Investing in Impact: Why Karabena’s Work is Value for Money
At Karabena Consulting, we often hear: “Your prices are…high.”
Our answer is: yes, resoundingly so.
Our work delivers measurable social and economic return on investment (ROI). Not just in outputs, but in real, lasting change. We centre Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems, drive policy reform, and build community capacity. This creates a ripple effect of impact that extends far beyond the life of a project.
A Different Kind of ROI
Through our work we don’t just deliver reports. We deliver transformation.
Our projects strengthen service delivery, enhance trust between communities and systems, and contribute to systems reform in meaningful ways. By embedding culturally informed methodologies across healthcare, education, justice, and governance, our work reduces systemic barriers and increases opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
That’s the return. And it’s one that matters.
The Value of Working Differently
Karabena’s approach brings together cultural authority and strategic innovation. When clients partner with us, they benefit from:
Culturally safe engagement and co-design,
Increased community participation and trust,
Strong alignment with government reform agendas,
Deliverables that are grounded, actionable, and community-informed.
Importantly, our work uplifts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, priorities, and leadership. These principles are embedded into every step of service and policy development.
Profit for Purpose: A Model That Gives Back
Karabena is a profit-for-purpose business. This means we reinvest a portion of project budgets into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
We support community-controlled organisations, fund grassroots initiatives, and invest in peer researchers and Indigenous women-owned businesses. In doing so, our clients are investing in a model that delivers mutual benefit and sustainable outcomes.
And because we stand by the value we provide, we don’t offer discounted services to government agencies. Our pricing reflects the true cultural, strategic, and economic impact of our work. It also ensures we can continue reinvesting where it counts.
What ROI Looks Like in Practice
Here are just a few examples of how our work delivers tangible outcomes:
Revitalising Language and Culture
Through the Ilan Style Fellowship, we partnered with AIATSIS to fund Meriam language revitalisation. The 2024 Fellow, Jessie Lloyd, built on her Ailan Songs Project, preserving Torres Strait Islander songs and culture through island reggae. Her work breathes new life into traditional melodies and ensures they are preserved for future generations.
Giving Back to Community-Controlled Organisations
When we led a consultation on Indigenous Data Sovereignty for the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, we donated 5% of the project’s value to participating ACCOs (including ALS NSW/ACT, AbSec, Just Reinvest, and others) recognising the time, knowledge, and leadership they contributed.
Supporting Aboriginal Peer Researchers
We regularly employ Aboriginal peer researchers with lived experience to shape project delivery. In our evaluation of the Better Futures and Home Stretch programs, we trained and mentored a young person with out-of-home care experience to lead consultations, analyse findings, and co-present outcomes, all while being paid a wage of $500 per day.
Creating Real-World Learning through Living Libraries
Our Living Libraries training model immerses learners in community. After interactive sessions, participants visit local Aboriginal organisations, who are paid for their time and knowledge. These visits help shift mindsets, build empathy, and reinforce cultural safety through lived experience.
Partnering with Woman-Owned Indigenous Businesses
Through our sister business Ilan Style, we reinvest consulting profits into partnerships with Indigenous female entrepreneurs. From statement earrings (Haus of Dizzy) to handwoven tea strainers (Yulaali) and ethically crafted chocolate (Loco for Cocoa), these collaborations celebrate cultural creativity while supporting Aboriginal business.
Community Giving
Supporting societal and economic prosperity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is central to our purpose. We seek to give back to community in many ways. For instance, we purchase full tables at significant events such as NAIDOC Week, our resources are freely available off our website, we deliver free or low cost facilitation and education sessions, and offer pro bono speaking engagements. We sponsor scholarships and subsidised places in our training programs (such as the First 1000 Days Australia classes) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community workers, enabling participation in nation-building initiatives. We often give gifts to community, such as Wathaurong Glass, as a way of thanking them for supporting our work.
Supporting Academic Pathways and Future Leaders
We partner Universities to host interns, supporting the next generation of changemakers. Interns gain hands-on experience in Indigenous-led businesses, working on real-world projects in public health, policy, and community development. Guided by experienced staff, they receive structured mentorship and cultural learning that builds their professional skills and deepens their understanding of culturally safe practice.
A Shared Commitment to Change
When clients choose Karabena, they’re not just choosing a consultant. They’re choosing a partner in systemic reform.
In doing so, they are supporting:
Community-led design and delivery,
Employment and skills-building for Aboriginal people,
Cultural continuity and language revitalisation,
Progress grounded in cultural safety, self-determination, and lasting change.
Our pricing reflects this commitment. It ensures we can keep doing the work, not just for our clients, but for the communities we walk alongside.
If you would like to invest in impact, we look forward to partnering with you.