Head Ben Kendall

Issue Three October 2009

Celebrating NAIDOC Week

Mining opportunities in the Pilbara Meet IBA’s new Chaircaption

IBA respects Indigenous cultures and has attempted to ensure that no material that is offensive to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has been included in this magazine. Issue Three October 2009 1 Welcome to Issue Three of Inspire

On behalf of Indigenous Business Australia (IBA), welcome to Issue Three of Inspire, our economic development magazine.

At IBA, we have a vision for “A nation in which the First Australians are economically independent and an integral part of the economy.” We work hard to achieve this vision by assisting Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples to purchase their own homes, create and build businesses, and own companies and investments; building assets and wealth, and fulfilling aspirations.

Inspire was launched in October 2008 and, as the title suggests, it aims to excite, influence, stimulate, motivate and arouse feelings through the promotion of Indigenous successes stories in the business and economic sectors.

Inspire aims to add to the discussion about how economic development can provide financial independence and positive outcomes for Indigenous Australians, their families, friends and communities.

In this issue we travel from the East Kimberley region of Western Australia to Cape York to showcase how Indigenous Australians across our vast country are experiencing amazing economic breakthroughs and how, together, we can all contribute to the future prosperity of this country.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Inspire and look forward to receiving your feedback, so that we can continue to provide you with information that is helpful, relevant and insightful. For any comments or suggestions, please Inspire aims to add to the email: [email protected] discussion about how economic In the meantime, we look forward to bringing you more exciting news and development can provide initiatives in the next edition of Inspire, early in 2010. financial independence and positive outcomes for Indigenous Australians,

their families, friends and Ron Morony, General Manager IBA communities.

2 Issue Three October 2009 The Pioneers of Indigenous Home Ownership

Len Barratt had grown tired of not throughout our life.” She also appreciated receiving a reply to his requests. Even the differences between her family’s living “no” would at least have been an answer, situation and that of some of her friends. but the building societies of Canberra She said it was great “not having to move wouldn’t even give him that much. Len every 6 months to a year. Other friends of was frustrated; he was a fireman with the mine had parents who rented and moved Canberra Fire Brigade, earning a regular quite often.” wage, and striving for a better future for his family. It took a chance meeting with his Niki’s mum, sister, her sister’s two wife and two employees of the Department children and two brothers still live in the of Aboriginal Affairs to change his Kambah family home. The stability that family’s life. the home has provided for Niki and her siblings is something that Niki is keen This meeting was when Len heard about to pass on to her children and the Aboriginal Loans Commission (ALC), their children. an authority established in November 1974 to provide finance for Indigenous The positive example set by her Australians wanting to buy their own parents had a lasting effect on Niki. homes. It was through the ALC that, on “In 1996 I bought my first home, in 27 May 1975, the Barratts became the very Canberra, through IBA. The support from first recipients of an ALC loan ($32,500) my family definitely helped.” Niki and her Article that appeared in the Canberra Times, May 27, 1975 with which they purchased a four-bedroom family sold the house in Fisher and paid home in Kambah, ACT. out their IBA loan when they relocated to the Central Coast. The money they Barratts. In their Kambah home, they raised Over the next 34 years, and after going received for the house assisted them in 12 children in a stable, secure environment through several restructures, the ALC loan their business venture and with purchasing with positive role models. It is fitting that program became the Home Ownership another home on the Coast through a their daughter, Niki, is now working for IBA, Program which is now administered by IBA. mainstream lender. raising her own family, and continuing the positive cycle of asset and wealth creation Niki has returned to Canberra and for future generations. • There is no better commenced a role with IBA in February 2009. She is excited about now assisting advertisement for other Indigenous Australians to own their own home and build assets and wealth as the benefits of home her parents were able to all those ownership than the years ago.

