Founder 'humbled' as NT firm Dice (Aust) wins prestigious national Indigenous Excellence award at Telstra Best of Business Awards

Northern Territory infrastructure company Dice has claimed the Indigenous Excellence National Winner award at the Telstra Best of Business Awards.

Northern Territory infrastructure company Dice Aust has claimed the Indigenous Excellence National Winner award at the Telstra Best of Business Awards. Picture: Supplied

Northern Territory infrastructure company Dice Aust has claimed the Indigenous Excellence National Winner award at the Telstra Best of Business Awards.

Dice delivers infrastructure projects across the Northern Territory, including public housing, commercial buildings, government facilities, essential services and renewable energy installations.

Founded in 2004, Dice now employs more than 70 team members, with 30 per cent First Nations employment.

The judging panel was unanimous in their praise of Dice’s entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and commitment to research and innovation.

Dice founder Ray Pratt said winning the Indigenous Excellence Award was “fantastic” and showed the company could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in Australia.

“It was phenomenal,” he said.

“It was super humbling, because of the strength of the other companies in the room.”

“Each award that we’re getting recognised for is building momentum behind our mission, which is to empower communities and empower people.

Ray Pratt at the Telstra Best of Business Awards. Picture: Supplied

Mr Pratt said they went into the awards with “a good level of confidence”, but after spending a few days in Brisbane and seeing what they were up against, he joked they were “not as confident after that”.

That said, however, confidence was still there – even if it dwindled slightly since they arrived.

Dice (Aust) General Manager Lindsay O’Hea said the confidence was part of the company’s mindset.

“What we do each day and what we bring to the table, that’s what provides us with confidence,” he said.

He added: “It was cool to see the camaraderie across the board; although we were going up against each other as competition, everyone had each other’s back, which was unbelievable and inspiring.”

Ray Pratt (left) at the Telstra Best of Business Awards. Picture: Supplied

Mr Pratt said he had a lump in his throat as he walked off the stage after winning the Indigenous Excellence Award.

“It’s been a hard slog for more than two decades, so us being recognised was more than nice – I don’t have the right words for it,” he said.

“The reason there was an emotion was the fact that I’m proud it; I’m proud of all of our achievements together.

“And the fact this was for Indigenous Excellence helps others see what Indigenous business is capable of.

Mr O’Hea gave a special mention to Mr Pratt himself, saying the Dice founder has “touched the lives of many” and provided opportunities to hundreds of Territorians over the years”.

Looking ahead, Mr Pratt said the recognition gave Dice the credibility to expand its operations beyond Australian borders.

“The award allows us to create informed partnerships with that instant credibility of a global brand,” he said.

“We’re going to continue doing what we do, but we’ve also got our eyes set on overseas. We’ve got opportunities in Timor, we’ve been back and forth a couple of times and feel like we can bring the teachers that we’ve had here in our community … and take that to Timor.”