Kooya and Telstra win Supplier Diversity Partnership of the Year Award 2024

This prestigious award jointly recognises organisations that have worked in partnership to contribute to the growth of the First Nations business sector.
3 minute read

L-R: Kim Collard & Sharna Collard (Kooya Fleet Solutions), Yasmine Gill & Steve Ellis (Telstra), Shelley Cable (ANZ Bank).

From 20 to 1,400: the growth of a successful partnership

Kooya Fleet Solutions and Telstra were honoured to win the Supplier Diversity Partnership of the Year Award at the Supply Nation Connect 2024 event in Brisbane. 

The relationship between Kooya Fleet Solutions, an Aboriginal-owned fleet, finance, and salary packaging company, and Telstra has grown significantly since its inception. Starting with just 20 vehicles in regional Western Australia in 2018, Kooya Fleet Solutions now manages over 1,400 vehicles for Telstra nationwide.

 

“Telstra was one of our first big corporate customers. That gave us the ability to grow with them, and this incremental growth allowed us to steadily expand our capabilities and diversify our scope of offering.” - Sharna Collard, founder and CEO of Kooya Fleet Solutions.

 

Pictured: Kooya Fleet Solutions at Supply Nation Connect 2024

 

Fuelling futures for First Nations people

Steve Ellis, Telstra Fleet Service Delivery Manager, expressed his pride in the partnership, stating, “This award is recognition of the work both organisations have put in to build the fleet services business. Kooya has become an important fleet services provider for Telstra, and through their Bibbulmun Fund, we know that a part of their profits are channelled to promote the development and training of First Nations people.”

Legacy of Partnership and Progress

The Supply Nation Connect 2024 event, held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, brought together over 2,000 participants to celebrate and honour the achievements of Indigenous businesses and their partners. The theme for this year’s event, LEGACY, reflects on the determination and courage of First Nations entrepreneurs, leaders, founding suppliers, and members, and honours the Elders who have paved the way for a prosperous future.

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