Bringing Indigenous students and industry together

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, Indigenous businesses and leading organisations came together at Swinburne University of Technology's inaugural Indigenous Industry and Careers Expo, held at Swinburne's Hawthorn campus. 

Hosted by the Moondani Toombadool Centre in collaboration with Kinaway Chamber of Commerce and CareerTrackers, the evening was an opportunity for Indigenous students to explore future career pathways, build professional connections and hear directly from people working across a range of industries. 

The expo featured Indigenous-led businesses alongside organisations offering dedicated pathways for First Nations professionals, including NAB, Coles, John Holland, CareerTrackers and Yarra Valley Water. 

Claire Beattie, Executive Business Engagement at NAB, shared her hope that the Indigenous Industry and Careers Expo will become an annual event.

“I was delighted to attend and speak at an event that offers so much support and inspiration to our First Nations workforce of the future,” she said.

Hearing from industry 

The evening opened with an acknowledgment by Professor John Evans, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Indigenous Engagement. 

The first session focused on Indigenous business ownership and featured Indigenous entrepreneurs and business leaders sharing their insights and experiences. 

The panel featured Craig Lawson from Mobile Phone Repairs: Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Taree, Michelle Maxwell from Violet Dreaming, and Cadi Kuchel from CareerTrackers.

The second session focused on Indigenous leadership in corporate spaces, where Indigenous executives and professionals in corporate organisations shared the tailored pathways available for First Nations professionals.

The panel featured Sara Stuart from Coles, Travis Lovett from IDIC and Claire Beattie from NAB.

The evening then moved into a networking session, where attendees could explore pathways available to them.

Opening doors through connection

The expo also showcased Indigenous businesses, with a T-shirt customisation workshop by Aboriginal-owned streetwear brand Gammin Threads and catering by Mullum Creations.

"The Indigenous Business and Careers Expo 2026 highlighted opportunities for prospective and current Indigenous students during and after their studies at Swinburne," said Bianca Mazzuchelli, Indigenous Student Advisor at the Moondani Toombadool Centre. 

"The panels offered a distinctive perspective on Indigenous leadership in First Nations business ownership and corporate Australia. Attendees left inspired and confident about the opportunities ahead."