Empowering First Nations Futures in WA: Business, Ageing, and Cultural Leadership

In June 2025, two powerful events in Western Australia showcased how First Nations leadership is shaping a stronger, more inclusive future, both in enterprise and aged care. From the WA Business News Indigenous Business Lunch at Crown Perth to Liz Behjat’s “Ageing on Country, Ageing Well” initiative, the message was clear: sustainable development starts with cultural respect, equity, and Indigenous-led solutions.

Ageing on Country: Restoring Dignity to Elders

Hosted by Liz Behjat, WA-NT State Manager at Ageing Australia, this intimate forum brought together stakeholders in aged care, government, and Indigenous advocacy to tackle a pressing issue: how to support Elders to age well.

Key Messages:

• Culturally safe care is non-negotiable: elders want to remain within their communities, close to land, language, and family.
• The regional and remote camp services and aged care system in Western Australia are experiencing significant strain. Investment and reforms are needed to bridge the gap.
• Government action must go beyond funding; there’s a need for policy collaboration with First Nations voices at the centre.

Liz’s long-standing political and sectoral experience lent weight to the conversation, calling for local empowerment and multi-level government support to ensure First Nations elders are not left behind.

Indigenous Business is Booming: WA Business News Lunch Recap

Held at Crown Perth, this dynamic networking event celebrated the growth and resilience of Indigenous enterprises across sectors, from finance and construction to tourism and community development.

Highlights:

• Minister Don Punch, MLA, emphasized that Indigenous businesses are “no longer on the fringe”; they are integral to WA’s post-resources economy.
• Panelists, including Lisa Collard (Moodjar) and Nathan McIvor (Djarindjin Corporation), discussed challenges such as funding access, procurement barriers, and leadership development.
• Strategic partnerships, such as those forged between Westpac Indigenous Banking and local corporations, are fostering long-term impact rather than mere compliance.

Perhaps the most powerful takeaway is that Indigenous entrepreneurship is not just emerging; it is already established and growing stronger every year.

Real Leadership, Real Change

Both events championed First Nations-led solutions over imposed frameworks. Aged care and business success share common threads: they flourish when communities are trusted, resourced, and listened to.

Shared Themes:

• Cultural intelligence is crucial: mainstream services must evolve to incorporate cultural awareness and respect.
• Policy must match intent: Without systemic investment, even the best ideas can’t scale.
• Indigenous leadership is transforming systems, not adapting to them.

Personal Reflection, A Moment of Truth, and Alignment

For me, attending the WA Indigenous Business Lunch at Crown Perth felt like a pivotal moment.

I’ve worked in mining, finance, and hospitality, and now lead a facilities management company, but this event brought everything back to something much deeper: respect, healing, and the power of doing business the right way. Hearing the voices of elders, entrepreneurs, and advocates speak so clearly about self-determination, cultural dignity, and economic inclusion confirmed for me that I am precisely where I need to be.

What moved me most was the genuine spirit of leadership that doesn’t chase power but protects people. It reminded me that success isn’t just measured in contracts but in how we uplift others along the way, especially those whose stories haven’t always been heard.

As someone committed to forming meaningful partnerships that prioritise employment, empowerment, and wellness, this event reassured me that there is a better way forward: one led by community, grounded in country, and carried out with honour and purpose.

The event left me feeling humble and inspired, motivating me to strive for more, improve myself, and show complete respect towards our First Nations siblings.

— Sherif Sulejman

Managing Director, Cameron Facilities Pty Ltd

Final Thoughts: The Way Forward

Western Australia is standing at a pivotal moment. With the strength of Indigenous entrepreneurs, elders, and advocates like Liz Behjat, the path forward is one of culturally grounded innovation and inclusive growth. Supporting First Nations futures is not just the right thing to do; it’s smart business, sustainable policy, and an act of national healing.

Cameron Facilities is actively seeking to grow meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal organisations and deliver services that create real community outcomes. If your organisation shares these values, we’d love to connect. Contact us today!