Outpost Consulting: The anatomy of an Aboriginal-owned consultancy

Outpost Consulting

With 22 years in business under her belt, Katy O'Callaghan has seen how procurement opportunities can ebb and flow while running Outpost Consulting.

Katy has led more than 100 projects, growing Outpost Consulting into a respected Aboriginal-owned consultancy focused on improving people's lives and strengthening communities.

Since launching her business in 2005, the proud Quandamooka woman has experienced the feast-or-famine nature of consultancy work, gradually building a reputation for delivering thoughtful, evidence-based research that tackles complex social issues.

"We provide research and evaluation services related to social policy," Katy says. "We provide services that are customised to the client’s needs and grounded in community voice and ethical practice.

“In business, you really have to back yourself and ride out some of those low times when you don’t know when your next job is going to come in.”

Bringing diverse perspectives to policy

Much of Outpost Consulting's work focuses on helping organisations understand how policies impact real people, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people with disability and other groups whose experiences are not always reflected in mainstream approaches.

"Having people from diverse backgrounds involved in policy development is really important. Having that different lens on projects, you can relate to where people are coming from and understand their lives a bit better," Katy says.

She believes diverse voices can help challenge assumptions and ensure programs are designed in ways that meet community needs.

How procurement creates opportunities

Katy says procurement opportunities have played a key role in opening doors and creating sustained growth for her business.

"I've benefitted a lot from being on government panels. They get to know you and what you can bring to the table," Katy says.
Through government procurement panels, Outpost Consulting has been able to access projects, build long-term relationships and show its capability across a range of sectors.

"I think understanding government and having those connections with government buyers is really important," Katy says.
Instead of meeting buyers only when a contract is ready to be signed, Katy says initiatives that bring buyers and suppliers together can open the door to building new relationships.

"Those opportunities are important because you can actually chat to people and have a more meaningful conversation about what you do and how you might be able to support what they do," Katy says.

Building relationships that lead to work

When Katy began her business, she joined the South East Queensland Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, connecting with other business owners and learning more about government procurement processes. Today, she’s with networks like Queensland Indigenous Business Network.

Katy is also a founding member of Clarity Consortium, a collective of Indigenous and non-Indigenous social policy researchers who can join forces on larger government contracts while sharing knowledge, networks and support.

These relationships build visibility and are a chance to collaborate, share knowledge and better understand what government buyers are looking for. Katy believes those connections are invaluable for businesses looking to grow.

Letting quality work speak for itself

After two decades in business, Katy remains refreshingly practical about what drives success.

"If you're letting your work speak for itself and have customers advocate for you and support you and spread the word, that's a really good way of giving buyers confidence."

That philosophy has helped Outpost Consulting maintain long-standing client relationships and secure repeat work across government and the community sector.

Unlike businesses focused on rapid expansion, Katy is motivated by the quality and impact of the work rather than growth for growth's sake.

She hopes to continue taking on meaningful projects that make a tangible difference while expanding relationships across government, community organisations and the private sector.

"I'm happiest when I can see that the work I'm doing has some kind of influence on improving people's lives.”

Indigenous Business Month opportunities

Connecting business to opportunity is the aim of Queensland Government during Indigenous Business Month.

By helping to build relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses, buyers and industry, participation in Queensland's procurement market becomes stronger.

Learn more about buyer and supplier events.