October is Indigenous Business Month — a time to honour and highlight the outstanding achievements and diversity of First Nations businesses throughout Australia.
At UGL, we take pride in fostering a workplace that values diversity and inclusion while building strong, meaningful partnerships with exceptional First Nations suppliers. As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), we’re committed to identifying and supporting Indigenous businesses through sustainable procurement practices and shared growth.
“Indigenous Business Month is a powerful reminder that every partnership with Indigenous-owned businesses amplifies Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, fosters economic independence, and unites culture, heritage, and innovation,” says UGL National Aboriginal Engagement Manager, Ron Jones. “It challenges us to champion equitable opportunities, embrace diversity, and invest in a future of shared growth and reconciliation for generations to come.”
One of those partnerships is with First Nation Distributors (FND), a proudly Aboriginal-owned and Supply Nation–certified company led by Managing Director (Wiradjuri Man), Ben Thomson. FND is one of UGL’s preferred suppliers for PPE and consumables, with a strong track record supporting our Defence Fuels business across Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory.
“This isn’t just about business,” says Ben. “It’s about empowering our communities and creating lasting impact. Our work with UGL and other partners allows us to make a real difference.”
More than just delivering high-quality products, FND operates under a Procurement for Purpose model — reinvesting profits into Indigenous-led initiatives. Notable examples include the Wildflower Garden for Good and Tribal Warrior programs based in Redfern, Sydney, which focus on community healing, cultural representation & leadership, and youth development.
“Growing up in a tight-knit Indigenous community instilled in me a deep responsibility to give back,” says Ben. “This business gives me the platform to do that — by building a sustainable enterprise that funds meaningful change.”
The theme of Indigenous Business Month 2025 — ‘Strength and Collaboration’ — is a perfect reflection of how FND operates. By building long-term relationships with clients like UGL, the company not only grows its commercial reach but creates real pathways for social and economic outcomes across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“Our success is not just measured in business growth,” adds Ben, “but in the opportunities we create for First Nations people and communities.”
This October, we celebrate the impact and leadership of Indigenous businesses like First Nation Distributors — and the partnerships that make reconciliation a lived reality in our industry.