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First Nations Programs

We partner with First Nations  communities to strengthen business capability in ways that support self-determination.  Our programs focus on building sustainable enterprises and locally led solutions that support long-term economic strength and community resilience.




Our approach:

COMMUNITY LED AND PLACE BASED

Programs are co-designed with First Nations communities through ongoing consultation, feedback and learning. We walk alongside community leaders, ensuring inclusive, consensus-based decision making at every stage.

CULTURALLY GROUNDED AND ACCESSIBLE

Business support is delivered in ways that are culturally safe and relevant, adapting to language, context and community priorities to foster ownership, confidence and entrepreneurship.

BUILT ON TRUST AND RECIPROCITY

Strong relationships are at the centre of our work, founded on respect, physical presence and trauma-informed approaches that enable shared leadership and long-term impact.


FIRST NATIONS PROGRAMS

At the heart of all of our programs is a commitment to ensuring First Nations voices are embedded in every step of engagement.

GLaWAC Workshop Feb 2026 day 2 (15) skilled business volunteering

FIRST NATIONS WORK WITHIN OUR AUSTRALIAN DISASTER AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCE PROGRAMS

ABV’s inclusive community approach ensures First Nations organisations are central to disaster and economic resilience. Walking alongside Local Aboriginal Land Councils, we support their visions and goals, helping to strengthen communities and create pathways for self-determination.

IMG

WORKING WITH FIRST NATIONS ORGANISATIONS WITH OUR NAB CUSTOMER STRATEGY CHALLENGES

ABV and NAB’s co-designed Customer Strategy Challenges show how skilled volunteering can walk alongside community partners to deliver tangible outcomes. These collaborations strengthen community organisations, including First Nations businesses, by building capability, supporting growth, and creating pathways for lasting impact.
1Warnapari Telfer A (1)

ADVANCING ENTREPRENEURSHIP PATHWAYS WITH A DEDICATED PROGRAM

The Martu Business Development Services program supported the creation of appropriate pathways to economic independence for Martu people. We fostered inherent entrepreneurship through improved business skills and knowledge and facilitate access to opportunities and industry networks

Our program focused on collaborating with Martu entrepreneurs in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions. from diverse sectors, such as civil works, labour hire, mine rehab, seed collecting, art, First Nation fashion, music, cultural awareness, and education. 

Our goal was to foster sustainable development and empowerment within these communities by providing tailored support that addresses their specific needs and aspirations.

We worked in partnership with our funders, Greatland.
Greatland logo (1)Martu award
C2C Corina Jadai

 

"Being creative is more than just a job - it's who I am and what I do"

From the Kimberley to creativity, a journey of art and culture


Meet Corina Jadai, an artist, fashion and graphic designer whose roots run deep in the vibrant landscapes of the Kimberley and Pilbara regions in West Australia. Growing up in this culturally rich environment profoundly influenced Corina’s work, infusing her creative expressions with the colours, patterns, and stories of her Country and culture.

Corina’s connection to art is more than a career—it’s a way of life. Her approach to creativity is guided by a strong sense of cultural identity, where each brushstroke and design reflects the essence of her upbringing. The dynamic colours and intricate details of her work draw inspiration from the natural beauty and history of the Kimberley and Western Desert regions, weaving together tradition and innovation.

For Corina, being a creative artist and designer is about telling a story and staying true to her roots. "Being a Creative is more than just a job; it’s who I am and what I do.” Her artistry serves as a strong reminder that creativity is a powerful tool for connection, expression, and for preserving the stories that define us.

ABV is pleased to work with Corina and Nuriah Jadai as part of its Martu Business Development Services in Pilbara and Kimberley regions to provide meaningful economic pathways for Martu entrepreneurs across West Australia.

Recent Updates and Stories

1 April 2026
Warnapari Services unlocks employment pathways for Martu people 

Participants of the Martu Business Development Services program that supports First Nations-owned businesses on Martu Country in Western Australia, Jeremy Sammy and Morika Bijabu are forging a business they hope will empower future generations of Martu people.   Growing up in the remote community of Punma roughly 640km from the nearest regional town, Jeremy and Morika shared a vision for a business and land management operation that would be fully owned and led by Martu people - operating on their own Country   In development for over eight years, the business Warnapari Services is now based in the remote town […]

16 March 2026
GLaWAC teams step up with new project skills after hands‑on business workshop

Staff from the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) have strengthened their project planning capability after taking part in a two-day Business Acumen Workshop on Country. The training brought together teams from across Country Operations and focused on practical learning built around real GLaWAC projects. Supported by ABV Volunteer facilitator Dr Ken Long, the […]

4 November 2025
Corina Jadai debuts resort wear collection at Country to Couture  

Proud Martu woman and contemporary artist, Corina Jadai, from Bidyadanga in Western Australia debuted her label Jarli at the Indigenous Fashion Project’s 10th annual  Country to Couture on Larrakia country (Darwin) August 2025.   Creating resort wear inspired by the Pilbara and Kimberley, Corina’s collection blends vast desert landscapes with hues of the ocean and turtle […]

21 August 2025
Celebrating Martu Entrepreneurs featured in Kujungkarrini Magazine

We’re proud to see the incredible journeys of our entrepreneurs featured in the latest edition of Kujungkarrini, Greatland’s community magazine. This month’s stories shine a well-deserved spotlight on those who are turning vision into reality through hard work, creativity, and courage.  Among them are Jeremy Sammy and Morika Biljabu, whose company Warnapari Services is creating […]

9 July 2025
Painting Spirit – The Art of Lloyd Kwilla  

“Water is life. Country is spirit. And painting is how I keep both alive.” – Lloyd Kwilla  Lloyd Kwilla, born in 1980, is an acclaimed Aboriginal Australian artist whose works pulse with the spirit of his Country. Raised in Wangkatjungka on Christmas Creek Station, and now based in Pandanus Park, Lloyd’s art is grounded in the […]

20 May 2025
NVW2025: Chris Maddock on leaving the legacy you want

Hearing about ABV from a friend in engineering, Geelong local Chris Maddock wasn’t sure that he would have the opportunity to share his skills through the organisation’s humanitarian programs. It wasn’t until he had retired from his role as Business Manager for Christian College Geelong, that the right opportunity came along. “I saw an advertisement […]

17 April 2025
"It's a privilege to share my story and my dreams have come true". Meet Broome artist, Freddy Wilridge.

From humble beginnings on a cattle station near Sandfire, Freddy’s journey has been one of resilience, independence, and creativity. Inspired by the land and the stories of his community, he began painting in 2017. This became a profound way to share his feelings and express his connection to the unique beauty and spirit of the […]

11 March 2025
Spotlight on Women in Community

In collaboration with Greatland Gold Telfer, ABV’s Martu Business Development Service celebrates the exceptional First Nations women we have had the privilege of supporting and walking alongside on their business journeys in the Western Pilbara. Introducing the Martu sisters, Corina Jadai and Nuriah Jadai, First Nations artists who bring their culture, stories and creative visions […]

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ABV is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
ABN: 89008612431

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