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.

Sydney — First Nations businesses are being hailed as the “sleeping giant” of the Australian economy, with new figures showing they generate billions in social and economic value, according to an ANZ commissioned Deloitte Access Economics report

Supply Nation’s Connect 2025 conference, which opened at ICC Sydney on Wednesday, drew more than 4000 corporate and government buyers, community leaders and international delegates.

Over two days, more than 270 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned enterprises showcased their services in what has become the premier marketplace for First Nations commerce.

IPS stepped forward as one of the sector’s leading voices at the nation’s biggest Indigenous business event.

Being just one of just eight Indigenous-owned firms on the Commonwealth’s coveted Management Advisory Services Panel, the majority Aboriginal-owned company used the platform to highlight its national foothold and track record in procurement, leadership and advisory work.

IPS co-founder Katina Law said Connect 2025 was an important stage for IPS as it cements its national footprint.

“This is not just about being seen — it’s about being part of a movement that’s reshaping the Australian economy,” said the Worrorra Walmajarri woman.

“At this stage of our growth, Connect 2025 gives us the opportunity to deepen partnerships, meet decision-makers face-to-face, and demonstrate how IPS can deliver value at scale across industries and regions.”

Asked about IPS’s role in the wider Indigenous business movement, she said the company was focused on leading by example.

“We see ourselves as both a service provider and an advocate.”

“Our responsibility is not only to deliver outstanding results for clients but to open doors for other First Nations businesses through collaboration and visibility.”
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“When we succeed, we create a platform that shows corporate and government Australia the depth of talent in this sector,” said Katina.
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​Federal Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy echoed that sentiment, telling delegates the Albanese Government was “deeply committed” to backing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, describing the Indigenous Procurement Policy as a “game-changer”.

“This is about unlocking opportunity and building prosperity,” Senator McCarthy said.

“We must ensure businesses benefiting are genuinely Indigenous owned and controlled — because integrity matters, and every contract should build real capability and long-term success.”

Research unveiled at the conference underscored that message.

Supply Nation’s report, The Sleeping Giant Rises, found Indigenous-owned businesses create $42.6 billion in social value each year — with measurable benefits in employment, cultural pride and future aspirations for young people.
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For every $1 generated, $3.66 flows back into the wider economy.

​Supply Nation CEO Kate Russell said those outcomes proved the Indigenous business sector was not a niche but “a powerhouse of innovation and sustainability”.

“This is prosperity over dependence, inclusion over exclusion,” Ms Russell said.

“The impact is profound — and it benefits all Australians.”

For IPS, the event was more than showcasing capability. The Perth-headquartered consultancy stressed the importance of partnerships that endure beyond compliance, working together with government, corporates and communities to deliver practical outcomes.

“This year’s Connect 2025 theme is Beyond the Horizon,” said IPS Executive Director and Noongar man, Cameron Wood.

“That’s what we’re focused on — building an economy where First Nations voices lead, and where our success contributes to Australia’s success.”

First Nations enterprises currently contribute $16 billion annually and employ more than 116,000 people.

Whilst noting that this is a fantastic achievement, Cameron said the challenge now is to scale up and continue the journey.
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An ANZ commissioned Deloitte Access Economics report estimated the sector is poised to grow to $50 billion a year by 2035.

IPS Program team took a deep dive into the art of leadership recently as they participated in an engaging and thought-provoking workshop facilitated by co-founder Damien Chalk on Monday.

Held as part of IPS’s ongoing commitment to cultivating confident and capable leaders across its program team, the session explored key themes such as self-awareness, growth mindset, team accountability and emotional intelligence.

Drawing from decades of leadership experience, Damien guided participants through interactive exercises that challenged their thinking and encouraged them to reframe leadership not as a title—but as a mindset.

“You are a leader regardless of your role,” Damien told the group.

“Leadership is about how you choose to show up for yourself, for others, and for your purpose.”

The workshop opened with a powerful discussion on personal purpose, prompting attendees to reflect on what drives them.

