Driving the Conversation: Woollahra at the Business News Indigenous Business Lunch

Woollahra was honoured to attend the Business News Indigenous Business Lunch, an event that brought together leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to discuss the future of Aboriginal business in Australia.

It was an afternoon defined by insight, honesty, and a shared commitment to progress.

Leadership in Action

Our Managing Director, Chris Schmid, was invited to speak on the panel—joining other industry leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities facing Aboriginal businesses in today’s market.

The discussion highlighted the evolving landscape for Indigenous enterprises, including:

• Navigating growth in competitive industries
• Strengthening procurement pathways
• Building sustainable, long-term partnerships
• Creating genuine economic participation and impact

Chris shared Woollahra’s journey, offering real-world insights into what it takes to scale an Indigenous business while staying grounded in purpose and community.

A Platform for Meaningful Dialogue

Events like the Indigenous Business Lunch are critical in driving forward the national conversation.

They create space for:

• Honest discussions about barriers and opportunities
• Knowledge sharing between businesses and industry leaders
• Stronger alignment between corporate Australia and Indigenous enterprises

The strong attendance and engagement throughout the afternoon reflected the growing recognition of the role Indigenous businesses play in shaping Australia’s economic future.

Recognising Support and Partnership

Woollahra extends its thanks to Charles Kobelke and the Business News team for hosting such an impactful event, and for their continued support of Chris, Woollahra, and Surekleen Chemicals.

Ongoing platforms like this are essential in amplifying Indigenous voices and creating opportunities for connection and collaboration.

Looking Ahead

As Woollahra continues to grow, we remain committed to contributing to conversations that matter—advocating for stronger pathways, greater inclusion, and meaningful outcomes for Indigenous businesses across Australia.

At Woollahra, we believe that by sharing knowledge and working together, we can create lasting change—both in business and in community.