Targeting Indigenous participation in construction

The MOU with the Yarpa Indigenous Business and Employment Hub (a subsidiary of the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council) will form the centrepiece of BESIX Watpac’s commitment to grow Indigenous employment by subcontractors and increase the number of Indigenous owned businesses in their supply chain.

BESIX Watpac General Manager New South Wales, Peter Furlong said the agreement will enable greater visibility of Indigenous enterprises and their capability.

“Yarpa Hub will increase the talent pool available to BESIX Watpac in New South Wales at an important time in our business as we target larger and more complex projects,” Peter said.

NSW Aboriginal Land Council Chief Executive Officer, James Christian welcomed the strategic partnership.

“I am very pleased to add BESIX Watpac to our list of esteemed partners. We’re connecting with a world class construction company that is continually striving to strengthen their commitment to Indigenous participation in all aspects of their company.”

Yarpa Director, Ricky Walford, is looking forward to seeing the relationship flourish.

“We’ve had the opportunity to work with BESIX Watpac previously through our Meet the Buyer event and information sessions and this is really exciting for us to be making our business relationship official in order to reach further outcomes for Indigenous businesses at the Hub,” Ricky said.

BESIX Watpac’s National Indigenous Affairs Manager, James Alley said the New South Wales agreement was an important step in the company’s national strategy.

“We’ve made big gains in Indigenous employment on our projects in Queensland and now we are setting targets on all new projects across Australia,” James said.

“This is not just about jobs, its about supporting Indigenous owned enterprises to help them reach their potential and really grow their businesses across the construction industry.”

BESIX Watpac and the Land Council will meet quarterly to further develop the strategy.

PHOTO: from left Ricky Walford (Yarpa Director) James Alley (BESIX Watpac National Indigenous Affairs Manager) James Christian (NSW Aboriginal Land Council CEO) Peter Furlong (BESIX Watpac General Manager NSW) Wes Trist (Yarpa Relationships Manager) Yuseph Dean (Yarpa Executive Director)