WA firms win Ethnic Awards

Western Australian businesses Silver Trowel Training and Carey Mining have won two of the three major prizes at the national Ethnic Business Awards.

Jonathon Skerratt from Silver Trowel Training took out the small business category for his work teaching trade skills to local and overseas students.

Forrestfield-based Carey Mining was named the inaugural winner of the indigenous in business category.

The mining company, established in 1995 by Aboriginal businessman Daniel Tucker, employs a significant indigenous workforce, with emphasis on training schemes for high-risk students.

Perth hosted the awards last weekend for the first time in their 22-year history with the state government chipping in $30,000 in sponsorship.