The Spirit Behind SCSi

When we started SCS Indigenous (SCSi), it was never about building just another business. It was about creating something with real purpose — a business that delivers excellence in service while also opening doors for First Nations people across the country.

As a proud Wotjobaluk man, my Country holds deep meaning for me. A sacred area is Gariwerd — what most people know as Halls Gap in the Grampians. This landscape is home to more than 200 rock art sites, each telling stories of creation and of Bunjil, the Creator Spirit. These markings are not relics of the past — they are living stories, carried through ceremony, art, and culture. They ground us in who we are. That is why our brand is more than a name or a logo. It carries spirit.

Our logo was designed by Keagan Malia, a proud Wamba Wamba man from Swan Hill. After completing Year 12, Keagan pursued his passion for art through Graphic Design at RMIT University in Melbourne. Soon after, he began his career at Kinaway Chamber of Commerce, where his skills and appreciation for cultural heritage have continued to grow.

I’ve had the privilege of mentoring Keagan for more than five years — first helping him secure that role, then encouraging him to take the leap into starting his own design business, Neonic. Over time, that relationship became about more than business. It was about confidence, resilience, and creating space for his creativity to shine. Designing the SCSi logo was not just a project for Keagan — it was an honour and a way to contribute to my journey, just as I’ve been part of his.

When I shared my vision for SCSi — the ochre of Gariwerd, the stories of Bunjil, and the role of culture in shaping who we are — Keagan listened deeply and translated that vision into a design filled with meaning.

• Ochre Colours: Drawn from my Country, Gariwerd. Ochre is sacred in First Nations tradition — used for ceremony, storytelling, and art. It symbolises connection to Country, identity, and belonging.
• Half-Circular Motifs: Represent meeting places — sacred spaces where people come together, share knowledge, and build relationships. For SCSi, they reflect our commitment to collaboration and connection.
• The Half Sun: A giver of life — warmth, light, and growth. In Dreaming stories, the sun brings the world to life each day, ensuring survival and continuity.
• Connecting Pathways: Symbolise the journeys of our people, the routes between communities, and the employment pathways SCSi is building today.
• Dot Work: A reminder of our storytelling traditions — from stars above to patterns in the land. Each dot represents resilience, culture, and vision.

Together, these elements form more than a logo. They tell the story of SCSi — a proud First Nations business grounded in culture, walking with community, and building pathways for generations to come.

When I met my co-founder, Nicholas Pastras, we connected instantly. From the first conversation, it was clear we shared a passion for creating opportunities for First Nations people. Nicholas brought decades of experience in the cleaning and facilities industry, and I brought my drive to create pathways for our mob. Together, we saw the chance to build something different — a business that is commercially strong, but firmly grounded in culture, purpose, and impact.

For me, SCSi is about more than contracts or services. Every job we deliver is tied to something bigger:

• Creating meaningful employment for First Nations people — particularly for women rebuilding their lives who need safe, flexible work.
• Investing in young people through scholarships, mentoring, and leadership opportunities.
• Building sustainable careers through partnerships with organisations like Yalagan Registered Training and NextGen Pathways.
• Strengthening the Indigenous business ecosystem by working with and buying from other Indigenous-owned businesses.

SCSi exists because I believe business can — and should — do more. We can deliver professional, high-quality services for our clients while also changing lives and strengthening communities.

Every time I look at our logo, I see the strength of my Ancestors and the sacred ochre of Gariwerd. I see the reminder that everything we do at SCSi is about walking proudly in two worlds — delivering excellence in business while staying true to who we are.

That’s why we started SCSi. And that’s why we will continue to push forward — building a business with purpose, guided by culture, and creating pathways for generations to come.