Barratts. “I would recommend that anyone considering buying a home should look at IBA first. IBA staff are dedicated to home Niki Donnelly works for IBA, and as a lending. They deal with the home loan member of the Barratt family, grew up process from start to finish. You can call in that Kambah house. She recalls the IBA with any query and know that staff feeling of security that came from living members will give you the right support in a home her parents owned. “I felt very and answers.” safe that I always lived in the same home. By always living in our home we grew up There is no better advertisement for the Niki Donnelly with the same friends and family support benefits of home ownership than the

Issue Three October 2009 3 Annual breakfast to celebrate NAIDOC Week

For Indigenous Australians, Brisbane was the focus of NAIDOC General Manager of IBA, Mr Ron Morony, confirmed IBA’s Week as the host city for this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations. support for NAIDOC Week as an important time to reflect on the For IBA, the annual NAIDOC Breakfast, held in Brisbane, was an achievements of Indigenous Australians and to look to the future opportunity for IBA to show their support for NAIDOC Week and for what can be achieved. “As an organisation with 20 locations Indigenous economic development. throughout Australia this breakfast event is one of many activities that IBA staff will be participating in during the week long NAIDOC The Breakfast was held on Friday 10 July and hosted by the celebrations,” Mr Morony said. ABC’s Message Stick presenter Miriam Corowa. Speakers applauded the work that IBA and partner organisations Speakers on the day were the Minister for Families, Housing, were doing in closing the economic gap between Indigenous and Communities and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) the Hon. Jenny non-Indigenous Australians. Macklin, new IBA Chair, Dr Dawn Casey, and the Corporate Development Director of Henry Walker Eltin (HWE) Mining, Minister Macklin noted the ’fantastic passion and drive’ of those Mr John Jones. gathered at the event. ”I want to say to the Board and to the senior management of IBA just how critical your role is in supporting Guests included the Deputy Secretary of FaHCSIA, Dr Jeff those Indigenous business people around the country who really Harmer; Indigenous Land Corporation Chair, Shirley McPherson; do want to get ahead.” Chief Executive Officer, Paul O’Callaghan; IBA Board members; representatives from the private sector; Indigenous groups, and The Minister spoke of the potential for partnerships available staff from other government departments and agencies. through IBA and encouraged attendees to become “aware of the opportunities that IBA have to help businesses get off the ground.”

“If we can do it in a way that takes advantage of the very large infrastructure spending that the Government’s putting in place…I’d just love to see that happen so that we see Indigenous people taking advantage of the Government’s broader economic objectives.”

Minister Macklin stressed the importance of economic development for Indigenous Australians. “Economic independence is important for so many reasons but one of the most important reasons is the IBA Board member, Leah Armstrong and control that it gives individuals over their own lives.” IBA Deputy General Manager, Kaely Woods

A key feature of the Minister’s address was her announcement of the appointment of Dr Dawn Casey as the new Chair of IBA. She praised Dr Casey as a ‘person of great distinction’ with ‘outstanding creativity’ and wished her all the best in her new role.

In response, Dr Casey said her appointment as Chair was an honour and provided an opportunity to influence the commercial and economic aspects of Indigenous development. She said “the role of reconciliation and support of reconciliation by the Government is critically important” and she is excited to be Chair of an economic development organisation which “enables Indigenous people to own their own homes and businesses through investment, creates jobs for Indigenous people and is a Paul O’Callaghan and Dr Jeff Harmer key contributor to closing the gap.”

4 Issue Three October 2009 Speakers applauded the work that IBA and partner organisations were doing in closing the economic gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

ABC Message Stick’s Miriam Corowa Issue Three October 2009 5 John Jones from HWE Mining (a wholly Nurturing youth and providing celebrate the great work being done in owned subsidiary of Leighton Contractors’ opportunities for employment and training Indigenous economic development and Pty Limited) spoke of the value of is a key focus for Mr Jones. “The goal is share their optimism for the future. • partnering with IBA. “NAIDOC Week brings to provide pathways to employment. We into sharp focus the role that Leighton run extensive programs; pre-employment, Contractors and IBA have in commercial mentoring, cultural awareness, but we ventures with Indigenous partners. We really have to do more. We want young believe in creating a self-sustaining cycle people to see Leighton Contractors as a of Indigenous people creating real jobs for real and positive long-term career path.” Indigenous people. We have a partnership with IBA; it’s certainly yielded fruit with The breakfast provided a great opportunity more to come.” for those involved in Indigenous affairs to

Ron Morony, GeneralDr Dawn Manager Casey, Hon. IBA Jenny Macklin, John Jones.

6 Issue Three October 2009 Educating the Indigenous leaders of tomorrow

The recent ‘Overcoming Indigenous Scholarships are intended Disadvantage’ report pointed to a for those who face financial significant gap in the level of education of burdens that might Indigenous Australians compared to non- otherwise restrict their Indigenous Australians. The low number options for further study. of well-educated Indigenous people within IBA acknowledges that Indigenous communities is a contributing mature-aged students are factor to a lack of economic development often required to make and participation by those communities significant personal and in the mainstream economy. Educating financial sacrifices when the Indigenous leaders of tomorrow is undertaking further study to essential to securing the economic future advance their personal and of Indigenous communities. career goals.

