Empowering Indigenous communities and businesses through self-determination, co-design, truth and respect

Rekeesha Fry argues that while social policies are important, there needs to be a stronger focus on Indigenous economic empowerment, self-determination, and wealth creation. Rekeesha advocates for the creation of an office for the Indigenous economy and an Indigenous investment and trade hub, along with a First Nations peak body to help secure equity participation in major projects on Indigenous lands. This would enable First Nations people to move from passive recipients of royalties to active shareholders, fostering long-term sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Rekeesha has a wide range of skills in consulting and proven experience in policy and project development, having worked over six years in a number of professional global consulting firms in Australia. Rekeesha’s recent experience has focused on natural resources, mining and energy both locally and internationally, and is a trusted advisor for several companies partnering with Traditional Owners, Indigenous businesses and communities to improve outcomes. Read on for our interview with Rekeesha!

Describe your career trajectory and how you got to your current position?

As a female Indigenous business owner, my career journey has been anything but conventional. I began in the public service at the Federal Department of Immigration, where I assessed visa applications and later worked in the allegations assessment team. Those early experiences immersed me in the realities of people in desperate situations seeking new beginnings—and taught me the critical role Australia’s visa system plays in national security. This foundational work not only deepened my understanding of the public sector but also opened doors to a variety of career paths within the same agency.

After five years in that serious environment, I realised I needed a change. Although I’d always been curious about the business world, venturing into it felt daunting. Encouraged by my parents to broaden my horizons and explore the public, private, and non-profit sectors, I finally took a leap when a friend suggested consulting might suit my people skills and strategic mindset. Joining a Big 4 consulting firm transformed my perspective. In that fast-paced, high-energy setting, I mastered project management and learned the immense value of building strong professional networks—skills that have since become integral to my career.

Driven by a desire to make a tangible impact for Indigenous communities, I next transitioned to the Victorian state government where I translated complex policies into real outcomes within the Aboriginal health and human services sector. Witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations—operating with limited resources to deliver extensive programs—sharpened my focus on prioritising outcomes over outputs and underscored the power of thoughtful evaluation and data storytelling.

The COVID pandemic, like for many, prompted another significant pivot. Wanting to be closer to family, I returned to Darwin and resumed consulting with one of the Big 4 accounting firms for three years. However, a defining moment in 2023 forced me to re-examine my alignment with the firm’s corporate values—values I had come to appreciate during an Executive Leadership course at Harvard Business School. That experience inspired me to forge my own path. In October 2023, I took the plunge and launched a startup Indigenous consulting business—a decision that has reshaped both my professional journey and personal growth.

Today, I’m proud to call Darwin my home. Here in the Northern Territory, I work on economic development initiatives that uplift Aboriginal communities, and I lead two businesses—Jitta Consulting, an Indigenous consulting firm advising local Territory businesses and organisations, and the First Nations Projects Group (FNPG), an Indigenous projects advisory company.

Every morning, I wake up driven by the opportunity to make a tangible difference. Whether it’s advising mining and energy resource companies on forging mutually beneficial relationships with First Nations communities or leading innovative projects that foster economic growth, my work is all about creating lasting change. I truly believe that nurturing economic development and fostering intergenerational wealth creation is the key enabler to closing the gap for Indigenous Australians.

This work fills me with purpose, fulfilment, and an unwavering excitement for the future—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Take us through a typical day of work for you.

No two days are the same in my world—a fact I cherish deeply. Some mornings find me in engaging meetings or coffee catch-ups with collaborators, clients, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Other days, I’m running workshops, writing reports, or brainstorming creative strategies to support impactful businesses and organisations. The flexibility of my work not only fuels my passion but also allows me to be present for my loved ones—a balance I once thought impossible.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve encountered in your career, and how did you overcome it?

Of all the challenges I’ve faced, the leap into entrepreneurship stands out. For over a decade, I dreamed of starting my own business, but when the moment finally arrived, fear nearly held me back. In fact for a few weeks I went into full self-sabotage mode. With little precedent in my family for small business ownership, I had to summon every bit of courage and back myself fully. Today, I’m grateful for that leap—it has expanded my confidence and deepened my understanding of who I am and what I bring to the table. Along the way, I’ve been blessed with the wisdom and encouragement of remarkable people who helped me believe in my vision.

If you could go back in time, what piece of advice would you give yourself as you first embarked on your career?

If I could speak to my younger self, I’d offer a simple piece of advice: don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Life is a series of lessons—pick yourself up, ask for help when needed, and remember that worrying about things beyond your control only dims the brilliance of your own journey. Each step, with its trials and triumphs, has been a vital part of becoming the changemaker I am today.

How do you unwind after work?

When the day’s challenges finally subside, I find solace in the simple beauty of Darwin’s coastline. A quiet walk along the beach, with the soothing sound of the ocean and the majestic spectacle of a Darwin sunset, never fails to calm my mind and reinvigorate my spirit. My path from government service to Indigenous entrepreneurship is a testament to the power of resilience, bold choices, and a commitment to community. Every twist and turn has enriched my journey, and I remain driven by the belief that true change starts from within—and then, radiates outwards.