For Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation, economic development is about more than creating jobs and business opportunities.
It's about building enterprises, owning assets and generating wealth that delivers lasting benefits for Aboriginal communities.
This philosophy, known as the Djarindjin Way, is helping shape a new approach to Aboriginal economic development, with a focus on self-determination, commercial independence and community wellbeing.
It will also be a central message at the 2026 Aboriginal Enterprises in Mining, Energy and Exploration (AEMEE) National Conference in Broome next week, where Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation (DAC) and Djarindjin Airport Pty Ltd (DAPL) will be recognised as the organisation's inaugural Legacy Partner.
The partnership acknowledges Djarindjin's longstanding relationship with AEMEE and its contribution to advancing Aboriginal business leadership across Australia's resources sector.
DAC chairperson Brian Lee said the recognition reflected a shared commitment to creating opportunities for Aboriginal businesses to become owners, investors and decisionmakers.
For Djarindjin, the focus is on demonstrating that Aboriginal businesses, regardless of their size or location, can compete commercially, build successful enterprises and contribute to the broader economy.
From participation to ownership
The theme of this year's AEMEE conference, The Next Era – Leadership, Ownership, The Future, reflects a broader shift in the conversation around Aboriginal economic development.
While employment, training and procurement remain important, Djarindjin believes greater emphasis must be placed on asset ownership, wealth creation and genuine economic independence.
In his prepared conference address, Mr Lee challenges traditional measures of Aboriginal economic success.
"Somewhere along the way, we've confused participation with prosperity," he says. "We've confused employment with empowerment."
For Djarindjin, the ambition extends beyond securing opportunities within existing industries to building and owning the businesses and infrastructure that support them.
"We don't just want a seat on somebody else's aircraft. We want to own the airport, operate the aircraft services that support it, and help determine where the economic opportunities take us."
Commercial success in action
Djarindjin Airport provides a practical example of this approach.
Located on the Dampier Peninsula, the community-owned enterprise supports offshore oil and gas aviation operations in an industry where safety, reliability, compliance and commercial performance are essential.
Since 2022, the business has supplied approximately eight million litres of aviation fuel and facilitated 70,000 passenger movements.
Its achievements were recognised at the 2026 Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Excellence Awards, where DAPL received the Expand Award for businesses employing 11 to 20 people, as well as the overall Business of the Year Award.
Mr Lee said the airport's success demonstrated the capability of Aboriginal-owned enterprises to operate in demanding commercial environments.
"We don't expect special treatment because we're an Aboriginal-owned business," he says. "We expect to be judged on our ability to deliver."
The airport's growth has also been supported by commercial partnerships across the resources sector, highlighting the importance of relationships built on mutual value rather than dependency.
For Djarindjin, these partnerships create opportunities to build capability, acquire assets and establish sustainable revenue streams.
However, the organisation believes the ultimate measure of success lies in what those commercial achievements deliver for its community.
The Djarindjin Way
Central to Djarindjin's approach is the belief that commercial success and community wellbeing are interconnected.
Its 20-year strategic vision is supported by the Binimal Aambooriny – Strong People, Healthy Living Strategy, which seeks to translate economic opportunities into better outcomes for the community.
"Commercial success is not the destination. It's the vehicle that helps us get there," Mr Lee says.
This philosophy is reflected in several initiatives designed to strengthen the community's long-term independence.
Through its Goolboo Jawal Financial Hub, Djarindjin funds financial counselling services to support community members.
The organisation is also progressing its Aalga Goolil – Sun Turtle renewable energy project, with the intention of maintaining 100 per cent community ownership.
Further opportunities are being developed across housing, logistics, essential services and community infrastructure.
Together, these initiatives form part of a broader strategy to create an interconnected community economy, where revenue generated through commercial enterprises supports improved living standards, stronger families and long-term financial independence.
Building a lasting legacy
Djarindjin's appointment as AEMEE's inaugural Legacy Partner recognises its leadership and longstanding contribution to Indigenous economic development.
Unlike a traditional sponsorship arrangement, the partnership is intended to extend beyond the annual conference through ongoing industry engagement, collaboration and opportunities to showcase Aboriginal business capability.
For more than two decades, AEMEE has worked with Indigenous businesses, Traditional Owner organisations, government and industry to expand economic participation across Australia's resources sector.
The partnership reflects a shared ambition to ensure Aboriginal businesses are not simply participants in Australia's economic future, but leaders in shaping it.
It also demonstrates how smaller, community-owned enterprises can achieve commercial success while maintaining a strong connection to culture, community and Country.
As Australia looks towards new opportunities in resources, critical minerals and renewable energy, Djarindjin believes Aboriginal ownership must become a greater priority.
For Mr Lee, the challenge is to move beyond participation targets and focus on building lasting wealth, assets and decision-making authority.
"Legacy is what you leave behind when the conference is over, the speeches are finished and everyone has gone home," he says.
At Djarindjin, that means building enterprises that endure, creating opportunities for future generations and ensuring the benefits of economic development remain within the community.
"We're not waiting for somebody else to build our future," Mr Lee says. "We're getting on with building it ourselves."
