We’re proud to partner with Power Retail in announcing Yaye as the winner of the inaugural Top First Nations Small Business Award, a landmark moment for Australia’s retail industry and an important step forward in recognising First Nations excellence in ecommerce.
Presented at the 2026 Power Retail – All Star Bash at Crown Palladium, Melbourne, this marks the first time a major retail industry awards program has included a dedicated category recognising First Nations led retailers. Developed through a partnership between Power Retail and Aboriginal Retail Australia, the award shines a spotlight on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses achieving both commercial success and meaningful impact through online retail alongside Australia’s leading mainstream retailers.
Yaye, a 100% Aboriginal-owned bath and skincare brand based in Darwin, was selected as the inaugural winner for its strong growth, product innovation and commitment to incorporating traditional bush medicines into contemporary retail.
Over the past 12 months, Yaye has demonstrated impressive momentum, expanding its ecommerce capability while growing wholesale opportunities, positioning the business as a leader in First Nations retail.
“The first-ever winner of the Top First Nations Small Business Award was Yaye, a 100% Aboriginal-owned bath and skincare brand based in Darwin that incorporates traditional bush medicines into its products.”
This recognition not only celebrates Yaye’s success, but signals the growing strength and visibility of First Nations-led businesses across Australia.
This award represents a genuine shift in how First Nations retailers are recognised within the broader industry.
Liz Liddle, Chair of Aboriginal Retail Australia, said:
“The Top First Nations Small Business Award sets a new benchmark for inclusion and recognition across the retail sector. For the first time, First Nations retailers are being recognised through an industry award that acknowledges the contribution and entrepreneurship of First Nations brands.”
When First Nations retailers are seen and celebrated alongside Australia’s leading brands, it creates pathways for growth, partnerships and new markets.
The announcement of finalists, and now the winner is an industry good news story.
It comes after several challenging years for First Nations retailers, who like much of the sector, have navigated rising operating costs, cost-of-living pressures, online harm, and difficult business decisions. Against this backdrop, the strength, resilience and innovation demonstrated by this year’s finalists is something to be celebrated.
The 2026 finalists included:
These businesses represent a powerful cross-section of First Nations retail spanning fashion, food, beauty, education and lifestyle and demonstrate the depth of innovation across the sector.
The Top First Nations Small Business Award recognises leading certified First Nations-owned brands in Australia and ensures they are seen and celebrated alongside the country’s most prominent retailers.
The Power Retail All Star Bash continues to be the premier retail industry awards night, recognising the businesses shaping Australia’s retail future.
