28/05/2026
National Reconciliation Week has become a complicated and often uncomfortable time for many of us. Years ago, I chose to step back from many opportunities during this week for that reason, and now only work with people and organisations I have long-standing relationships with, those who support and work with me all year round, not just during one symbolic week.
But this week, I uncovered something deeply offensive that has caused both personal hurt and direct harm to my business.
A major non-Aboriginal catering company in Sydney delivered a morning tea for more than 600 guests for the launch of a NSW Government department’s RAP. Without my permission, they falsely claimed they had a partnership with me to deliver catering services. This RAP launch has been heavily promoted publicly.
To exploit the name and reputation of an Aboriginal business — one built through survival, healing, resilience and breaking cycles over more than 30 years — for commercial gain is disgraceful at any time. But to do it during National Reconciliation Week makes it even more disturbing.
Reconciliation cannot exist alongside exploitation.
Culture is not a marketing strategy.
Aboriginal businesses are not props used to legitimise corporate contracts.
If you want to work with Aboriginal businesses, deal with us directly. Ask questions. Verify partnerships. Build genuine relationships.
Too often, companies want access to our culture, our stories, our brands and our credibility for financial gain, while systems and behaviours continue to keep Aboriginal people and businesses fighting to survive rather than thrive.
We need to start calling this behaviour out for what it is, because silence only protects those benefiting from it.
STANDING, CALLING OUT, BACKING MYSELF.