With that in mind, the IBA Board established Aside from financial the IBA Scholarship Fund in 2008. IBA assistance, IBA can General Manager, Ron Morony, says also provide non- the Board is confident that “through the financial support through scholarship fund, mature-age Indigenous connecting recipients Australians can build economic knowledge, with existing Indigenous leadership skills and business acumen for support services, such their communities. This knowledge transfer as Indigenous Higher will contribute to economic development in Education Centres (IHEC) or Indigenous Living away from home assistance Indigenous communities.” Support Workers. IHEC are located in • Relocation costs Australian Universities and Indigenous • Travel costs for family visits The IBA Scholarship Fund acknowledges Support workers are available at most • Accommodation costs that mature-age students are more TAFE institutes. Recipients are supported likely to return to their communities after to access the Australian Government’s IBA opened an Expressions of Interest study, where they often hold a position of Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme, register for the scholarship in March 2009 influence and are able to apply their skills which provides free tutorial assistance to with the intention of awarding a small and knowledge for the benefit of eligible students. number of places to eligible applicants to the community. undertake study. In total, an astounding IBA Scholarship assistance is tailored to 162 enquiries were received and six The Fund supports study in courses the individual circumstance and successful applicants were selected. with a commercial and economic could include: The successful applicants came from management focus in the areas of Western Australia and Queensland, and business, leadership and finance. Suitable Study assistance are pursuing qualifications in business, courses include; business, accounting, • Course costs management, commerce, hospitality and financial management, commerce, tourism • Study resources/ancillary course costs financial counselling. management, and governance. • Communication costs (telephone, broadband) Information on IBA Scholarship Fund The Fund provides recipients with the • IT equipment (lap top, printer) rounds, eligibility criteria and guidelines flexibility to choose which institution they • Living expenses can be found on the IBA website wish to study at. An educational qualification • Transport costs www.iba.gov.au. For all other enquiries can be gained through an Undergraduate • Child Care please contact the Scholarships Manager Degree, Vocational Education and Training, at [email protected] or call TAFE, or a Capability Training short course. 1800 107 107. •

Issue Three October 2009 7 Meet Dr Dawn Casey, IBA’s new Chair

Tough. Determined. Principled. Despite their hardship, Dawn recalls that experienced a strong reconnection of her growing up in Cairns was “a joy” with her own in the process. This helped forge To some she is known as a ‘person of and her brothers involved in sports. Her her commitment to museums and the great distinction’, a ‘respected figure’, and parents insisted that she attend school preservation of Indigenous culture. to others, a ‘cultural warrior’. and did not tolerate absenteeism. Dawn recalls never feeling different to the other It was Dawn’s work on the National There is no doubt, however, that Dr Dawn children until high school where she Museum of Australia (NMA) in Canberra Casey is a visionary in the preservation was told she couldn’t do the subjects that cemented her reputation. Recruited and promotion of Indigenous culture. that she really wanted to, like French, on in 1999, she managed the transition of She has been recognised nationally and the basis of being Aboriginal. Instead, the museum from an organisation with 40 internationally for her groundbreaking work Aboriginal girls were encouraged to study staff and an annual budget of $4 million, as the Director of the National Museum of sewing and cooking to prepare them to a fully operational museum with 210 Australia, bringing Indigenous culture into for domestic employment, with teachers paid staff, 200 volunteers, and an annual the spotlight and to the masses. maintaining that ‘you Aboriginal children budget of $43 million. The museum had will leave school before you reach Grade approximately 2 million visitors within the Dawn is also an accomplished 10’. Dawn’s parents insisted she return first two and half years of opening. Building administrator, having succeeded to the school and fight her battles. These was completed on time and on budget in a number of high profile roles in experiences ignited the determination in - a rare and remarkable achievement for Commonwealth Government and Dawn, a determination that would assist a major public sector building project - Museums. She will bring all this experience her throughout her career. and the NMA opened as a Centenary of and skill to her new role as Chair of Federation project in 2001. The significance Indigenous Business Australia, formally After leaving school at 14, Dawn was of this achievement was commemorated by announced by the Minister for Families, married and pregnant by 16. Working as a the builders of the museum who presented Housing, Communities and Indigenous cleaner she put herself through business Dawn with a framed piece of the Berlin Wall, Affairs, the Hon. Jenny Macklin during college, and secured her first role in the on which was engraved, ‘For making the NAIDOC Week 2009. public service at the Commonwealth impossible possible’. Department of Education, Cairns. Like many of her contemporaries, Dawn is She rose rapidly to senior posts in the Dawn revelled in her role with the NMA. a battler, and rose to the top from humble Commonwealth Public Service, including She enjoyed working for an institution beginnings. Born in 1950 her father was AusAid, executing some impressive where she got to “share with millions of a stockman and her mother a cook from projects and honing her skills. visitors including school children, the Croydon, North Queensland. When she rich, complex, ancient, sophisticated and was young the family lived in a cramped Throughout her childhood and early adult enduring Indigenous culture, together life museums held little interest for Dawn. with the long struggle for recognition But this changed when she was director and the impact of the removal of Dr Dawn Casey is of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs in children, with people who come through South Australia, working closely with the museums; because museums are trusted a visionary in the director of the Museums. At that time, in organisation and, if you do it well, you preservation and South Australia, Indigenous Australians change attitudes.” were experiencing a breakdown of culture. promotion of Petrol sniffing was rife and a wide range Although the NMA was a success, in 2003 of anti-social issues were arising in the the Howard Government decided not Indigenous culture. communities. Dawn funded a program to renew Dawn’s contract as Director, a for the repatriation of human remains controversial decision that was met with and secret sacred material back to accusations of racism among the general shack on the outskirts of Cairns. Here, her Indigenous communities. Her hope was public and the museum fraternity. Ironically, mother cleaned houses and her father that this would reconnect Indigenous not one month after her dismissal Dawn worked as a garbage collector. people to their culture, and she found she was awarded a Public Service Medal for

