Verified and Proud: Woollahra Sets the Standard for Authentic Indigenous Enterprise

Woollahra Group is proud to announce a significant milestone in our journey—official verification through the IBIR (Indigenous Business Integrity Register) independent audit process.

For our Founder and Managing Director, Chris Schmid, this achievement represents something far deeper than certification.

“As a proud Mandandanji man and founder of Woollahra Group, being officially verified through the IBIR independent audit process is a deeply meaningful milestone – not just for me, but for our team, our partners, and the communities we serve.”

More Than Verification

In today’s market, where the integrity of Indigenous procurement is increasingly important, IBIR verification provides a new level of transparency, trust, and accountability.

For Woollahra, this recognition confirms what we have always stood for:

• A genuinely Indigenous-owned and led business
• A commitment to self-determination and economic empowerment
• A purpose-driven model that delivers real outcomes for communities

“This verification is far more than a formality. It’s a powerful recognition that Woollahra Group is Indigenous-owned, led, and purpose-driven. It affirms our commitment to self-determination, economic empowerment, and cultural integrity.”

Setting a New Benchmark

As Indigenous procurement continues to grow across Australia, so too does the need for clarity and authenticity.

IBIR’s independent verification sets a new benchmark for the industry, giving organisations confidence that their procurement decisions are delivering genuine, measurable impact for First Nations people.

For Woollahra, it reinforces our position as a business that not only participates in this space—but helps lead it.

Redefining Indigenous Enterprise

Woollahra has always taken a different approach.

Through our social enterprise model, we are proving that Indigenous-led businesses can:

• Operate at scale
• Deliver high-quality products and services
• Create meaningful employment pathways
• Drive long-term community impact

“We’re not just another supplier. Woollahra is redefining what Indigenous enterprise looks like—proving that Indigenous-led businesses can deliver at scale, with excellence, and with impact.”

Standing for Authenticity

In an environment where “black cladding” has blurred the lines, authenticity matters more than ever.

This verification is a clear statement: Woollahra is the real deal.

It reflects the integrity of our ownership, the strength of our leadership, and the impact of our work across manufacturing, distribution, and community initiatives.

Looking Ahead

Woollahra Group will be officially listed on the IBIR platform, launching on 30 October 2025, further strengthening visibility and trust across the industry.

As we continue to grow, this milestone is both a reflection of how far we’ve come—and a signal of where we’re going.

“True leadership begins with ownership. When Indigenous hands shape the vision, authenticity flows through every part of the journey.”

At Woollahra, culture, community, and Country will always be at the heart of everything we do. And with this verification, we move forward with even greater purpose, clarity, and impact.