Civil Contractors Federation Recognized the Central Earthmoving’s Commitment of Aboriginal Businesses

Geraldton-based contractor Central Earthmoving’s strong commitment to growing the capabilities of Aboriginal businesses and employees has been recognized with the Civil Contractors Federation WA’s Aboriginal Engagement Award, proudly sponsored by DevelopmentWA.

The Aboriginal Engagement Award was first presented in 2010 and recognizes demonstrated and ongoing commitment to Aboriginal Engagement by a company in the civil construction industry.

CCF WA CEO Andy Graham congratulated Central Earthmoving and commended the other finalists – Altona Plumbing & Civil, Downer Group, and WBHO Infrastructure – for the quality of their entries.

“The standard of submissions was astounding, and what shone through in all of them is a dedication to ‘closing the gap’ through economic empowerment,” Mr. Graham said.

“These companies can be proud of what they have achieved in working with Aboriginal businesses and providing employment for Aboriginal people. And we know there are many other companies in the civil construction industry that are doing great work in this area too.

“The leadership and encouragement shown by DevelopmentWA and other Government agencies have been a huge factor in driving positive change in our industry.”

Development WA CEO Frank Marra said DevelopmentWA has held a long term, unwavering commitment to working on significant projects in partnership with Aboriginal businesses and their representative bodies.

“Through our work, we aim to build strong and lasting relationships, increasing recognition of traditional culture within our developments and improve employment and economic development opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Mr. Marra said.

Key achievements by Central Earthmoving over the past year included:

• Establishment of the majority Aboriginal-owned Carey Central JV, the first Aboriginal JV to achieve R2 prequalification certification with Main Roads WA. The JV successfully negotiated with Main Roads to upgrade a section of the Great Central Road (Outback Way). A key strategy is to train and mentor local Aboriginal people.
• Establishment of the majority Aboriginal-owned Buru Centrals JV, which is focused on delivering mine site rehabilitation services. The JV has secured a five-year contract at Newmont’s Boddington Mine site and in the first year achieved 30% of Aboriginal employees onsite. Centrals also provided guarantees so that a local Aboriginal family was able to purchase two machines to subcontract on the project.
• Centrals Managing Director Craig Patterson has established a mentoring program for local Aboriginal businesses in the Mid West, facilitating introductions between Aboriginal and mainstream businesses, exploring synergies and JV opportunities based on Centrals’ successful experience in implementing such arrangements.

Source: Civil Contractor Federation