Brendan Foster Journalist Profile

Articles

Jessica Mauboy launches suncare range Desert Rose

2 weeks ago | nit.com.au | Dianne Bortoletto |Brendan Foster

Awarded singer-songwriter, actress and proud Kuku Yalanji and Wakaman woman, Jessica Mauboy, has launched a new business, Desert Rose - a daily suncare range. Growing up in the Northern Territory, Ms Mauboy said she was surrounded by the vast beauty and challenges of the Australian outdoors.
Buying Black isn’t just business — it’s Culture, Country and Connection

2 weeks ago | nit.com.au | Nicole Brown |Brendan Foster |Giovanni Torre

Buying Black is more than just a feel-good choice—it's a powerful act of economic justice, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. When we support First Nations businesses, we're not just backing a product—we're honouring the generations of knowledge, resilience and excellence behind it. Take Something Wild, for example.
Indigenous businesses team up with Matildas in new CommBank-led advertising campaign

2 weeks ago | nit.com.au | Brendan Foster |David Prestipino

Two First Nations-owned companies will have some of the best footballers in the world "on loan" to promote their businessesin a new CommBank-led advertising campaign. Waddi Group and Jyelah Mind & Body are among 50 competition winners who will have several Matildas players in their corner as part of a nationwide ad blitz. Jyelah Mind & Body founder Kerrilee Philp said she was inspired by her Aboriginal grandmothers' passion and belief in the power of bush medicine.
First Nations businesses to take centre stage at Energy Exchange Australia conference in Boorloo

1 month ago | nit.com.au | Brendan Foster |Joseph Guenzler |David Prestipino |Callan Morse

Western Australia's burgeoning First Nations renewables industry will be showcased at the upcoming Energy Exchange Australia conference in Boorloo (Perth). In a first of its kind, the three-day conference held at the Perth Convention Centre from March 11, will host a panel featuring Indigenous leaders, including MG Corporation's executive chair Lawford Benning. MG Corporation, Kununurra's main native title organisation, represents Miriwoong and Gajirrabeng people.
Yaala building a sparkling reputation in native foo...

2 months ago | nit.com.au | Brendan Foster |Giovanni Torre

When Tara Croker discovered that less than two per cent of businesses in the native food sector were Indigenous-owned, she was determined to take a bite out of the industry. For the Proud Wiradjuri woman, it wasn't about getting a slice of the $50 million a year First Nations food industry pie, but about protecting her culture. So, Ms Croker started Yaala Sparkling with her mum, Mel Davey, in early 2023 to increase First Nations representation in the industry.
NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce: trailblazers going strong 16 years on

2 months ago | nit.com.au | Brendan Foster |Giovanni Torre

If anyone knows the critical role Indigenous chambers of commerce play in empowering First Nations businesses, it's Deborah Barwick. The proud Gamilaroi woman established the first Aboriginal chamber in Australia – the Mandurah Hunter Indigenous Business Chamber in 2006. Shortly after in 2009, she started the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC) as the first state peak body for First Nations entrepreneurs, business owners and enterprising community organisations.
Commonwealth Bank hits the road with First Nations Reach Program

2 months ago | nit.com.au | Dilvin Yasa |Brendan Foster |Dechlan Brennan |Andrew Mathieson

For many First Nations peoples living in remote communities, opening a bank account and accessing their money or support are near-impossible tasks. But a new CommBank initiative is working to improve the access to banking services for remote First Nations communities.
Can native title drive self-determination for Indigenous communities?

2 months ago | theibr.com.au | Brendan Foster |Dechlan Brennan

With the failure of the Indigenous Voice Referendum, native title corporations have emerged as one of the more tangible and legally embedded pathways for Indigenous self-determination, according to a leading academic. Dr Michael Lucas' research bridges Indigenous economic development practices between Native American and Indigenous Australian communities.
Can native title drive self-determination for Indigenous communities?

2 months ago | nit.com.au | Brendan Foster |Rhiannon Clarke |Giovanni Torre |Joseph Guenzler

With the failure of the Indigenous Voice Referendum, native title corporations have emerged as one of the more tangible and legally embedded pathways for Indigenous self-determination, according to a leading academic. Dr Michael Lucas' research bridges Indigenous economic development practices between Native American and Indigenous Australian communities.
NT Indigenous Business Network drives vibrancy and solidarity among Blak enterprises

2 months ago | nit.com.au | Brendan Foster |Giovanni Torre

Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network's "big boss" Naomi Anstess says the First Nations economy in the Top End still faces significant barriers despite recent growth. Ms Anstess said one of the key improvers for Indigenous business owners in the Territory had been "Blak-on-Blak purchasing".