Our Story
Paaka—from the Paakantji language meaning river, and specifically referencing the Darling River—symbolises connection, strength, and sustaining life. As a majority Indigenous-owned company operating under the Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP), Paaka Group is committed to flowing cultural integrity into the full breadth of our work, while delivering genuine service excellence and sustainable growth. Our business is built on four interconnected streams of expertise. Paaka Logic delivers technology solutions from software, web, and application development through to cybersecurity, cloud services, managed IT, and hardware and software procurement. Paaka Legal provides trusted legal consulting, with deep capability in commercial law, contract and lease negotiations, regulatory compliance, and property law. Paaka Manage supports organisations with strategic planning, organisational development, program evaluation, and change management. Paaka Projects brings experience in project and program management, property consulting, and superintendent services, ensuring initiatives are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standard. We serve clients in government at all levels, as well as the education, healthcare, and community sectors, including not-for-profits and Indigenous organisations. Our work is informed by sector-specific insight and driven by a commitment to measurable results.


Our Cultural Commitment
At Paaka, our mission flows from the heritage of the Darling River: to nourish communities and organisations while respecting cultural roots. We are dedicated to:
Community Engagement
Partnering on initiatives that uplift First Nations communities.
Employment & Training
Delivering programs to upskill and empower Indigenous youth.
Environmental Responsibility
Fostering sustainable practices in our services and operations.
Cultural Preservation
Integrating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives across our work.
Our mission is clear:
To combine cultural integrity with service excellence—empowering clients and communities to thrive today, and into the future.
Our Leadership
William ‘Smiley’ Johnstone
Managing Director
Paakantji and Ngiyampaa leader with over 30 years’ experience driving strategic, social, cultural, and economic advancement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Smiley has held senior leadership roles across government, business, and community sectors, founding health and housing initiatives now regarded as national best practice. Known for building strong partnerships, he is driven by a vision of Aboriginal self-reliance and practical, measurable solutions. <read more button>John de la Torre
Director
Accomplished company director, entrepreneur, and governance leader with a diverse career in finance, real estate, legal services, and technology. John has founded and grown multiple award-winning businesses, served on corporate and charitable boards, and advised on national initiatives including Australia’s e-conveyancing platform, PEXA. A Fellow of the AICD and CPA Australia, he brings strategic vision, commercial acumen, and a strong commitment to community outcomes. <read more button>Certifications & Partnerships

D2 Consulting
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Amazing Labs
Details of affiliation. Logo in left column.

Canberra Law
Explanation of the certification. Relevant symbol in left column.
60 +
Data Analytics
150 +
Data Management
100 +
big data Analysis
60 +