The winners of the 2026 National AEMEE Awards were announced on Thursday 5 November at the National Awards Ceremony in Rubibi (Broome), presented by our Legacy partner Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation on the closing evening of the AEMEE Conference.
Winners were selected by our independent judging panel, drawn from the resources, energy and Indigenous business sectors. Congratulations to this year's winners, and to every finalist recognised on the night.
Indigenous Business of the Year: MDM Mining and Civil
MDM Mining and Civil is a 100% Indigenous-owned contractor delivering civil earthworks, surveying and mine rehabilitation across regional and remote Northern Australia. Its work includes closure and rehabilitation earthworks at Rio Tinto's Argyle Diamond Mine, and in 2026 it completed the WA Government's Smoke Creek abandoned mine rehabilitation project ahead of schedule as head contractor.
New Indigenous Business of the Year: Black and White Contracting
Black and White Contracting is an Indigenous-owned and operated business based in Belmont, Western Australia, delivering project management, maintenance, mechanical installation and crushing work for the mining and construction sectors. Since its founding in 2018 the business has grown to more than 50 full-time staff, and its project work includes the Kathleen Valley Green Energy Project and wind turbine installation and commissioning.
Sector Champion Award: Luarna Dynevor and Robby Mallard
Luarna Dynevor, Chairperson of Barada Barna Aboriginal Corporation, is a former heavy equipment operator who has led her people through landmark agreements with BHP and the creation of new economic opportunities through 3BB Contracting. She has championed women's representation in mining and inspires the next generation to lead with confidence and cultural strength, working to ensure her people not only work on Country but thrive on it.
Robby Mallard, Managing Director of Mallard Contracting, is a proud Wajarri-Nanda man who has spent nearly 20 years creating pathways for Indigenous people into construction and resources through mentoring, training and apprenticeships. After the Fitzroy Crossing floods he coordinated the donation, transport and fit-out of accommodation units for displaced residents, taking no personal payment for the work.
Powering Country Award: Woollahra Group
Woollahra Group is a 100% Indigenous-owned industrial supply and manufacturing business headquartered in Western Australia and led by Co-Owners Chris Schmid and Reen Richards. Through its Impact Supply Chain approach, Woollahra links its commercial growth to Indigenous employment, Traditional Owner partnerships and environmental outcomes for more than 550 customers nationally.
Collaboration of the Year Award: Thiess and AMY Nominees
Thiess and AMY Nominees (Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara) partnered at Prominent Hill to build lasting employment and commercial capability for the Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara people, with Thiess providing equipment and operational support while AMY Nominees delivered labour hire and training. In 2026 AMY Nominees secured a run-of-mine contract with BHP in its own right, the largest standalone contract BHP has awarded to a Traditional Owner business in South Australia.
Judges Award: Groote Aqua Aboriginal Corporation and IMC PKKPE JV
The Judges Award is the panel’s own recognition, presented to finalists whose work stood out so strongly across the field that the judges wanted to honour it in its own right. This year the panel chose two recipients.
Groote Aqua Aboriginal Corporation is an Anindilyakwa-owned aquaculture enterprise on Groote Eylandt producing sea cucumber (trepang), Blacklip Rock Oysters and seaweed. It combines marine science with Traditional Owner knowledge to build a Sea Country industry that creates jobs and training for Anindilyakwa people as the island plans for a future beyond mining, and its multi-species model uses circular production within the Little Paradise precinct's renewable energy and water infrastructure.
The IMC PKKPE JV, an equal partnership between Iron Mine Contracting and PKKP Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC, delivers civil construction and mining services across the Pilbara, with PKKP Enterprises supplying half the equipment used in its operations. At Eliwana the JV has consistently achieved its target of zero contractor-related disturbances to heritage sites, and profits support PKKP Aboriginal Corporation programs for care for Country, language and heritage protection.
Judges' Special Commendation — KCU
The judging panel also awarded KCU a special commendation in recognition of its outstanding achievements and contribution to Indigenous business.
KCU is a joint venture formed in 2015 between Kurtarra Pty Ltd, a 100% Indigenous family-owned business, and Cape Dunstans, delivering civil construction, dewatering and infrastructure projects across the Pilbara and Kimberley. Kurtarra, whose name is a Palyku word meaning brothers, leads Indigenous recruitment and mentoring along with engagement with Traditional Owner groups, while Cape Dunstans brings the operational capability and project management systems. The partnership has also grown Indigenous plant ownership, with Kurtarra Plant & Equipment, established in 2024, now running its own plant at Cloudbreak and Christmas Creek.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate, to our independent judging panel, and to our 2026 Award Sponsors, Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation and Djarindjin Airport, Rio Tinto, Commonwealth Bank, AusIMM and Indigenous Business Australia for sponsoring this year's Awards. A full wrap-up of the AEMEE Conference program will follow next week.