Maali Group managing director Mitchell Matera was announced as First Amongst Equals at the 40under40 Awards for 2023, taking the top spot ahead of a varied cohort of Western Australia’s young business and community leaders.
This year marked Business News’ 22nd annual 40under40 Awards, with the winners being unveiled at a gala dinner at Crown Perth on Friday night.
Speaking at the event, Business News senior journalist and chief judge Mark Pownall said the 2023 cohort shared some unique qualities.
“Several of our entrants came from very difficult childhoods, while a notable number had children facing health challenges…naturally, as a judge, I have admiration for those who can surmount the obstacles that life unfairly puts in their way,” Mr Pownall said.
“Similarly, a number of nominees raised the issue of their own mental health, and it is clearly a sign of the acceptance of this issue that people feel they can put that on the table.”
Mr Pownall said the judging panel was faced with the challenge of whittling down the entries and deciding on the winning 40 applicants.
“The judges were looking for the entrepreneurs, the people who were willing to take a risk rather than follow the safe path, those who have stepped outside their comfort zone,” Mr Pownall said.
“The judges are always impressed by people who find time, in their busy lives, to contribute to their community.”
Mr Matera was named Business News’ 40under40 First Amongst Equals and also won the Indigenous Business Category for his electrical, mechanical and civil contracting company, Maali Group.
He founded the business when he was 24 years old after gaining experience as a fly-in, fly-out electrician and working in his father’s business.
Four years on, Maali Group has experienced rapid growth, with annual revenue of $35 million and nearly 300 staff.
“As a young Aboriginal apprentice, I saw that while some resource sector companies celebrated diversity, there was no real on-site support or sustainable career pathways for Indigenous apprentices,” Mr Matera said.
“Unable to find businesses genuinely committed to employment, upskilling and career diversity for Indigenous people in the sector, I started one myself.”
The three other finalists for the First Amongst Equals were Andrew Carter of PARC Engineering, Michael Hansen of Mining Technicians Group and Jordan Foster of Family Zone.
WeMoney chief executive Daniel Jovevski was awarded The City of Perth Strategic Alliance Award, while Maxx Marketing director Emma Williams won APIL People’s Choice Award.
Other category winners were: BON CHARGE co-founder and chief executive Andrew Mant (Small or Start-up); Mining Technicians Group managing director Michael Hansen (Medium Business); PARC Engineering executive general manager Andrew Carter (Large Business); Hicks Civil & Mining director Caitlin Hicks Forshaw (Family Business); Family Zone chief of education and wellbeing Jordan Foster (Intrapreneur); and Happiness Co chief executive officer and founder Julian Pace (Community, Social Enterprise or Not for Profit).
You can read more about Mr Matera’s story and all the 40under40 winners in our next print edition on May 15 and online next week.
Congratulations to the 40under40 winners of 2023
Adam Fielding: Nilsen WA
Andrew Carter: PARC Engineering
Andrew Dittmann: MEC Mining
Andrew Mant: Bon Charge
Angus Firth: Rapid Teams
Arna Jade: Soto Group
Blake Williams: Williams Creative Company
Caitlin Hicks Forshaw: Hicks Civil & Mining
Caroline James: Caroline James Events
Cassie Atchison: Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service
Chris Page: Page Advisory
Chris Prior: Pilbara Rail Maintenance and Red Rock Engineering WA
Claire Rushe: Chematek
Daniel Burton: Educated by Nature
Dan Jovevski: WeMoney
David Zucaro: Teck Global
Debbie Silvester-Dean: Curtin University
Declan White: Monford Group
Dzenan Tiro: Tiro Earthworks
Eliza Greene: MyTab
Emma Williams: Maxx Marketing
Florence Drummond: Indigenous Women in Mining and Resources Australia
Hamish Coates: Rocky Ridge Brewing Co
(Ginger) Hsiao-Wen Lo: Lo’s Café and Dining
James Corbitt: Summerstar Tourist Parks
Jodie Draper: HIFraser Group
Jordan Foster: Family Zone
Julian Pace: Happiness Co
Kane Blackman: Good Sammy Enterprises
Katt Osborne: The Blue Room Theatre
Kennedy Lay: Fly2 Health Group
Luca Giacovazzi: Wyloo Metals
Matej Varhalik: SpeedFit
Matt Nankivell: Moonsail
Matthew Pham: Pham Group of Supermarkets
Michael Hall: Pacific Energy
Michael Hansen: Mining Technicians Group Australia
Michael Lester: Catalytic IT
Mitch Matera: Maali Group
Scott Earley: RV Solutions WA
