​IPS Management Consultants is no stranger to breaking new ground, but its latest recognition has placed it in elite company.

The consultancy has been named a finalist in the NAWIC WA Awards for Excellence, standing shoulder to shoulder with corporate heavyweights including Synergy, Perth Airport and the Armadale Line Upgrade Alliance.

For IPS, the nomination is more than a nod to its achievements in workforce transformation and cultural safety. It is a symbol of what’s possible when a values driven First Nations business goes head-to-head with some of the state’s biggest names.

“We are proud to be nominated alongside such significant organisations,” IPS Executive Lead for Workforce Transformation, Jackie Graham said.

“It shows that as a First Nations-owned consultancy, we are delivering work that is on par with, and in some areas ahead of some of the biggest players in the state.”

​Founded in 2015, IPS has built its reputation on embedding First Nations voices in projects that range from leadership development to infrastructure, procurement and small business support.

​Recent IPS programs include Yaka Dandjoo, a First Nations leadership initiative, and Track to Success, which transitions people from prison into rail industry jobs.

The focus on real-world impact has caught the attention of awards judges, who recognised IPS’s ability to create inclusive, sustainable change while competing in industries traditionally dominated by large corporations and government-owned enterprises.

“For us, this nomination isn’t just about the accolade,” said Jackie.

“It’s about showing that a First Nations business can deliver results at the same scale as a major utility corporation or a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure alliance and an international airport.”

The NAWIC WA Awards is organised by the National Association of Women in Construction to celebrate innovation, leadership and diversity across the state’s construction, infrastructure and professional services sectors.

For IPS, being the only First Nations finalist in the Diversity + Inclusion category is further proof that Indigenous businesses are not only growing but now thriving in mainstream spaces dominated by non-First Nations organisations.

"We’re showing what’s possible when SMEs step up with government and community: resilient, innovative workforce transformations that reflect the future of business in WA," said Jackie.

The NAWIC WA Awards for Excellence will be held at Crown Perth on Thursday, 2 October 2025.

Bronson Richards recently featured on the National Indigenous Times podcast Indigenous Insights, where he reflected on his journey from childhood in Cairns to his role at the frontline of IPS as a First Nations Advisory consultant.

When Bronson speaks, it is with the weight of generations behind him; boxers, teachers, magistrates and advocates who fought for Indigenous rights in some of Queensland’s harshest political climates.

Today, the proud Ewamian and Kuku Yalanji Man and recent Perth NAIDOC Youth Award recipient is carving his own path as a leader for change, blending lived experience with high-level strategy.

His grandfather Clarence was a professional boxer and tireless campaigner for Indigenous rights during the Bjelke-Petersen era.

His father co-founded the Yman Corporation to represent traditional owner interests, while his uncles and aunties became some of the state’s first Indigenous professionals in teaching and law.

“From a young age I was always involved in Indigenous affairs, politics and country,” said Bronson.

“But because of my complexion and having a German mother, I was treated differently. I copped lateral violence and felt disconnected when my family moved to Perth.”

That disconnect soon fuelled his fire.

In Western Australia, Richards experienced both overt racism and passive bias. He was stereotyped at school, and was told, “you’re pretty smart for a blackfella.” 

“In strategy, it’s often non-First Nations people saying they want to empower us…but why not give us the funding and let us make it ourselves?", he said.

“We don’t need you to speak for us.”

Outside of IPS, Bronson is building Visions of Tomorrow, his own platform aimed at reconciliation, anti-racism education and youth mentoring.

He is working with Reconciliation WA on workshops, engaging the Department of Justice to support incarcerated youth, and helping expand his father’s business to employ and house more Aboriginal people.

It’s a schedule that leaves little downtime, but Bronson carries the drive of someone who knows the stakes.

“My nana was born on a mission a hundred years ago,” he said.

“The life she lived is nothing compared to the opportunities I have today.”

That legacy, Bronson says, is not about division or dwelling on the past but about truth, reconciliation and progress.

“Reconciliation isn’t about saying sorry and moving on,” said Bronson.
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“It’s about acknowledging what happened and uniting to move forward.”

In just four weeks, the Darwin Convention Centre will play host to the Blak Business Awards 2025, a night dedicated to celebrating Indigenous excellence in business and honouring the achievements of Blak entrepreneurs and leaders.

The event will feature an evening of recognition, performance and culture. Highlights include a runway show directed by Cassie Blak featuring Aboriginal designers, a set from Miss Tina (Ben Graetz), and DJ Spinaf-X spinning vinyl.

But one of the night’s biggest drawcards will be former AFL player turned IPS Aboriginal Engagement Consultant Marlon Motlop, who will take the stage with his band.

For Marlon, his appearance at the awards is about much more than music.

“It’s a night to recognise the advancement and courage of First Nations entrepreneurship,” he said.

“It’s not an easy task to either create business, or support business in the Australian climate for First Nations people.”

“There are several barriers we face just to get to the start line.”

Marlon knows firsthand the power of First Nations enterprise. A business owner himself, he said the awards are unique because they are created by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“The Blak Business Awards is a showcase of the hard work and persistence to show we belong in this space, and it demonstrates the appetite for self-determination and economic empowerment,” said Marlon.

“It’s a nice opportunity to celebrate and recognise First Nations businesses and our peers in a space that is designed and created by Blak people, for people. That’s powerful.”
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While his consultancy role at IPS is focused on supporting First Nations communities and businesses, Marlon also uses his music as a form of truth-telling.

“A party, a vibe, but also truth-telling and getting straight to the point,” he promised of his performance.
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That pursuit of truth has roots in his AFL career, where he said he saw the way people could be spoken to, judged and treated.

“I wanted to make sure that any space I was in was safe for all people, especially Aboriginal people and that they felt supported, empowered and safe,” he said.

Leaving football wasn’t easy. Marlon recalled a low point in 2022 when he pulled his car over, questioning if it was worth chasing a career in music and community work.

“The great Uncle Archie Roach once told me that it’s not always about you,” he said.

“There’s so much that people can take from your music and story, and in a way it’s selfish to keep that from the world.”

At IPS, he now acts as a conduit between First Nations businesses, communities and opportunity.

“I support First Nations people in business and community by being as authentic and genuine as I can when I work and collaborate with them and their country.”

“I play an important role of amplifying the power they hold through their country, and their aspirations to activate their country through economic opportunity.”

The common thread through every stage of his career in the AFL, music and consulting has been empowerment.

“Everything I’ve ever done is centred around the advancement and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, values and people.”

And his message to young people is simple: “If you can become the best listener in the room, learn to work really hard, and apply yourself to whatever dream you have, the roadmap to it will make itself known at some stage.”
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Marlon’s performance at the Blak Business Awards will be another act of truth-telling, from a man whose life’s work is helping his mob thrive.

The Blak Business Awards 2025 will be held at the Darwin Convention Centre on Wednesday, 2 October 2025.

We’re thrilled to announce a significant milestone in the journey of IPS's NDIS Support Services provider, HERA, to provide compassionate, client-focused NDIS support services across Western Australia. For the first time, Hera is expanding into Perth and Mandurah, welcoming two exceptional new team members who will lead our efforts in these regions.

What This Means for Our Community
This expansion allows Hera to offer NDIS support coordination to more participants than ever before. By establishing a presence in Perth and Mandurah, we’re making it easier for individuals and families to access high-quality, personalised support close to home.

We’re proud to grow our team with professionals who share our mission of making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Vicky and Vien are already connecting with local networks and are ready to support new clients in their regions.

If you or someone you know is looking for NDIS support in Perth or Mandurah, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact us today to learn more about how Hera can support your journey.