“Your why matters. When you’re clear on that, it becomes easier to make decisions that align with your values,” Damien said.
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Participants were then asked to share experiences where they had to lead without authority—navigating conflict, stepping into uncertainty, or supporting others through challenges. 
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Executive Lead of Client Engagement, Lauren Hoskins reflected, “If we keep operating in silos, we are going to continue with the same output separately.”

“The power of connecting creates a bigger impact.” Lauren said.

Damien also tackled the importance of psychological safety in teams, highlighting that high-performing workplaces are those where people feel safe to be themselves.

“The number one predictor of team success isn’t IQ or experience—it’s trust,” he said.

“If people don’t feel safe to speak up, take risks, or admit mistakes, innovation dies.”

Throughout the session, Damien wove in practical tools for building trust and setting a leadership culture.

He encouraged participants to move from reactive to proactive mindsets by asking reflective questions like: What’s my role in this? What assumptions am I making? What outcome do I want to create?

The workshop closed with a challenge to every participant: to identify one behaviour they could shift immediately to become a more intentional leader.

“Leadership is a daily choice,” Damien reminded the group.

“The people around you don’t need perfection. They need consistency, courage, and someone who’s willing to grow.”

The workshop sparked intellectual debate, self-reflection and laughter—hallmarks of a psychologically safe and forward-thinking team.

As IPS continues to expand its national footprint, investing in leadership from the inside out ensures the organisation is future-ready, from the frontline to the boardroom.

IPS will once again be attending Supply Nation Connect 2025, the flagship national summit for Indigenous businesses, held on 20–21 August 2025 on Gadigal Land, Sydney.

Connect 2025 brings together certified First Nations and Torres Strait Islander businesses with major corporate and government procurement buyers to foster partnerships, showcase services and enhance supplier diversity across Australia.

IPS has proudly been delivering services across Australia since int's inception in 2015, and it's continued national expansion comes amid sweeping reforms to the Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP), which aim to drive greater economic empowerment for First Nations enterprises. From July 1  2025, the Commonwealth’s Indigenous procurement target will rise from 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent of all contract value, climbing incrementally to 4 per cent by 2030.

New eligibility rules will also ensure that businesses accessing IPP-linked contracts are genuinely Indigenous-owned — requiring 51 per cent or more First Nations ownership and control, or registration as an Indigenous corporation, by 2026.

Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, said the changes were about boosting genuine opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses while stamping out practices such as “black cladding,” where non-Indigenous companies exploit loopholes to access programs.

“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to increasing opportunities for First Nations businesses,” she said.

“First Nations businesses play a key role in advancing the economic empowerment and self-determination of First Nations people.”
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“These reforms, based on consultations with Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses, Chambers of Commerce and various levels of government, will create even more opportunities for First Nations businesses,” said McCarthy.

For IPS, a majority-female-owned and a Certified First Nations supplier, the changes strengthen its position.
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On top of its IPP eligibility, IPS can be directly engaged by agencies through Exemption 16 of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules — allowing unlimited direct contracts with Indigenous SMEs that demonstrate value for money — and Exemption 17, which permits direct SME engagements up to $500,000 without open tender.

In addition to being Supply Nation certified, IPS is one of just eight First Nations-owned businesses on the Australian Federal Government’s coveted Management Advisory Services (MAS) Panel, proudly providing services across Australia.
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“Being part of the MAS Panel signals to buyers that IPS is a proven and trusted partner,” said IPS Co-Founder, Katina Law.

“With the IPP reforms and rising Indigenous procurement targets, we’re well positioned to not only help government agencies meet their goals but deliver real outcomes.”

“Our goal at Connect 2025 is to showcase the breadth of our capability and demonstrate why working with IPS isn’t about compliance — it’s also about delivering innovation, value, and impact,” Katina said.
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As the IPP reforms take effect, IPS stands to be at the forefront of a federal procurement landscape that is increasingly focused on authentic partnerships, transparency, and the economic empowerment of First Nations businesses.