Creating opportunities for the next generation - NAB
12 October 2026
First Nations Affairs
For Murawin CEO Rebecca McGuinness, stepping into the family business wasn't part of the plan.
In 2023, Rebecca was on maternity leave with her three-month-old twin boys when her father, Murawin co-founder Greg McKenzie, passed away. Faced with an uncertain future, she made the decision to return to the business and help continue the legacy her parents had built.
"It was never a question for me," Rebecca said.
"I wasn't going to let the business fail because something tragic had happened to our family."
Founded in 2014 by Rebecca's parents, Carol Vale and the late Greg McKenzie, the First Nations consulting firm works with governments, businesses and communities across Australia to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are embedded in projects from the very beginning.
Rebecca and her mother, co-founder of Murawin, Carol Vale
Today, Rebecca leads Murawin as CEO, continuing the work her parents started and helping First Nations communities have a genuine voice in decisions that affect them.
"We don't come in with all the answers," she said.
"We're the bridge between organisations and the people who can help create better outcomes."
That approach can be seen in Young Tiddas on Country, a program co-designed with Aboriginal communities in northern New South Wales to support young girls through education, cultural connection and leadership development.
Young Tiddas on Country supports young girls through education, cultural connection and leadership development
Rather than being developed in a boardroom, the program was shaped by Elders, community members and the girls themselves.
"It didn't exist when I was growing up," Rebecca said.
"To see these girls starting to imagine bigger futures for themselves is incredibly powerful."
Strong partnerships have also played an important role in Murawin's journey.
For NAB Small Business Banker, Mitchell Roberts, what stands out most about Murawin is the strength of purpose behind the business.
"Rebecca stepped into leadership during an incredibly challenging period and has continued to build on the strong foundation established by her parents," Mitchell said.
"Murawin's commitment to creating better outcomes for First Nations communities sits at the centre of everything they do."
Through NAB's dedicated First Nations banking team, the bank has supported Murawin as the business has continued to evolve, providing specialist guidance and support tailored to the needs of a First Nations-owned family business.
NAB Small Business Banker, Mitchell Roberts
Rebecca said that support became especially valuable during one of the most difficult periods in her life.
"Having dedicated First Nations support managers that you can call and yarn things through makes a world of difference for a First Nations family business," she said.
"When we lost Dad, I suddenly found myself having to understand things I'd never previously been responsible for. The support we received was incredibly valuable during a really difficult time."
As Indigenous Business Month celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurship, Rebecca hopes Murawin's story encourages more young people to see what's possible.
"My parents' generation fought to get us a seat at the table," she said.
"My generation is helping shape what happens around that table.
"And the next generation will take it even further."
To learn more about how NAB supports First Nations businesses across Australia, visit Sustainability and Community | NAB News - NAB
For all media enquiries, please contact the NAB Media Line on +61 3 7035 5015
