribution to research and promotion of small business, and her actions as a role model and mentor, particularly with young Aboriginal people.
Finalists
Colin McKinnon, Mia Mia Gallery
AJ Williams, Girraway Ganyi Consultancy
Wayne Quilliam, Wayne Quilliam Photography
