Queensland has taken a significant step forward in supporting First Nations entrepreneurs with the Queensland Indigenous Business Network (QIBN) naming Donisha Duff OAM as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer. This appointment marks a new era for Indigenous small business support and growth in the region.
Donisha Duff, a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman with deep roots in the communities of Thursday Island, Badu, Moa, Mabuiag Island, and the Wuthathi people of eastern Cape York, brings to the table over a quarter-century of experience. Her extensive background spans the Indigenous health and community sectors, including a notable tenure as Chief Operating Officer at the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH). Duff’s leadership qualities have been recognised nationally, earning her a Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2024 Australia Day honours list for her exceptional service to the community.
The QIBN stands as a beacon of advocacy and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses throughout Queensland. With Duff at the forefront, the organisation is poised to champion the interests of Indigenous entrepreneurs, stimulate economic development, and cultivate strategic partnerships. Her leadership is anticipated to drive a significant uplift in the provision of critical resources and support for Indigenous businesses.
Shane Kennelly, Co-Chair of QIBN, expressed enthusiasm for Duff’s leadership, noting her unparalleled expertise in management, policy, and stakeholder engagement within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Her appointment, effective from 21 February, is seen as a strategic move to bolster Indigenous business prosperity across Queensland.
Duff herself is eager to foster a collaborative environment for Indigenous businesses, aiming to amplify their presence not only locally but on the global stage. She envisions a cohesive community of First Nations business owners who can share insights, form partnerships, and grow together.
The QIBN’s mission extends to empowering Indigenous businesses through the creation of regional hubs, business mentoring programmes, and improved access to procurement markets. By advocating for Indigenous business needs at various industry and government levels, the QIBN under Duff’s leadership is set to make significant strides in advancing the interests and success of Indigenous entrepreneurs in Queensland.
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