Our Story
Winya Indigenous Commercial Furniture is an Indigenous owned and controlled business founded in 2015 by Kamilaroi Woman Debbie Barwick, the CEO of the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce and Chairperson of the First Australians Chamber of Commerce, alongside a team of commercial furniture industry professionals.
Winya was established to increase Indigenous employment and promote economic inclusion within the Australian furniture industry. As a profit-for-purpose business, we work closely with our supply chain to place trainees in meaningful roles and partner with Indigenous businesses across the country — all with the aim of fostering sustainable economic growth within the Indigenous business sector.
Winya supplies commercial furniture for large-scale fit-out projects for Australia’s State and Federal Government departments, including the ATO, Department of Defence, and Federal Courts, along with major corporate clients like ANZ and CommBank. Through collaborations with major builders like Built, Lendlease, Sitzler and Multiplex, Winya has been able to expand its programs nationwide. Our approach aligns with the Commonwealth Government's Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) and Corporate Reconciliation Action Plans, fostering growth in Indigenous communities.
Winya’s commitment extends beyond furniture; we aim to set a new standard for business and social impact. The only Australian company Awarded by the United Nations for Leadership in Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for the Economic Empowerment of Indigenous Peoples, we show that corporate success and ethical responsibility are intrinsically linked.
Our Founder
Deb Barwick is a proud descendant of the Gamilaroi Nation, CEO of the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce and a national and international award-winning entrepreneur and business owner who believes that Indigenous people themselves are the solution to social and economic parity and that “the enablement of Indigenous leadership regionally, nationally and globally is a strategic and wise investment toward a stronger Australian Economy and Nation.”
Debs many professional achievements include establishing Australia’s first Indigenous Chamber of Commerce in 2006. She then went on to establish the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce in 2009 as the first state peak body for Indigenous entrepreneurs, business owners and enterprising community organisations. In 2015 Deb led the national network of Indigenous peak business bodies to establish the First Australians Chamber of Commerce and Industry to provide the sector with a national voice and advocacy vehicle. Her vision was and continues to be for a model whereby Indigenous business owners operating in every region across Australia are positioned to inform the country’s economic and social policy agenda.
Why Winya?
At Winya, we are a business with purpose. Our intention is to lead with impact, our values of sustainability, Indigenous employment, and ethical procurement are integrated into everything we do. As a profit-for-purpose enterprise, Buying from Winya directly enables us to increase Indigenous employment and development, fostering long-term career pathways and promoting Indigenous businesses within our supply chain.
From corporate office furniture fit-outs to major government projects, we offer end-to-end solutions that provide furniture which combines aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. Our custom designs and sustainable sourcing ensure that our products align with sustainability best practices while embracing innovation, ethical sourcing, social empowerment, and Indigenous engagement.
What Sets Us Apart?
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Founded in 2015 by Kamilaroi woman Debbie Barwick and a team of experienced industry professionals, Winya blends Indigenous cultural knowledge with commercial expertise to create an enterprise that drives both economic empowerment and industry innovation. By integrating Indigenous perspectives into modern business practices, we are setting new benchmarks for inclusivity and excellence in the commercial furniture sector.
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With offices and showrooms across Australia , we provide direct client engagement, seamless project coordination, and a fully integrated service model. This national presence ensures that we can meet the diverse needs of our clients, delivering furniture solutions efficiently and effectively across the country.
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Our commitment to sustainability has been recognised by leading industry bodies and environmental experts. We hold multiple certifications in sustainable sourcing, ethical production, and circular economy practices, aligning with the environmental goals of corporate and government partners. Our recognition on a global scale, including Banksia Awards and Australian Sustainability Awards, highlights our leadership in responsible business practices.
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We specialise in delivering premium-grade commercial furniture that meets the evolving needs of corporate offices, government agencies, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. Our solutions are designed for durability, ergonomic comfort, and long-term functionality, ensuring that our clients receive products that are both visually appealing and built to withstand the demands of high-traffic environments.
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Every workspace is unique, and we offer fully customisable furniture solutions to meet individual client requirements. From bespoke finishes and materials to unique textile designs created in collaboration with Indigenous artists through our House Artist Program, we ensure that our furniture solutions align with the branding, culture, and functional needs of each organisation we work with.
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Our commitment to Indigenous workforce development extends beyond employment; we run dedicated programs that train, mentor, and upskill Indigenous professionals in manufacturing, business operations, furniture design, and procurement. Through our partnerships with training institutions and Indigenous recruitment agencies, we ensure that Indigenous Australians have access to the resources and opportunities needed to build long-term careers in the industry.
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Winya provides a comprehensive service, managing every stage of commercial furniture projects - from consultation and space planning to production, delivery, installation, and post-occupancy support. Our expert project management team ensures that clients experience a streamlined, hassle-free process from start to finish, with complete transparency and accountability at every stage.
A Commitment to a Better Future
Winya is dedicated to creating a future where business success and ethical responsibility go hand in hand. Our circular economy initiatives ensure that end-of-life furniture is repurposed, recycled, or donated to Indigenous communities. Through our traineeships and artist collaborations, we provide direct pathways for Indigenous individuals to engage in Australia’s commercial economy.
By working with Winya, clients invest in more than just high-quality furniture; they become part of a movement that values economic empowerment, environmental responsibility, and cultural recognition. Together, we are reshaping workspaces to reflect a more ethical, inclusive, and sustainable future.
For more information or partnership opportunities, contact us at info@winya.com.au or visit our showrooms in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Darwin.
