Kooljaman top WA indigenous business

KOOLJAMAN, a fully Aboriginal-owned West Kimberley tourism complex, has been named WA Indigenous Business of the Year for the second year running.

The Kooljaman complex, at Cape Leveque on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula is a joint venture of the Djarindjin and One Arm Point Aboriginal communities. It also won the category for businesses with more than six employees.

Rock lobster fishing business Panvale Investment, which operates from Mindarie to Mandurah and sells to processors along the way, won the Perth Metropolitan area one to five employees category.

Port Hedland-based TW Cassidy Water Cart Hire won the rural/regional centres one to five employees category.

The Warlayirti Artists Aboriginal Corporation won the cultural category. It also received a special commendation in the overall WA Indigenous Business of the Year award.

The Balgo Hills-located corporation has established links with art galleries throughout Australia and the world and is growing its business on the Internet.

Broome-based Goolari Media Enterprises received a high commendation in the business with six or more employees category. It operates radio and television stations, film and television production facilities, a music recording studio and other marketing, media and information technology businesses.