About us

We are the peak body representing Indigenous businesses in the Territory.

 
 
 

Our Vision

A Territory powered by a thriving, self-determined Blak business sector.

Our Purpose

We're here to build a Blak economy that thrives on OUR terms. #BuyBlak #GrowBlak #EmployBlak

Our Approach

NTIBN is 100% Aboriginal-owned and Blak-led. We embed a #BlakFirst approach in how we work—across governance, hiring and procurement—centering Indigenous values, culture, self-determination, equity and economic development.

 

NTIBN is the preferred certifying authority and the peak body for Aboriginal Business Enterprises in the Territory. A Certifying Authority is an Aboriginal Organisation which provides services to confirm the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ownership and control of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Enterprises.

 

Our team

Meet the people who keep things running

 

Naomi Anstess

Big Boss (CEO)

Hometown: Darwin
Business: Principal Consultant – SaltBlak Consultancy

Naomi is an Erubam Le and Gumeroi woman, born, raised, and educated in Darwin on Larrakia Country. She is a mum of four daughters and an Indigenous Business Specialist, running her own consultancy SaltBlak, and is currently the Big Boss at NTIBN. Naomi is an Indigenous economic development thought leader and unapologetic changemaker, with executive experience across a range of industries including education and training, defence and construction, and Indigenous Affairs. Her passion for supporting Territory Aboriginal Business is driven by her belief that it will be through business and strong, self-determined generation of wealth, that we will Close the Gap. Naomi is a big picture thinker and innovator. One of her key strengths is an ability to bring key stakeholders together and a capacity to obtain support for change and innovation through direct and no-nonsense leadership. Her career experience demonstrates a history of achievement of outcomes and social impact through her ‘blak corporate’ approach that places impact over politics.

  • Deb Anstess-Vallejo, General Manager

    Deb Anstess-Vallejo

    General Manager

  • Stephen Cardona

    Stephen Cardona

    Manager - Events & Visibility

  • Darwin Terry, Reporting, Quality and Remote Delivery Manager

    Darwin Terry

    Reporting, Quality and Remote Delivery Manager

  • Charmaine Marquez

    Charmaine Marquez

    Communications, Fundraising and Partnerships

  • Wayne Dawson

    Wayne Dawson

    Branding & Creatives Industries

  • Hakon Dyrting, IEC Construction & Resources

    Hakon Dyrting

    Indigenous Enterprise Consultant Construction & Resources

  • Jodie Peckham, IEC Tourism Retail and Creatives

    Jodie Peckham

    Indigenous Enterprise Consultant Tourism, Retail & Creative

  • Alicia Byron, IEC Central Australia and Barkly

    Alicia Byron

    Indigenous Enterprise Consultant Central Australia and Barkly

  • Amanda Baird, IEC Central and Barkly

    Amanda Baird

    Indigenous Enterprise Consultant Central & Barkly

    As a Central Arrernte woman from Alice Springs, I bring deep local knowledge of the People, Country and Communities of Central Australia.  My career spans more than a decade across key regional organisations including the Central Land Council, Tangentyere Council, Nganampa Health Council, Central Desert Regional Council, MacDonnell Regional Council, Central Australian Remote Health Development Services (CARHDS) and Batchelor Institute. That breadth has given me practical expertise across payroll, HR, bookkeeping, BAS reconciliation, grants, website design, and workplace health and safety. I hold a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, formal governance and board training and am finalising my Diploma of Law, which means I can support Aboriginal businesses across multiple areas of their operations, not just one.

    What drives me most is seeing Aboriginal business owners grow in confidence and capability. Watching my people progress is something I find genuinely fulfilling, and it's what brings me to work every day.  At NTIBN, I bring that same commitment to every business I work with across Central Australia.

Our Team

 
  • Raymond Pratt, Chairman

    Raymond Pratt

    Chairman

    Hometown: Darwin
    Business: Managing Director, DICE

    Raymond Pratt is a visionary leader and the driving force behind DICE, where he has built a reputation for excellence in business. His success stems from his ability to foster lasting relationships within both the business sector and the broader community. Raised in Darwin, Raymond has a deep understanding of the unique challenges in Northern Australia, from extreme weather conditions to the socio-economic dynamics of the Northern Territory. Committed to empowering Indigenous communities, his business prioritises Indigenous employment, maintaining a workforce reflective of the local population. Raymond’s efforts to uplift other Indigenous-owned businesses and promote sustainable economic growth have made him a respected figure in the business community.

