Four South Australian businesses took out top gongs at the 63rd national Australian Export Awards held at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday night.
Amongst the winners from more than 370 applications submitted across eight states and territories and 95 national finalists was Aboriginal-owned premium wine company Munda Wines, taking out the inaugural First Nations Exporter award.
The standalone category is dedicated to recognising First Nations traders and exporters who make outstanding contributions to international trade.
Sourcing grapes from across the state, the Aboriginal-owned premium wine company currently exports to the United States, Canada and Malaysia
Wirangu and Kokatha man Pauly Vandenbergh founded Munda Wines, with the label officially launching in 2022.
“International markets are eager to engage with the oldest continuing culture on the face of the planet. It is an incredible point of difference for Aboriginal-led businesses and resonates powerfully with our commercial partners,” he said.
“Munda Wines redefined what Australian wine can stand for – proving that culture, Country and commerce can walk together and open pathways for the next generation of Aboriginal entrepreneurs.”
Vandenbergh first founded joint venture Wanna Mar Produce with the famous Port Lincoln fishing Stehr Group and was the first Aboriginal holder of a commercial tuna licence in South Australia. He says that when the question was raised about what wine pairs best with a chargrilled bluefin tuna steak fresh from the Far West led to Munda Wines.
Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell said it was important to highlight Australia’s exporters who made a significant contribution to the nation’s economic prosperity.
“They create thousands of jobs in our regions and cities, taking the best of Australia to the world and enhancing our reputation as a strong and trusted trading nation and partner.
“I commend all of this year’s finalists and winners who have collectively generated more than $4 billion in export earnings this last financial year.
The SA winners:
Munda Wines Managing Director Jess Greatwich and Senator Malarndirri McCarthy. Photo: Supplied
First Nationals Export category winner: South Australian business and Aboriginal-owned Munda Wines is a premium wine company. Munda is the Wirangu and Kokatha word for land.
The business was recognised for its strong partnering with grape growers and winemakers, creating pathways for Aboriginal employment, and modelling how the wine industry can engage with First Nations culture through collaboration.
MyVenue won the Technologies Award. Photo: Supplied
Technologies category winner: SA’s MyVenue is powering next-generation commerce for sports and entertainment venues globally.
The Adelaide company develops cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) solutions, purpose-built for event-driven venues. Its platforms are hardware-agnostic, meaning venues can reuse existing equipment or choose their preferred devices. Since launching in 2020, MyVenue has deployed more than 19,000 POS terminals worldwide.
CMAX Clinical Research, CEO Jane Kelly, receives the award in the Professional Services category. Photo: Supplied
Professional Services category winner: CMAX Clinical Research
Australia’s longest-established independent facility for clinical trials. The company designs and delivers early phase clinical trials to global clients, including pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies.
CMAX was recognised for supporting its clients to accelerate product development through its strong industry networks and expertise. It leverages Australia’s research approval process to deliver fast results to the highest level of safety and quality.
Across 31 years of operation, the company has delivered more than 800 early-phase clinical trials, including more than 200 first-in-human studies.
AlmondCo Australia won the Regional Exporter category. Photo: Supplied
Regional Exporter category winner: AlmondCo
This successful South Australian regional business produces premium, food-safe almond products for the global market.
The grower-owned cooperative represents more than 85 per cent of the country’s almond growers. Renmark-headquartered Almondco has been operating for 81 years and has a state-of-the-art processing facility, along with hulling and shelling operations in the Riverland (Lyrup) and Riverina (Hanwood) regions.
Dining and Cooking