Congratulations to Yaye - first-ever winner of the Top First Nations Small Business Award.
Power Retail Announces Inaugural First Nations Retail Award, Celebrating Indigenous Entrepreneurship at 11th Annual All Star Bash
Power Retail has announced the winner of the inaugural Top First Nations Small Business Award at the 11th annual All Star Bash, recognising the growing impact of First Nations–led businesses in Australia’s retail sector.
Held at Crown Palladium in Melbourne on March 12, the event brought together the country’s leading retailers to celebrate innovation, performance, and industry leadership. This year marked a significant milestone with the introduction of the new First Nations category, developed in partnership with Aboriginal Retail Australia.
The first-ever winner of the Top First Nations Small Business Award was Yaye, a 100% Aboriginal-owned bath and skincare brand based in Darwin that incorporates traditional bush medicines into its products.
The award was created to champion First Nations–led enterprises that are achieving both commercial success and meaningful community impact through e-commerce and modern retail.
QUOTE FROM YAYE
The inaugural category attracted a strong group of finalists representing a diverse range of First Nations-led brands across Australia. The 2026 finalists included Clothing The Gaps, Gardening on Country, Kakadu Organics, Melbourne Jerky, Songlines, Yaala Sparkling and Yaye.
Liz Liddle, Chair of Aboriginal Retail Australia, said the award represents an important step forward for recognition within the sector.
“The Top First Nations Small Business Award sets a new benchmark for inclusion and recognition across the retail sector,” she said.
“For the first time, First Nations retailers are being recognised through an industry award that acknowledges the contribution and entrepreneurship of First Nations brands. Celebrating First Nations retailers alongside Australia’s leading brands helps drive opportunity.”
Liddle added that Yaye stood out for its strong growth and commitment to developing its e-commerce capabilities while expanding wholesale opportunities over the past 12 months.
Power Retail Founder Grant Arnott said “This new category reflects the evolving retail landscape and our commitment to highlighting diverse businesses that are shaping the future of Australian e-commerce. We were honoured to present this award to Yaye and can’t wait to see how their business continues to evolve.”
For the full list of Power Retail All Star Bash winners, please find the list here.
For more information or interviews with Liz Liddle, or featured retailers please contact:
Meriha Beaton at Agent99 Public Relations on 0483 001 050 or meriha@agent99pr.com
About Power Retail:
Power Retail, Australia’s premier news and content hub for online retail professionals, has been serving businesses of all sizes since its establishment in 2010 by Grant Arnott. From small start-ups to well-established multichannel powerhouses, Power Retail caters to the needs of all retailers, bridging the knowledge gap between current practices and untapped potential in online and omnichannel retailing.