Victoria’s business community gathered to celebrate business excellence and innovation at the 2025 Victorian Aboriginal Business Awards.

Hosted by Kinaway Chamber of Commerce, the awards recognise the outstanding achievements of First Nation businesses and entrepreneurs.

The top honour of the night, The Karen Milward Business Excellence Award, was given to TVN On-Country, a regionally based business providing commercial construction services nationally.

Other winners included:

• Dreamtime Flooring x RJ Precision Flooring Installation – Best Collaboration Award
• Clothing the Gaps – Community Choice Award
• Fulton Hogan – Corporate Partner Excellence Award
• Eastern Freeway Burke to Tram Alliance – Corporate Partner Innovation Award
• Luruk-In – Creative Business Award
• Capitil – Regional Business Award
• Kerry Arabena – Sistas in Business Award
• Banburra – Up-and-Coming Business Award.

We spoke to Aimee McCartney, founder of Luruk-In, winner of the Creative Business Award, who shared her story of establishing a contemporary Aboriginal art business here in Victoria.

Creative Business Award: Luruk-In

Luruk-In was born from Aimee’s deep love of painting and a desire to share her culture through storytelling and connection. For Aimee, art has always been a way to express herself and honour her Country and heritage. ‘I wanted to create something that allowed people to bring that sense of connection into their everyday lives whether through an artwork on their wall, a candle on their table or a lanyard they wear to work.'

The early years were full of learning and growth; late nights painting, packing orders and managing markets – but they were also incredibly rewarding. Every conversation with a customer and every piece that found a new home reminded Aimee of why she started.

‘Winning the Creative Business Award has been such an incredible honour. It’s brought so much recognition to Luruk-In and opened new opportunities for collaboration and growth. It’s been a moment of reflection – a reminder that sharing culture, creativity and community through art really resonates with people. It has inspired me to keep pushing forward and continue growing both as an artist and a business owner.'

Everything Aimee creates is inspired by Country – the lines, shapes and stories that reflect movement, connection and place. Her work often draws from the land and the relationships between people and nature.

‘I’m also deeply influenced by my family who are a constant source of strength and inspiration for me. Each piece I create carries a sense of storytelling and belonging through a modern expression of culture that can be shared in homes and workplaces alike.'

Be genuine and show up. Community connection isn’t just about partnerships or promotion – it’s about building relationships, listening and creating spaces where everyone feels included. Support local events, collaborate with other small businesses and make sure what you do gives back in a meaningful way.