Biripi man Brendan Syron is making a significant impact

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Third-year electrical apprentice and Biripi man Brendan Syron is challenging stereotypes and making a significant impact at the Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) Hospital Redevelopment project, currently under construction by CPB Contractors, a member of the CIMIC Group.

A former hotel manager, Brendan chose to chase his passion of tinkering with electronics and study an electrical trade during the COVID-19 pandemic. Motivated by challenging the stereotypes given to Aboriginal people, Brendan is passionate about being a role model and advocate of change.

“I want to change the stereotype of my people and be the best role model I can be for others. I am motivated by trying to change negative beliefs and want to show that with the right skills and dedication, anyone can excel, no matter their background,” he said.

“Being part of this redevelopment means a lot to me personally. It’s about contributing to something that will benefit the entire community while also paving the way for more Aboriginal people to enter the industry.

“The construction industry is very inclusive and multicultural, with all of us working together to reach the best project outcome. I would love to see more programs that offer trade opportunities for Aboriginal youth at school to help build confidence in our mob to pursue their passions.”

The redevelopment project has seen a significant number of Aboriginal tradespeople engaged in various capacities. This inclusion is part of a wider strategy to address the under-representation of Aboriginal people in the construction and engineering sectors.

CPB Contractors Graduate and cultural champion, Lawson Tinmouth, says CPB Contractors is dedicated to using its large platform to achieve strong reconciliation-based outcomes for the Aboriginal community across their projects.

“Positive discrimination policies like Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP) offer a meaningful way for us to help close the gap in our own sphere of influence. By increasing Aboriginal participation on our projects, we are building better outcomes for all,” he said.
 
“Including Aboriginal people and businesses into large projects like this one is a crucial step towards reconciliation and economic empowerment. The diverse perspectives and skills brought by Aboriginal workers have been invaluable to the RPA Redevelopment project.”

In addition to providing opportunities for business and employment, CPB Contractors has also supported initiatives aimed at preserving and celebrating Aboriginal culture. These include networking events, ceremonies on site, and honouring and incorporating Aboriginal heritage through consultation in design.

The success of Aboriginal participation on the RPA Hospital Redevelopment serves as a model for future public infrastructure projects. It underscores the importance of inclusive practices and the positive impact of including diverse groups into major initiatives.

Find out more about Brendan Syron in our Meet the Team.