  • Stephen Stavrinos, Deputy Chair

    Stephen Stavrinos

    Deputy Chair

    Hometown: Darwin
    Business: Director – Pinnacle Plumbing NT

    Born and raised in Darwin, brings over 15 years of experience in the NT plumbing industry. As a director of Pinnacle Plumbing, he is dedicated to delivering high-quality service and timely, budget-conscious projects. A proud Indigenous man with roots in Alice Springs, Elliot, and Borroloola, Stephen is committed to driving positive change across the Northern Territory. He holds multiple trade qualifications, including an Advanced Tradesman’s License and various industry certifications.

  • Robbie Rusca, Board Member

    Robbie Rusca

    Board Member

    Hometown: Darwin
    Business: Managing Director – Rusca Group

    Robbie Rusca is a prominent figure within the Rusca Group, contributing significantly to its growth and success. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in Northern Australia, Robbie has been instrumental in steering the company towards impactful projects and sustainable growth. His leadership and vision have helped Rusca Group become a well-respected name in the industry, known for its commitment to quality and community engagement. Robbie’s dedication to fostering Indigenous employment and supporting local communities underpins his approach, making him a key player in advancing the socio-economic landscape of the region.

  • RHYS GRIFITHS NTIBN Board Member

    Rhys Griffiths

    Board Member

    Hometown: Darwin Business: Founder and Owner - Boka Electrical NT‍ ‍

    Rhys is a proud Wadjigan man from the Bulgul area, with a strong connection to the Northern Territory and a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous communities and creating opportunities through sustainable business practices.

    As the Director of Boka Electrical NT, Rhys leads a proudly 100% Indigenous-owned and managed electrical contracting company based in Darwin.

    With years of experience in the industry, Rhys has developed expertise in delivering high-quality electrical installations and maintenance services across urban and remote areas of the NT. His leadership emphasizes the values of Boka—clean work and clear relationships—ensuring that every project meets the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and cultural respect.

    Rhys is passionate about fostering Indigenous employment and skill development, working closely with apprentices and team members to build capacity and confidence within the trade. Through Boka Electrical NT, he strives to balance technical excellence with a deep respect for the land, culture, and communities the company serves.

  • Kattie Risk

    Treasurer

    Business: Founder and Managing Director of Billirrawarra Trucking & Training (BT&T)

    Kattie Risk is the Founder and Managing Director of Billirrawarra Trucking & Training (BT&T) and a highly respected leader within the Northern Territory transport industry. In 2025 she joined the board of the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network as a Director, bringing with her a powerful combination of real-world industry experience, entrepreneurial success, and a deep commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for Indigenous people in business.

    With more than 16 years as a multi-combination road-train operator, Kattie has worked across livestock, mining, civil construction, oversize freight, and interstate transport.

    Recognised for her drive and integrity, Kattie was recently awarded the 2025 NTIBN Blak Female Business Owner of the Year, and BT&T has been nominated across multiple growth and excellence categories. She is passionate about strengthening Indigenous enterprise, building sustainable partnerships, and bridging culture and industry through practical, high-quality training and business leadership.

  • Raphael Clarke

    Raphael Clarke

    Board Member

    Business: Managing Director - Wurrba

    Raphael Clarke — a proud Marri Amu and Marri Tjevin man from the Moyle River floodplains and a devoted Territorian. Also, proud Larrakia man.

    Raphael’s journey is an inspiring one. Beginning as a talented AFL footballer, he spent nine years with the St Kilda Football Club and proudly represented the Indigenous All-Stars in 2009.

    After returning home to the Northern Territory, Raphael founded Wurrba Pty Ltd with a clear purpose: to create genuine employment, training, and long-term career pathways for Indigenous people across the Territory.

    A qualified carpenter himself, Raphael leads by example. As a hands-on Managing Director, he remains actively involved in day-to-day operations, working side by side with his team and mentoring them from project to project — ensuring strong outcomes for both people and clients.

    Wurrba is a Supply Nation and Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network certified business.

Our Commitment

Here’s how we’re putting #BlakFirst into practice

We commit to Aboriginal-centric practice in everything we do. We will:

  • Centre Indigenous values, culture, self-determination, empowerment, equity and economic development.

  • Prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for employment.

  • Preference Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enterprises and organisations across our supply chain.

 ⬤ Get in touch

Have questions?
Get in touch today.