INDIGENOUS BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR, ADVOCATES FOR COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

Carol Vale has been awarded the title of Indigenous Business Woman of the Year, recognising her decade-long commitment to economic empowerment through her company, Marawin, which she co-founded with her late husband, Greg McKenzie. In her acceptance speech, Vale emphasised the significance of this accolade, stating, “This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team, and I believe in business's capacity to support First Nations communities, particularly empowering women and girls.”

Transitioning from a secure position in government to entrepreneurship was a pivotal step for Vale. “In the early stages, I reinvested all profits back into the business and did not draw a salary. It takes resilience and hard work to navigate this path,” she explained, recalling a piece of advice that had stuck with her: “If you can make it through the first few years, you'll be on the right track.” This mindset has helped her navigate the complex world of business successfully.

Vale hopes her journey will inspire other Indigenous women to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. “My story shows that with a strong support system, success is attainable,” she noted, reinforcing the idea that Indigenous women can lead successful enterprises that can benefit their communities.

Despite her accomplishments, Vale acknowledges the challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs, including enduring racism and scepticism regarding their capabilities. “There is a persistent belief that Indigenous businesses may not deliver quality services,” she remarked. She is a vocal advocate for the full implementation of Indigenous procurement policies to ensure that contracts go directly to Indigenous businesses, arguing, “We possess the necessary skills and experience to deliver quality work.”

Looking to the future, Vale envisions a robust network of Indigenous entrepreneurs across Australia that can drive local economies. “I aspire to see Indigenous businesses thriving, particularly those led by women,” she concluded. Through her achievements and advocacy, Carol Vale underscores the potential for Indigenous women in business to create lasting change within their communities.