8 Issue Three October 2009 her remarkable achievement in outstanding Museum before moving to the position challenges at the Powerhouse with her public service. of Director of the Powerhouse Museum characteristic passion and dedication. in Sydney in 2008. Dawn’s appointment After a brief stint as a cultural consultant to the Powerhouse was seen by some In NAIDOC Week 2009, Dawn officially to the Victorian and West Australian of her colleagues as risky and bold, but commenced another new role in Governments, in 2005 Dawn became Dawn was excited by the chance to live Indigenous affairs as the Chair of IBA. the CEO of the Western Australia in Sydney and take on the significant At the annual IBA NAIDOC Breakfast on

Issue Three October 2009 9 10 July 2009, she said “I am attracted She has been welcomed with open arms by the opportunity to influence the by IBA, with IBA General Manager, Ron “My career has commercial and economic aspects of Morony, saying “The executive team and always focussed on Indigenous development. My career has I are pleased with this appointment and always focussed on highlighting areas it gives us a basis to move forward with highlighting areas where where improvements are possible and I confidence.” believe the building blocks that underpin improvements are economic development stem from creating Dawn Casey has had an influential, possible and I believe opportunities and a better future for distinguished and at times controversial our people.” career. But despite the numerous awards, the building blocks that medals and accolades she remains a underpin economic Dawn recollected a conversation with her modest, humble, and carefree role model. mother after her contract at the NMA was She is a treasure to Indigenous and development stem from not renewed, in which her mother asked non-Indigenous Australians and IBA feels “Dawn, weren’t you working hard enough? privileged to have her as its new leader. • creating opportunities After 25 years in the Commonwealth and a better future for our Government you’re leaving?” Dawn said, “I believe she’s looking down from up people.” there somewhere and sighing with relief – Dr Dawn Casey. that I’ve been accepted back into the Commonwealth fold.”

