Has your home or business been impacted by the recent floods and damaging winds associated with Cyclone Alfred?
If you have an IBA home loan or business finance product and have been impacted by this weather event, we want to reassure you and your family that IBA is here in times of need.
Customers impacted by the recent natural disaster can apply for an emergency natural disaster relief grant – $5,000 for IBA business finance customers and/or $2,000 for IBA home loan customers.
Impacted customers will receive a direct link to apply. Applications accepted until midnight 11 April 2025, or until funds are exhausted (whichever comes first).
Additional information and resource links are below:
Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) and the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) are excited to announce the winners of the inaugural Indigenous Creators Pitch announced last night in Melbourne at the AIDC Awards ceremony.
An initiative of AIDC’s Indigenous Creators Program, the Indigenous Creators Pitch provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander filmmakers with the opportunity to pitch a project in development to a closed room of local and international buyers looking to support Indigenous-led nonfiction stories.
Selected by an independent panel of industry experts, the winning project was set to receive a $5,000 cash prize presented by AIDC to help bring their story to screen. An anonymous donor doubled the prize amount on the day of the AIDC Awards, making a prize pool of $10,000 available. The prize was shared between three projects:
CRYSTAL LOVE – $5,000
Pitch Team: Libby Collins and Genevieve Grieves
Logline: Crystal Love is a powerhouse, thriving in the face of everything life has thrown at her.
HUNTING TIDDA STYLE – $2,500
Pitch Team: Kate ten Buuren, Kimberley Benjamin and Jodie Bell
Logline: Emily Wurramara travels across so-called Australia to meet some of the country’s deadliest Blak women hunters, to learn their ways of hunting, fishing and cooking up a feed!
ABOLISHED – $2,500
Pitch Team: Daniel King and Jen Mellander
Logline: This documentary investigates the abolishment of all the Indigenous representative bodies since 1967, uncovering what this pattern reveals about the Australian government’s relationship with Indigenous people.
A fourth project in the Indigenous Creators Pitch – Marliya, pitched by Shontell Ketchell, Stephen Page and Ewan Cutler, about a First Nations youth choir – received $20,000 in development funding as part of AIDC’s Shark Island Foundation Feature Docs Pitch.
The Indigenous Creators Program and Pitch are part of IBA's ongoing commitment to empowering First Nations voices.
IBA’s Producer Offset Loan, a financial solution designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander filmmakers, provides Indigenous-owned production companies with the necessary funds to finance eligible Australian documentary, film, or television projects. It complements investments from Screen Australia, state government film-funding agencies, or broadcasters.
AIDC 2025’s Indigenous Creators Program and Indigenous Creators Pitch are both supported by IBA, marking the organisation’s debut involvement in AIDC.
IBA Deputy CEO Sean Armistead said IBA was proud to support the initiative, saying it provides a vital platform for amplifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices in the documentary sector.
“This initiative is about creating real opportunities for First Nations documentary makers to bring their unique and powerful stories to market.
“The breadth and depth of talent among the selected projects is inspiring, and we’re proud to support these creators in their journey to connect with decision-makers and bring their stories to audiences worldwide.”
AIDC CEO/Creative Director Natasha Gadd noted that the Indigenous Creators Pitch had been long-planned but needed the right partner to bring it to fruition.
“This Indigenous Creators Pitch has been years in the making but it's only with the support of Indigenous Business Australia for this year’s indigenous Creators Program, that we have finally been able to create a dedicated pitch for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytellers.
“The Indigenous Creators Program is designed by and for First Nations practitioners and, now in its seventh year, we are thrilled to be able to include a marketplace pitch for filmmakers to pitch new projects to buyers seeking Indigenous-authored stories.
“The unique vision, styles and stories of all the projects have impressed AIDC and our decision makers beyond measure. We thank Indigenous Business Australia and congratulate all the teams. We hope to be able to do this again for years to come."
