Hendy Cowan

Hendy Cowan

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    Aboriginal companies get set for awards

    7/11/2000 12:51 PM
     
    7/11/00

    Some of Western Australia’s most successful indigenous businesses have been recognised today with the announcement of finalists in the 2000 Western Australian Indigenous Business Awards.

    Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said the record number of applicants had yielded an outstanding field of finalists.

    “The applications were judged on qualities such as innovation, business performance, customer service, staff development and commitment to future growth,” Mr Cowan said.

    “The 10 selected - some of which are eligible in more than one category - have amply demonstrated these qualities. They are all to be congratulated for progressing through to the finals.

    “What’s more, they are all located in regional and remote areas. The success of these businesses is not only good for the owners and employees - it also benefits regional economic development and provides role models for other indigenous people considering starting their own enterprises.”

    The finalists are:
    • Businesses with 1-5 employees: Outback Electrical (Derby), Warlayirti Artists (Balgo), Warmun Art Centre.
    • Businesses with six or more employees: BYAC Contractors Pty Ltd (Laverton), Goolarri Media Enterprises (Broome), Gumala Enterprises Pty Ltd (Tom Price), Kooljaman at Cape Leveque, Travers Electrical (Derby).
    • Special Industry Awards: Arts and Media - Goolarri Media, Warlayirti Artists, Warmun Art Centre. Tourism - Bungoorlee Tours (Fitzroy Crossing), Goolarri Media Enterprises, Lombadina Aboriginal Adventures. Rural and Remote Businesses - BYAC Contractors, Gumala Pty Ltd, Kooljaman at Cape Leveque, Travers Electrical, Warlayirti Artists, Warmun Art Centre.
    The awards, which are organised by the Office of Aboriginal Economic Development, were launched in 1998 to acknowledge and promote the achievements of WA indigenous business people.

    They will be presented at the Sheraton Perth Hotel on Friday, November 24 from 7pm.

    The Western Australian Indigenous Business Awards are sponsored by the Department of Commerce and Trade; the Aboriginal Affairs Department; Ansett Australia; ATSIC; National Australia Bank; the Lotteries Commission; ArtsWA; the Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business; Anaconda; and Rio Tinto.

    They are supported by the Small Business Development Corporation and the Aboriginal Economic Development Council.

    Media contacts:
    Peter Jackson (Minister’s office) 9222 9595
    David Brewtnall (Dept of Commerce and Trade) 9327-5666