Supporting Indigenous business growth

Helping Indigenous organisations thrive is an enduring passion for the director of Adllins Media Pty Ltd, Ange Collins, and her team at large.

Cairns-based Adllins Media provides quality, full-service, fee-for-service marketing and media buying strategies to state, national and international clients.

However, it is Ange’s long-held passion to see Indigenous organisations achieve better business and social outcomes that sees her agency ‘go over and above’ to provide extra assistance.

Approximately 30 percent of Adllins Media’s client base are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, ranging from small businesses and not-for-profits to councils. State and federal government agencies are also part of the extensive portfolio.

Key Indigenous clients in the portfolio included AFL Cape York House boarding houses for both Girls and Boys, the Office of the Commissioner (Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa), Puuya Foundation, Radiant Life College and Gunawuna Jungai.

A strong supporter of Queensland Government’s procurement ‘Diversity through Supply Chains’ approach, Adllins Media prioritises North Queensland suppliers, supporting local jobs and creating a strong business network into which the agency integrates Indigenous organisations and First Nations peoples.

The agency negotiates strong wholesale deals with suppliers for its diverse range of clientele, with First Nations entities there is often an added layer to be navigated regarding transport to remote and regional communities. The media firm also proactively connects these clients with potential philanthropic partners.

“Across the board we are seeing businesses succeed outside of marketing, watching them further grow from our connections, off a tiny little seed that we planted is very fulfilling,” Ange said

The agency, which currently has 12 staff, recently supported an Indigenous artist to attend the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, empowering them through online marketing, powerful imagery and establishing her ecommerce website.

“The artists growth has been substantial since engaging the agency”, Ange shared. The team regularly transition from media management to business coach to support the artists through sharing government resources to support the businesses next phase of growth. “It’s just what the agency does” Ange shared.

“Coming from a regional community, one of the key fundamentals I’ve learnt is that giving back helps regional communities prosper,” Ange said.

A former student and administrator from the agency’s long-standing client, AFL Cape York House for Girls, expressed interest in becoming a digital strategist, Adllins Media employed the former student part-time and provided training.

Adllins Media has also encouraged diversity within its supply chain by connecting work experience opportunities for students from AFL Cape York House through the agency’s clients and suppliers. Since completing their schooling, some students have been offered further work opportunities from these host organisations.

Team members have also volunteered for tutoring programs, driver L plate training, and the set-up and support of the annual High Tea that raises awareness and money for community groups supporting the fight against family domestic violence.

Ensuring diversity and inclusion in supply chains, and helping Indigenous businesses thrive is a driving force for Adllins Media, delivering intergenerational value for all Queenslanders.