Indigenous Business Forum showcases talented contractors

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On 21 June 2024, CPB Contractors, a member of the CIMIC Group, convened a project-based Indigenous Business Forum aimed at showcasing the talents and capabilities of Indigenous subcontractors and suppliers. The forum and networking event was the first of its kind on a CPB Contractors building project and was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Founder and CEO of BRC Roofing and Cladding (BRC), Blake Allen, presented at the Indigenous Business Forum and spoke about the importance of giving Aboriginal businesses the opportunity and exposure to large projects like the RPA Hospital Redevelopment.
 
“BRC is 100% Indigenous-owned and operated and our workforce sits at over 30% direct Indigenous employment across all levels of the organisation,” Mr Allen said.
 
”Our company focuses on employing Aboriginal people from rural and remote environments, and offering support at all levels including housing, transport and finance.

“The RPA Hospital Redevelopment is the largest project BRC has worked on, and it provides great exposure to more partnership opportunities with Tier 1 builders and the industry.

“When we grow our mob grows, it’s that simple. We understand the importance of social equality and equity in our business. CPB Contractors’ RAP initiatives partnering beside an Aboriginal business that is investing in its people and community is the way forward to closing the gap. Financial investment is going directly to communities providing sustainable opportunities for our mob.

“Together with CPB Contractors and other industry leaders, we can make history for Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples within the roofing and cladding industry.”
 
The forum enabled subcontractors to learn about Indigenous culture and provided a platform for businesses to network and make meaningful connections with highly capable Indigenous businesses.

CPB Contractors Graduate and Cultural Champion, Lawson Tinmouth, said that one particular outcome CPB Contractors was proud of was the impact the forum had on utility locaters Beveridge Williams (BW).

“Following the forum BW, with the assistance of CPB Contractors, set up a program targeting an increase in their Indigenous workforce, with a particular focus on youth in the Redfern local area,” Tinmouth said.

“Within three weeks of the forum, a young Redfern local has commenced as a paid trainee in BW’s workforce. The success of the program has resulted in it now being rolled out nationally across BW’s operations.

“This kind of impact is something that all of us working on the RPA Hospital Redevelopment project celebrate and is exactly what the forum was aiming to achieve.”