The Yaka Dandjoo program has been developed to achieve two primary objectives; to create a pipeline of skilled people to support ongoing infrastructure delivery and to boost sustainable employment opportunities for the region.

The program provides participants with an opportunity to gain sustainable employment through Group Training Organisations and traineeships or apprenticeships.

Kandice and Jo from the Alliance Aboriginal Participation Team recently visited some of the graduates on-site. It was a great opportunity to catch up and offer additional support as they settled into their new roles.

Tara Calyon, is a recent graduate working on the project as a plant operator for Picton Civil. Tara is a proud Yamaji/Wardandi woman and a mother of three. Prior to the program, Tara had spent most of her adult life as a mother and carer and had no previous employment history.

Through the program, Tara was able to gain qualifications in both roller and dump truck operations and has been working on the project since early January.

Alice Sambo, another thriving Indigenous graduate, was given the opportunity to obtain her roller ticket and is now also working with Picton Civil.

Both women are now working full time, have settled in well, and are enjoying their new roles and the opportunities the program has given them.

Main Roads and the Alliance are supporting more people to gain successful opportunities on construction projects through a variety of pathways. We are supporting young people, women, Aboriginal people, and mature aged candidates to get into the industry.