New Dubbo Bridge project on the path to legacy of diversity and inclusion
The New Dubbo Bridge project is leading the way in Aboriginal participation with the employment target reached less than half the way through the project timeline.
Transport for NSW Director West Alistair Lunn said the impressive Aboriginal Procurement Plan (APP), previously known as the Aboriginal Participation in Construction (APiC), numbers meant the project was creating a legacy of diversity and inclusion within the Dubbo community.
“Dubbo is Wiradjuri country and home to more than 14,600 Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander residents, which is almost 16 per cent of the city’s population,” Mr Lunn said.
“It’s been a priority for Transport for NSW and Abergeldie - our contractors building the New Dubbo Bridge – since day one, to consult with the local Aboriginal community and get the best outcomes we could.
“Through a number of initiatives, we have been able to reach the targeted $2 million spend on Aboriginal employment just 15 months in to a 36-month contract.”
The NSW Government requires a minimum 1.5 per cent of a project’s total contract value to be directed to Aboriginal employment, businesses, training and engagement and consultation.
The New Dubbo Bridge project has met this requirement through partnerships with local Aboriginal businesses including Torra Recruitment and Indigeco for labour hire, Workcontrol for traffic control, REDIE for cleaning, security and catering and ICAN for fencing, property adjustments and landscaping.
“Last May, we held prequalification workshops for Aboriginal businesses in Dubbo where we were able to communicate what’s required to work on Transport for NSW sites and how accreditation could be achieved,” Mr Lunn said.
“We have been engaging in a number of inclusive initiatives such as Sista’s in Trade where three women were employed as a result, as well as Girls Can Too involving school visits and work experience.
“We’re proud to say that we have reached the target so early, but really the journey started on day one with consultation and will continue to be a collaborative effort right through to the project completion.”
Chairperson of the Dubbo Aboriginal Working Party, Robert Riley said the Stolen Generation Day at Wiradjuri Park was a significant step in building relationships with the local Aboriginal community.
“That was a day where Aboriginal community members came together and talked about the positive experience, many who hadn’t spoken to one another for years,” Mr Riley said.
“It’s been a true conversation between Abergeldie and Transport for NSW, and the Aboriginal community from the start.
“From that true consultation we have been able to provide locally based Aboriginal businesses who are connected to the community, so the benefit is widespread.
“These employment opportunities actually change lives - I know of young people working on the project who are now the highest paid worker in the family at 19 or 20 years-old, I know of grandfathers who are the leader of the family and can make more things happen now for their grandkids, for their nephews, for their nieces.
“The true indication of getting the great results that we’ve gotten to date is because the consultation happened from day one.”
More information about the New Dubbo Bridge project can be found at nswroads.work/dubbo.