Representatives from Main Roads and the Transport Portfolio Aboriginal Engagement branch (TPAE) recently attended the Supply Nation Supplier Diversity Awards in Sydney.

TPAE and Main Roads were shortlisted together as finalists for the ‘Government Member of the Year’ category, which recognises exceptional commitment, engagement and leadership in supplier diversity and the driving of significant growth in the Indigenous business sector.

This achievement reflects our efforts in the growth and improvement of Aboriginal engagement and participation across the entirety of the Transport and Major Infrastructure Portfolio. Collaboratively, Main Roads and TPAE, through the Transport agencies, have worked hard to improve contracting and supply chain opportunities for Aboriginal businesses, supporting employment, developing Aboriginal business capability and building relationships with education, training and small business development providers to create pathways for sustainable economic empowerment.

Attending on behalf of Main Roads was Aniza Zarol, Principal Procurement Manager, and Tish Moloney, Aboriginal Engagement Advisor representing TPAE. In addition to the awards ceremony, they also attended the Supply Nation Knowledge Forum to hear from leading Indigenous entrepreneurs and the Indigenous Business Tradeshow where they connected with a wide range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.

Tish and Aniza were pleased to see the diversity of the Aboriginal business sector during the event, with panellists ranging from footy legend Adam Goodes to pioneers in the space program.

“It was insightful and impactful, listening to the young Aboriginal panellists who are strong, confident and advocating for Aboriginal peoples and businesses.”

They noticed a large presence of WA Aboriginal businesses and stakeholders at the event, and it was announced that next years’ event will be hosted in Boorloo (Perth)!

Learn more about contracting and sub-contracting on Main Roads projects here.