IBA Chair, Dr Dawn Casey with IBA Deputy Chair, Bob Blair

10 Issue Three October 2009 Remote controlled cars

The Aboriginal community of Lockhart As he sits in his ‘office’, under a fig tree Portland Roads and Chilli Beach, 40km River is located 800km from Cairns in at the Lockhart River airstrip, Paul gazes or so to the north of Lockhart River. North Queensland. It’s a long way from in the direction of three hire vehicles Business is so good that Paul and Laney anywhere. In 1848 the explorer Edmund neatly parked in a row. All three are are about to base three more vehicles Kennedy set up a base camp near the allocated to passengers soon arriving at the airport in Coen, a small town and mouth of the Pascoe River, 33 km west on a Skytrans flight from Cairns, and all commercial centre on the Cape, 210 km of Lockhart River. Kennedy left nine men three are owned by Paul and his partner to the west of Lockhart River. at Pascoe River who learned the hard Lorraine (Laney) Warradoo trading as way how isolated it is. By the time they Lockhart River Car Hire. They have a Paul is proud of what Lockhart River Car were found by a supply ship, only two of further four vehicles in their fleet, which Hire has achieved and is quick to thank the men remained alive, the other seven are currently out on hire. the various Government bodies and having died from disease and starvation. private businesses that have assisted The growth of Lockhart River Car Hire the steady growth of the company. Although isolated, Lockhart River has has been impressive as the company a vibrant community of around 450 only commenced operations in early “When I first had the idea, I got in people. Paul Piva is the Deputy Mayor of 2008, with a solitary vehicle. The area is contact with Indigenous Business Lockhart River Aboriginal Council and a popular with public servants, contractors Australia (IBA) and it all started from budding entrepreneur. and holidaymakers who flock to there. I dealt with the Cairns office of

caption

Paul Piva

Issue Three October 2009 11 textIBA, especially Trevor Brook. He was my Case Manager. They looked at it and said we were good candidates and sent the forms to Canberra and then IBA asked us to choose a business advisor to do a business plan.”

The ongoing business mentoring provided through IBA was of great benefit to Paul and Laney. “We chose Future Solutions in Townsville and had Dean Rowley from that firm develop a business plan for us. This was then approved by IBA and the loan was arranged for us to move forward with north Queensland, Trevor would fly up former ambulance! It’s now being put to our new business.” for a few days and help us sort it out until a much different use in the community we could see blue sky again!” and represents the sense of renewal, Paul and Laney quickly learned about adventure and hope in Lockhart River. the challenges of running a small Lockhart River is undergoing a business and they appreciated the renaissance and is home to a vibrant Eighteen months after setting up the assistance when they needed it most. artistic community. Take a drive with business Paul Piva and Laney Warradoo Paul wearing his hat as Deputy Mayor know the foundations have definitely and he proudly shows the advanced been laid to progress the business. construction of the new shopping Paul says, with his ever-friendly smile, The growth of Lockhart complex that will replace the old State “Indigenous Business Australia set my Government community store. Additional family on a path to prosperity. But I know River Car Hire has been facilities at the shopping complex will and realise it will also involve a lot of hard impressive as the company include a coffee shop/café and a bakery. work along the way.” only commenced Over at the cultural centre, talented artist That hard work is paying off with and Indigenous dance teacher, Josiah Lockhart River Car Hire receiving a operations in early 2008, Omeenyo, one of the noted ‘Lockhart Highly Commended Award at the with a solitary vehicle. River Art Gang’, is putting the finishing Queensland Reconciliation Awards for touches to one of his ‘big picture’ acrylic- Business held during NAIDOC Week on-canvas paintings. Some are used as 2009 in Brisbane. Judges commented a medium to interpret the effects on the that they were impressed with Paul and “All the while, Trevor, as our Case land and sea caused by global warming. Laney’s commitment to sharing local Manager, assisted us every time I The paintings are sent to Josiah’s agent stories with their customers, and giving needed something. You’ve got to in Sydney and from there are sold to advice and help to other Indigenous remember that Lockhart River is more eager buyers around the world. communities interested in setting up a than 800 km north of Cairns, yet Trevor car hire business. would respond immediately. Paul’s latest addition to his company’s fleet is a 2006 Toyota Troop Carrier Paul and Laney look forward to “He was also my mentor and when I that was purchased recently at the continuing to build the business and thought that the going was getting too Queensland Government Motor sustain it for their family and future. With tough and there were problems that I and Auctions in Cairns. It had been repainted the community of Lockhart River behind my wife, Laney, couldn’t solve completely and received a new fit-out inside so Paul them they are well on their way • by ourselves in this fairly isolated spot in didn’t initially recogniseRon it as Morony, Lockhart’s General Manager IBA

