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The Galambany Staff Network stands as a testament to the enduring cultural strength and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff at Indigenous Business Australia (IBA). Established to honour the unique contributions of First Nations employees, Galambany plays a pivotal role in fostering economic independence and cultural integrity across the organisation.
The name Galambany, meaning “we including you,” was generously gifted to IBA by the United Ngunnawal Elders Council. Pronounced Jul-um-baa-ni, this traditional Ngunnawal word reflects the inclusive spirit and collective purpose of the network.
A National connection
Each year, Galambany members come together for the Galambany Staff Network Conference, an essential opportunity to connect, collaborate, and strengthen relationships across IBA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. With staff often working in small teams across remote and regional locations, this face-to-face event bridges geographical distances and cultivates meaningful engagement.
In 2025, the conference was held on Kaurna Yarta (Adelaide), bringing together First Nations staff under the theme:
“Grounded in Culture, Guided by Legacy: Strengthening the Next Generation”
Inspired by the NAIDOC 2025 theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy,” the conference celebrated identity, shared knowledge, and empowered staff to shape strong futures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Leadership, strategy and cultural integrity
Facilitated by Ben Mitchell – renowned business leader, educator, and CEO of Northern Cape Island Enterprises Pty Ltd – the conference focused on developing a three-year strategy to elevate First Nations voices within IBA. Through a series of interactive workshops and strategic planning sessions, participants explored:
These sessions were designed to embed cultural strength into IBA’s workplace, ensuring that cultural integrity is not an add-on, but a foundational element of everything the organisation does.
Galambany Strategy: Vision for an inclusive IBA
The Galambany strategy is an internal framework focused on uplifting and empowering First Nations staff. It aims to build an inclusive IBA where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are celebrated, supported, and central to decision-making.
The conference served as a moment of reflection and celebration, honouring the past, embracing the present, and shaping a future grounded in culture and guided by legacy.
Looking ahead
As the 2025 Galambany Conference concludes, its insights and energy will continue to inform the Galambany Advisory Committee (GAC) and strengthen collective impact across IBA. The gathering reaffirmed a shared commitment to walking together honouring those who came before us and empowering those yet to come.
Legacy is living. The future is strong.
