Stronger Together: ICN x First Nations Business on Show at the MCG
Last Thursday, Dreamtime Art Creative Consultancy had the opportunity to attend the ICN Victoria Aboriginal Business Showcase at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, an event that brought together First Nations businesses, major project owners, government representatives and industry leaders with a shared focus on creating stronger economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.
Held in the iconic surroundings of the MCG Olympic Room, the showcase was more than a networking event. It was a practical demonstration of the growing capability, diversity and professionalism of First Nations businesses across Victoria. From construction and infrastructure suppliers through to professional services, cultural consultants, technology providers and creative enterprises, the room was filled with Indigenous businesses ready to partner, collaborate and contribute to Victoria’s economy.
The formal proceedings were skilfully led by Isaac Harrison, whose role as MC helped set a positive and energetic tone for the day. Attendees also heard from The Hon. Colin Brooks MP, Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, Minister for Defence Industry, and Minister for Skills and TAFE. His address reinforced the importance of Aboriginal participation in major projects and supply chains and highlighted the role that government, industry and business must play in creating pathways for economic inclusion.
One of the highlights of the event was the keynote presentation from Jodie Sizer, Vice President of the Collingwood Football Club. Jodie has long been a respected voice in Indigenous business and leadership back to her days at PwC, and her presentation offered valuable reflections on the importance of relationships, authenticity and creating opportunities that extend beyond targets and procurement commitments. Her message served as a reminder that sustainable outcomes are built through trust, partnership and long-term thinking.
The panel discussion that followed brought together a mix of voices from across industry, government and the First Nations business sector. Representatives from Development Victoria, Fredon Group, Multiplex, SisterWorks, FAT Comms and Corrina Eccles shared their perspectives on procurement, participation, partnerships, and the challenges and opportunities facing businesses seeking to engage in major projects.
While the discussion highlighted that there is strong intent across sectors, a recurring theme centred on the barriers that continue to limit participation and outcomes. There is value in acknowledging these challenges, but I couldn’t help feeling that many people in the audience were looking for something more: practical ideas, tested solutions, and examples of what is working. It was hard to watch industry people in the audience rolling eyes and squirming their way through the First nations business lens. It feels like being hit with a stick and I think most people don’t like that. Most Aboriginal business owners and industry are already aware of the obstacles. What many are seeking now are pathways forward.
At times, conversations about Indigenous procurement and participation can become dominated by explanations of why things are difficult. The challenge is ensuring these conversations also create space for innovation, experimentation and action. The opportunity for future panels may be to spend less time defining the problem and more time showcasing practical approaches that organisations can take back into their workplaces and projects. After all, meaningful change is rarely driven by consensus around the barriers; it is driven by the willingness to test new ideas and commit to doing things differently.
For me, one of the most valuable aspects of the day was the opportunity to reconnect with existing First Nations businesses, leaders and contacts while meeting new organisations looking to work with First Nations businesses. Events like this create the space for conversations that often do not happen in formal procurement processes. They allow businesses to tell their story, demonstrate their capability and build the relationships that ultimately lead to opportunities. As the founder of Dreamtime Art Creative Consultancy, it was encouraging to see so many organisations actively seeking to engage with First Nations suppliers and service providers in a meaningful way.
The scale of the event was impressive, with ICN Victoria anticipating up to 350 attendees from government agencies, major project owners, infrastructure delivery authorities, contractors and First Nations businesses. That level of participation reflects the growing recognition that Indigenous businesses are not simply suppliers of cultural services but are important contributors across a wide range of industries and disciplines.
Congratulations to ICN Victoria, Kinaway and all involved in delivering another successful showcase. Bringing people together in a room is only the first step, but it remains one of the most important. Every conversation, introduction and connection made at events like this strengthens the ecosystem around First Nations business and helps create the conditions for greater economic participation and self-determination.
In my view, the strongest message from the day was simple: the capability already exists. The challenge now is ensuring opportunities continue to grow, relationships continue to deepen and commitments translate into real outcomes for First Nations businesses across Victoria and beyond.
