He’s one of the very few indigenous jockeys in Australia, but Dale Smith hopes to inspire the next generation to get into the sport.

Speaking during NAIDOC Week, Smith says it's an honour to represent his culture in his chosen profession.

"On a personal level, knowing what the culture has gone through over time, to get the recognition over time for Aboriginal people is an absolute honour," Smith said.

"It's great to see the culture recognised over the week. It doesn't matter your skin colour, white, yellow, everyone can be very successful, and it's great that this week that gets recognised."

Determined to make a change, particularly in regional areas, Smith is working with the Third Space Indigenous Corporation.

"Myself and two cousins, we've got a not-for-profit company to try and help the disengaged youth from where we come from, a small town in the Kimberley called Derby in WA," Smith said.

"We're trying to recognise natural talent, not so much for riding, but for every aspect, training to being a strapper or stablehand.

"It's to recognise, encourage, supply work-based employment for Aboriginal people, not just into racing, to get them out into work."

The Stakes-winning rider hopes to bring up a NAIDOC Week winner at Beaudesert on Saturday, in what would be an extra special feat.

"It's an honour, I'm so proud of being able to represent my culture," Smith said.

#EVENT: Third Space Indigenous Corporation’s Trent Haerewa had the opportunity to speak at the WA Mining Club's Q3 Event – Danjoo Goorliny. Topics discussed included Native Title, Land Rights and Heritage and how Indigenous business and communities can benefit and where improvements in the Industry can be made. Noting a significant improvement would be to give Indigenous peoples a voice and power to negotiate terms through increased powers in the Heritage Act.

Third Space Indigenous Corporation’s Marlanie Haerewa and Trent Haerewa were proud to attend the WA Mining Club luncheon on 24th July 2021.

Showcasing and discussing our mining and labour hire capabilities as well as listening to the incredible panel discussing how to communicate with Indigenous peoples and businesses issues faced by Indigenous Business.