Message Stick

Message Stick is a unique business in that it is owned by Aboriginal Australians. The company was started ten years ago to show that Aboriginal Australians can own and manage a services business that engages with large corporations and Government agencies. The business does not seek any sponsorship, donations or social grants whatsoever. They seek... only the opportunity to prove themselves and to be treated as worthy business partners. The principals of Message Stick believe that business ownership, asset ownership, wealth creation and personal accountability are the key features for ending poverty and welfare dependency of Indigenous Australians. Most Indigenous Australians who have a dream to own their own business would not have the confidence to approach corporate Australia and ask for business opportunities. Michael McLeod and his Message Stick business model are trying to show that corporate Australia will give Aboriginal business a fair hearing. Message Sticks customers include Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, Leighton, KPMG, Goldman Sachs, Gilbert + Tobin, Lend Lease, BUPA, Allens Linklaters, Qantas, Accor Hotels, Clayton Utz, Salmat, Compass Group, Staples and Johnson & Johnson. Michael is particularly proud of his numerous NSW state and Federal Government customers who include Prime Ministers and Cabinet, FaHCSIA, AusAID, IBA, DRALGAS and Reconciliation Australia. Message Stick is also working closely with the Federal Government, the Chamber and the Business Council of Australia to change Government policy approach to Indigenous Australians - with significant success. The Government is now shifting from a complete welfare and subsidy based focus to developing policies around supporting real economic development, including business ownership and entrepreneurialism.Read More