The Transport Portfolio Aboriginal Engagement Team has won the IPAA WA Achievement Award for best practice in procurement – Aboriginal Engagement.

        

The Award recognises excellence in procurement and acknowledges the outstanding accomplishments the Transport Portfolio has achieved by improving contracting and supply chain opportunities for Aboriginal businesses who work on its major projects across Western Australia (WA).

This is the result of many years’ work by a multitude of staff to break barriers and create change to ensure a more level playing field in our industry. Through our contracting systems and construction programs, we have the ability to influence change that encourages and supports the involvement of Aboriginal businesses.

The IPAA WA Award recognises the major initiatives that have been developed to provide Aboriginal businesses with assistance to build experience across many elements of project development and construction, ultimately ensuring a level playing field within the industry.

We are continuing to unlock new opportunities for Aboriginal businesses and peoples to work with the Transport sector.

As well, the Bunbury Outer Ring Road Yaka Dandjoo Program recognised as Silver Winner of the Moore Australia (WA) Award for Best Collaboration between Government and any other organisation.

The Yaka Dandjoo Program, a first in Western Australia, is transforming lives through free training and work placements for disadvantaged job seekers in the construction industry.

This collaborative initiative by Main Roads WA, the Department of Training and Workforce Development, and the South West Gateway Alliance on the Bunbury Outer Ring Road (BORR) Project offers a clear career pathway, enhancing the South West’s workforce.

The Silver Moore Australia (WA) Award for Best Practice in Collaboration between Government and any other Organisation recognises the high-level collaboration and coordination across these organisations to meet priority objectives in the delivery of services to the community.

Now in its 12th cohort, this ground-breaking initiative has seen over 175 graduates, with 64 graduates directly employed on BORR. Emphasising diversity, 57 per cent of graduates are female and 58 per cent are Aboriginal people, showcasing the program’s commitment to inclusive growth and furthering the positive outcomes of these significant, targeted investments provided by the Transport Portfolio.

These investments are providing direct impacts for Aboriginal peoples, their families and communities and therefore, the wider community across WA.

By supporting Aboriginal businesses and employees with opportunities to successfully build their capacity and capabilities, Aboriginal peoples are empowered to further develop and prosper, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.