Recognition
Awards & Accolades
Throughout her career, Julie has garnered numerous accolades highlighting her outstanding contributions in the business sector and Indigenous community.
Awards
Supply Nation Indigenous Businesswoman of the Year
Canberra Women in Business – Indigenous Category Award 2024
AusMumpreneur Awards – Gold 2016 · Silver 2018, 2020, 2023 · Bronze 2023
ACT NAIDOC Indigenous Business of the Year, 2015
4x International APAC Awards, 2022–2025
Canberra Women in Business – Best New Business Category Award 2016
Telstra Businesswomen's Awards ACT Finalist, 2016
Business Excellence Finalist Awards
Additional Accolades
International Award Finalist – 2022
International Award – 2021
International Award – 2020
Global Brand Award – Ausmumpreneur National Awards – 2016
Heart and Edge Award – Ausmumpreneur National Awards – 2016
Telstra Finalist ACT Women in Business – 2016
ACT Emerging Exporter of the Year – 2016
Canberra Women in Business – New Business – 2016
Finalist, Product Innovation category of the 2015 AusMumpreneur Awards
Finalist, Retail Business category of the 2015 AusMumpreneur Awards
Finalist ACT Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Apprentice, Trainee or Student of the Year – ACT Training and Excellence Awards 2015
Finalist Lifeline – Women Of Spirit Awards 2015
Nominated Finalist – Indigenous in Business – Ethnic Business Awards 2015
Supply Nation Supplier Certification – Dilkara Hair
2015 '15 Women to Watch' – Her Canberra Magazine
Canberra Institute of Technology – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Ambassador 2015/2016
Canberra Institute of Technology – Reconciliation Action Plan Committee member 2015/2016
YAAMA
I am a proud Kamilaroi woman, living on Ngunnawal Land, and award-winning Indigenous entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, author, cultural educator, storyteller, artist, and business innovator. Founder of Dilkara, All First Nations, and Our Sistahood, I bring over 30 years of experience in business, creative industries, education, and social impact experience. A passionate advocate for Indigenous economic empowerment through enterprise, education, and cultural leadership. Indigenous community advocate for health, wellbeing and economic sustainability.
Capabilities
Business Owner since 1995 – Self Employed 1995< – Trainer 2005< – 150 staff. 10 salons. 3 external companies.
Business & Brand Development
E-commerce & Digital Strategy
Culture, RAP & Capability Training
Indigenous Mentoring & Education
Product Development (Beauty, Fashion, Art)
Publishing, Podcast & Media Production
Public Speaking & Leadership Facilitation
Achievements
Indigenous Business Masterclass – MURRA, MBS
Indigenous Leadership – AILC – Certificate II
Diploma – Project Management
Certificate IV – Training & Assessment (TAE)
Certificate III & IV – Hairdressing
Trichology, Beauty Therapy, Styling – Various accreditations
Experience
University of Canberra Advisory Panel – Indigenous member – Current – 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
Facebook SMB Advisory Council – Influence and knowledge share – culture and business Mentor Australian
Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) – Mentor and educate
Founder & Director, Dilkara Australia – Skincare, haircare, and cultural/business consultancy
Founder, All First Nations – AFN Awards for First Nations mob
Founder, Our Sistahood – Online learning for Indigenous women & sistergirls, and podcast
Black Coffee Facilitator, ACT – Indigenous business networking leader
Magazine Editor, All First Nations Magazine – Australia's Indigenous Magazine
Published Author & Creative Producer – Book currently optioned for TV adaptation
Export & Investment Advisor – Indigenous-led global product strategy
Community Impact
Committed to addressing Indigenous employment gaps by mentoring, educating, and empowering community members to succeed in enterprise. I actively promote reconciliation through inclusive leadership and culturally safe economic development.
Designed and created Indigenous rhinestone merchandise for Elders and Aunty's in community.
Water for Utopia project in remote Australia, led by Julie Okely. The Utopia Homelands project in the Northern Territory of Australia has focused on improving water access and management for its residents. A fundraising group called “Water for Utopia” raised over $12,000 to fund a new bore after a previous one failed. The NT Government ultimately funded the drilling, and the funds were transferred to the Urapuntja Health Service for another water project. The broader Utopia Homelands project also included housing repairs and energy efficiency measures, demonstrating a holistic approach to improving living conditions.