Derek is from Stradbroke Island, Minjerribah and is also connected to the Gubbi Gubbi and Butchulla people of the Gympie region in K’Gari.

Derek is the Managing Director of RBY Projects (est 2010) and Manaji Projects (est 2018) and the Chairperson of AEMEE (since 2010). Derek’s industry experience began in 2004 as a founding Director of multi-award winning company Northern Project Contracting (NPC) which was formed to capitalise on the opportunities offered Waanyi Traditional Owners within the MMG Century Mine. Derek has successfully managed contracting companies in the resource sector since and has a particular interest in providing opportunities to the Indigenous and local communities in which he operates. Derek and RBY Group have been formally recognised for outstanding contribution to industry and Indigenous engagement as the recipient of multiple prestigious awards and accolades.

⇢⇢⇢ MEET THE MOB Meet the Mob is a YouTube series dedicated to showcasing Blak Excellence in Indigenous Business. Each interview is designed to provide an introduction to an Indigenous business leader, what drives them to succeed and how they're creating positive change for organisations and Indigenous communities. #meetthemob #indigenousbusiness #indigenousprocurement #supplierdiversity #BlakExcellence

ABOUT RBY PROJECTS RBY Projects Pty Ltd ('RBY'​) is an experienced Indigenous company providing contracting services to the resources, energy and civil construction industries. RBY’s team has successfully managed large-scale contracting projects for key companies in the resource sector including Origin Energy, QGC and Santos. RBY is the largest Indigenous owned company working the Queensland resource sector and is a major employer and trainer of Indigenous people. https://www.rby.net.au/

ABOUT KRISTAL Kristal Kinsela is the supplier diversity expert who’s done it all before. A published author, trusted advisor to leading global organisations and descendant of both the Jawoyn and Wiradjuri nations, Kristal brings lived experience and over 18 years of business expertise to every partnership.

CONNECT WITH KRISTAL Website: https://www.kristalkinsela.com/ LinkedIn:   / kristalkinsela   Facebook:   / kristalekinsela   Twitter:   / kristal_kinsela