For more information about the Indigenous Creators Program and the winner of the Indigenous Creators Pitch, visit aidc.com.au. To find out more about IBA’s Producer Offset Loan Solution, visit iba.gov.au.
Media contact: Tara Toohill 02 9207 6362 or tara.toohill@iba.gov.au
Don’t worry if you missed out on the latest IBA Newsletter. To make sure you get a copy direct to your inbox, sign up here Subscribe - Indigenous Business Australia
This issue includes stories on:
Read the newsletter here and read stories of our wonderful customers, along with IBA and community news.
Did you know it's been 50 years since the Indigenous Home Ownership program was established? This year we’re honouring those foundations and commemorating the impact that our programs support. 
We reflect on this milestone that honours the resilience, wisdom, and courage of past generations while celebrating the innovation and passion of the present. It reminds us that every success achieved today is a testament to those who came before, and a stepping stone for those who will come after.
Our theme, “50 Years: Through the Generations”, reflects this journey of our organisation, as well as, and most importantly, the successes of our customers and their families and communities.
IBA’s 50th emblem embodies connection, progress and community. The 5 and 0 are formed from the elements of the IBA brand (inspired by the work of Gamilaraay/Gomeroi artist Penny Evans) and feature the shapes within the IBA logo. These lines and circles signify the pathways and the milestones accomplished alongside our customers.
We've been junk journalling! Check out this fun video reel we put together reflecting on a some highlights.
Has your home or business been impacted by the severe weather and recent floods to parts of North Qld and NSW? 
If you have an IBA home loan or business finance product and have been impacted by this weather event, we want to reassure you and your family that IBA is here in times of need.
Customers impacted by the recent natural disaster can apply for an emergency natural disaster relief grant – $5,000 for IBA business finance customers and/or $2,000 for IBA home loan customers.
Impacted customers will receive a direct link to apply. Applications accepted until midnight 21 March 2025, or until funds are exhausted (whichever comes first).
Additional information and resource links are below:
Due to the flooding in Townsville and affected areas, IBA has temporarily closed our Townsville office until further notice.
During this period, all local employees are requested to work from home, considering the safety of our customers and staff.
If you need to speak to anyone at IBA, you can phone us on 1800 107 107 or get in touch via email.
If you’ve been affected by the floods, the Queensland Government may be able to assist:
For further information
Has your home or business been impacted by the December natural disasters in parts of Queensland and Victoria?
If you have an IBA home loan or business finance product and have been impacted by these weather events, we want to reassure you and your family that IBA is here in times of need.
Customers impacted by the recent natural disaster can apply for an emergency natural disaster relief grant – $5,000 for IBA business finance customers and/or $2,000 for IBA home loan customers.
Natural disaster relief grants are currently available to affected customers in the following areas:
Queensland
Victoria
Impacted customers will receive a direct link to apply. Applications accepted until midnight 28 February 2025, or until funds are exhausted (whichever comes first).
Additional information and resource links are below:
Reproduced from Minister for Indigenous Australians media centre, released 11 Dec 2024.
Three eminent First Nations people have been appointed to the Board of Indigenous Business Australia (IBA).
Mr Darren Godwell has been appointed as Chair and Ms Leah Cameron and Ms Olga Havnen as Directors.
Indigenous Business Australia plays a critical role in advancing the economic independence of First Nations people through expert business advice, tailored finance solutions and investment initiatives that empower individuals and businesses.
The new appointees bring extensive expertise from different First Nations communities across the country and from sectors including business, finance, law, trade and investments.
The Albanese Government acknowledges and thanks outgoing Chair Mr Eddie Fry and Directors Ms Shirley McPherson and Mr Richard Allert AO, for their leadership and dedication to IBA over the past decade, and Mr Richard Callaghan for his contributions during his 3-year tenure.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“The new Board members bring to IBA a wide range of skills and lived experience that reflects the diversity of First Nations Australia - from finance to community health, from small communities to big cities.
