01/10/2026
This morning, I visited Business Sydney’s offices for the launch of NSW Small Business Month, where I was invited by the NSW Small Business Commission to share my story—and the story of Plate Hospitality Group.
With a keynote address from NSW Minister for Small Business, Janelle Saffin, and an address from NSW Small Business Commissioner Kalina Koloff, the Commission released its new insights paper, NSW Small Business: A Story of Diversity and Dynamism. The paper explores how the sector is evolving and what is driving the next generation of business ownership across our state.
After 17 years in business, I know firsthand that the journey is rarely a straight line. There have been extraordinary highs, difficult lows, unexpected obstacles and barriers that have demanded resilience, courage and constant reinvention.
To be recognised for those efforts—and for the resilience of our company—was incredibly humbling. I was honoured to share how we have continued to diversify, pivot, redevelop and grow, in the hope that others may feel inspired to look beyond the boundaries of what they are doing today and recognise the opportunities that may be waiting just outside them.
What began as one business has grown into Plate Hospitality Group: a collective of 8 businesses and brands operating across catering, events, food manufacturing, retail, corporate gifting, mobile hospitality, coffee, venues and cultural dining experiences.
Each business has its own identity and purpose, but together they reflect one shared vision: to build something meaningful, create opportunities, celebrate culture and demonstrate what a First Nations-owned business can achieve.
The term “small business” can sometimes give the impression of small ambition, small reach or small impact—but there is nothing small about the scale on which businesses like ours operate.
We deliver major events, serve government and corporate clients, create products for national markets, develop collaborations across industries and take our stories, culture and native Australian flavours to audiences around the World. We create employment, support other businesses, strengthen supply chains and contribute to the communities around us.
We may be classified as a small business, but our vision has never been small.
I have always been determined in pursuing my path and goals, even when that path has required me to change direction, rebuild or create an entirely new opportunity. Looking back at where we began and seeing the 8 businesses we operate today is a powerful reminder of how far we have come—and how much further we can still go.
My Mum, Jo, has always supported that determination, and having her in the room with me today to share this moment made it even more meaningful. We have come an incredibly long way over the years, and none of it would have been possible without the love and support of my family.
Anything is possible when purpose, resilience and determination come together.
