Last month I attended Impact North's 2026 Business Builder graduation ceremony on Larrakia country in Darwin. Shannon Motlop is growing Aboriginal community harvest through native foods and catering. Tearna Pearce delivers therapeutic art and weaving workshops through Country Home Arts and Weaving. Jacqueline Phillips provides cultural services in Maningrida through JP Cultural Solutions, while Valda Shannon preserves Warumungu language knowledge through Lukarrara Consultancy. Shirley Djandjomerr is developing traditional owner led tourism through Malbak Aboriginal Corporation. Matthew Evans is creating employment pathways through MS-NT Contracting. Ceah Evans and Camsia support Indigenous jobseekers through Mura Training and Business Solutions. Jacqueline Hingston shares culture and country through Warumungu Country Tours and Namikili Aboriginal Cultural Tours.

Eight diverse businesses, with one common purpose—building a stronger future for their people and their communities. These graduates show that remote Aboriginal entrepreneurs are employers in their own right. They create jobs and keep income and knowledge on country. I commend Impact North for providing support that respects culture and these Aboriginal entrepreneurs.