“That diversity will contribute to IBA’s ongoing efforts to support First Nations people to realise their aspirations and build sustainable economic futures.
“I congratulate Mr Darren Godwell, Ms Leah Cameron and Ms Olga Havnen on their appointments.”
IBA welcomes the Federal Government’s support of our vision for a nation in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are economically independent and an integral part of the national economy through the support and introduction to the House, of the legislative amendments to IBA’s enabling legislation, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (the Act).
The proposed amendment will support and drive our ability to continue the legacy of nearly 50 years of outcomes for the community through the Indigenous Home Ownership Program, which to date has provided more than 21,000 home loans. IBA is gearing up financially to increase delivery to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families, businesses and communities. Empowering prosperity, financial inclusion, and creating intergenerational impact.
Our investments have a proven track record of success. We have matured to become a sophisticated financial institution with a range of products and services supporting a diverse range of needs for our customers in homes and business opportunities. The current legislative constraint has acted as a barrier to IBA’s growth and ability to offer a broader range of support across the country. IBA can achieve more without this constraint
We continually seek new pathways to grow our impact, and the first step in this evolution commences with the introduction of Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits and Other Measures) Bill 2024, which will amend the Act and position IBA to raise capital and borrow funds, and to fulfil the growing demand for Indigenous home ownership, business and investments.
Our legislated purpose and strategic remit sets out the requirement to advance the commercial and economic interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities by the accumulation and utilisation of a substantial capital and asset base for their benefit. Our consolidated total assets now exceed $2.3 billion—a remarkable increase from $1.7 billion just five years ago.
IBA Chairperson Eddie Fry, a Dagoman man highlighted the need for legislative change in a recent speech on ‘Activating Indigenous-led opportunities in Northern Australia’.
“Expanding the financial capability of IBA, along with the growing desire for Indigenous people to engage in commercial activities, is a perfect combination to increase Indigenous participation in the economy.”
IBA has been actively working towards this legislation change to expand our capacity for several years and in the process, we received valuable input from our Expert Panel members, Mr Rick Allert AO, Ms Rosemary Addis, Dr Doug McTaggart, Ms Diane Smith-Gander AO, Professor Robynne Quiggin, Dr Helen Szoke AO and Professor Marcia Langton AM.
We greatly appreciate the very strong support IBA received for the legislative change from the Indigenous community following extensive consultations across the country. IBA will continue extensive consultations as we partner with groups to progress their initiatives to transform Indigenous economic empowerment.
On behalf of the IBA Board and the IBA family, we are focused to deliver on Indigenous Australians’ aspirations in the immediate and forward years, which have long been voiced. Not just for the current generations, but for generations to come. They will be an integral part of the economic and social fabric of the whole nation.
Leo Bator, IBA’s Acting CEO, welcomed the development, “This legislative change will allow IBA to financially collaborate with other agencies to deliver even deeper meaningful impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
“The changes will lay the foundations for further growth as an organisation, and has been years in the making, thanks to the hard work of IBA’s Executive team, the IBA Board and current Chair of IBA, Eddie Fry.”
“We look forward to continuing our work towards closing the gap on housing, providing more access to business finance and support for entrepreneurs, and increasing investment opportunities for First Nations communities.”
Earlier this year at Garma 2024, Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia, said:
“This very exciting success for change of legislation for IBA will result in:
On behalf of the Board, Mr Fry thanked the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy, for her support in driving this change to allow IBA to strengthen its purpose for economic empowerment for First Nation’s people, families and communities.
Media contact: Katie Hoskins on 02 9207 6361 or Katie.Hoskins@iba.gov.au.
Our latest e-newsletter is out now! If you haven’t seen our latest round-up of stories and news, you can read the newsletter here
This issue, as always, features our inspirational customers and includes:
Plus details of our latest workshops, and a link to the new Annual Report.
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