Inaugural Deadly Sisters Awards Celebrate Indigenous Women in Business
Inaugural Deadly Sisters Awards Celebrate Indigenous Women in Business
A group of inspiring Kimberley businesswomen gathered at Lombadina recently for the first-ever Deadly Sisters Awards, honouring five remarkable Indigenous women leading the way in business. These awards highlighted women nominated by their peers as true standouts, innovators, bold and deadly leaders, encouragers, resilient achievers, and fearless trailblazers.
The presentation of the awards was a special highlight of a three-day camp that brought together the women of the Maganda Makers, a unique business club for women entrepreneurs in the Kimberley region. The camp provided an opportunity for the women to gather in person, share ideas and resources, uplift and motivate each other, and develop new skills.
The Deadly Sisters award winners were:
The Trailblazer Award
For the women who are breaking new ground and forging paths for others to follow. And the winner is….
Patricia “Mamanyjun” Torres, Mamanyun Tree Enterprises.
The Innovator Award
For the visionaries who are constantly thinking outside the box and bringing new ideas to life. And the joint winners were…
Cissy Gore Birch, Fashion Designer (Lulujaru) AND Temali Howard, Social Enterprise Catering Company (Blak Tapas).
The Resilience Award
For the women who demonstrate unwavering strength and perseverance in the face of challenges. And the winner is…
Kathleen Cox, Ecotourism Business Operator (Goombaragin by the Bay).
The Bold and Deadly Award
For the fearless leaders who go above and beyond to inspire and empower others. And the winner is…
Brodie George, Fashion Designer (Jalayimiya Swim).
The Encourager Award
For the supporting and uplifting women who are always there to lend a hand and cheer on others. And the winner is…
Monique Le Lievre, Life Coach and Musician (Stellar Moon).
Maganda Makers operate across diverse industries, including arts, food and catering, hospitality, and mining services. The camp offered skill-building sessions on innovation, pitching, applying for grants, and business systems—plus precious time away from daily responsibilities to focus on growth and strategy.
Winner Brodie George summed up the spirit of the gathering:
“I can only be a bold and deadly businesswoman when I know I have the amazing women of the Maganda Makers behind me and with me on my business journey. Being part of this powerful movement of Aboriginal women from the Kimberley fills me with so much pride. It’s not just a camp. It’s a sisterhood, a catalyst, and a reminder of our collective power.”
The Maganda Makers initiative continues to break down barriers for Indigenous women entrepreneurs by supporting access to resources and capital, peer support networks, and the confidence to succeed in business, where even everyday tasks like getting to the post office in the wet season can be a challenge. The business club is part of Future Weavers, an Indigenous women's movement building leadership through self-employment and business, led by Natasha Short and her business, Kimberley Jiyigas, locally implemented by Enterprise Partnerships WA and supported by the Menzies Foundation and Good Return.