12 Issue Three October 2009 Mining opportunities in the Pilbara

The launch of the Purarrka Indigenous Resources and Infrastructure Operations, a participants. Twenty five graduates have Mining Academy (PIMA) on 19 May 2009 mining industry recognised qualification. since progressed to full-time traineeships/ was a significant step in addressing employment with various organisations. the training and employment needs of The graduation ceremony was a very Indigenous Australians in emotional occasion with Elders of the Western Australia. Nyamal people, the Traditional Owners of the mine site, addressing the graduates. The academy, an initiative of Ngarda Civil Their message was clear: the times are The Academy’s and Mining Pty Limited (Ngarda) and changing, and the younger generations BHP Billiton, is located at BHP Billiton’s have opportunities that the Elders never curriculum focuses on Yarrie Mine, approximately 200km north had. The Elders said they were extremely matching trainees’ skills east of Port Hedland in the Pilbara Region proud to see the younger generation of Western Australia. It is a state-of-the- graduating from the course and that they and interests to vocational art, well resourced learning and training should “hold their heads high, seize this environment, delivering programs that opportunity and move forward”. The opportunities that provide skills and knowledge appropriate Elders were delighted to see two young exist within the mining to the local mining industry. male Indigenous trainees instructing non-Indigenous workers on the OH&S industry. The launch of the academy included a guidelines for the mine site. graduation ceremony for 19 out of 20 Indigenous trainees. One of the female This graduating class was the second to trainees could not attend the course go through the training academy; the first The initial interviews for the traineeships, because she could not access sufficient class were a pilot group that graduated managed and conducted by Ngarda, care arrangements for her young child. in 2008. The total number of graduates highlighted the popularity of the training The 19 graduates received a Certificate I in through the college to date is 29 from 34 program amongst local WA Indigenous

The launch of the Purarrka Indigenous Mining Academy

Issue Three October 2009 13 Graduates of the PIMA program communities. Some interviewees travelled from as far away is delivered over an intensive 12 week period. Classroom as Roeburne and the Western Desert - up to 500km - for the training is interspersed with worksite visits, work experience and opportunity to interview for the program. other practical activities to ensure trainees remain interested and engaged. The program, which is conducted in conjunction with the Pilbara Tafe, Pundulmurra Campus, located in South Hedland, has the It is this practical transition from the classroom to the worksite following objectives. To: that is a key component of the program. Trainees undergo a comprehensive lifestyle development and mentoring program that • improve the lives of Indigenous Australians through access enables them to enter their chosen vocation fully equipped with to world class, fully accredited training and education that will the tools and support needed to pursue and develop long-term, result in real employment outcomes within the mining and meaningful employment within various industries. related industries • develop strong links with local communities and industry The identification of a career pathway is integral to the long-term to ensure training is, and will remain, appropriate, to key success of the program and its trainees. Trainees undertake an stakeholder needs and elective learning unit for their identified vocation and undertake • address barriers to success in participant’s work and personal two weeks work experience in that vocation at the Yarrie Mine lives through the provision of appropriately skilled and Site. In their second week of work experience trainees can opt to qualified mentors. experience an alternative vocation if desired, or consolidate their learning from the first week. The Academy’s curriculum focuses on matching trainees’ skills and interests to vocational opportunities that exist within the Some trainees have had minimal exposure to mainstream mining industry. employment outside their local CDEP work and face significant barriers in terms of their understanding of English and work culture. The program provides pathways of recognition to enable Much of the subliminal learning in this program occurs outside of participants to obtain qualifications under relevant National normal working/training hours. The trainees learn how to conduct Training Packages. Predominantly classroom based, the program themselves, mix with others, understand the workplace culture and

14 Issue Three October 2009 About Ngarda Ngarda Civil and Mining Pty Limited was formed in 2000 for the specific purpose of providing Indigenous Australians of the Western Australian Pilbara Region employment and training opportunities within the civil and mining industries. Headquartered in Perth, with operations in Port Hedland, and other parts of the Pilbara region, the company is 50% owned by Leighton Contractors Pty Limited, 25% by the Ngarda Ngarli Yarndu Foundation and 25% by Indigenous Business Australia. Since its initial inception, the company has experienced rapid organisational growth and now has a $200m a year annual turnover that puts it in the unique position of providing many Indigenous Australians life changing employment opportunities. The company’s major clients include Woodside, BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, and strives to maintain a minimum Indigenous employment ratio of 50% at all times. Throughout the 2008/2009 financial year, Ngarda Civil and Mining Pty Limited continually exceeded this goal, and maintained an Indigenous employment figure of approximately150 Indigenous Australians in fulltime work. Ngarda is currently recruiting for the next course intake and, to date, has received 85 applications from various remote Indigenous communities across Western Australia.

the discipline required to be fit for work (early nights and mornings etc), and how to balance work and family responsibilities. These issues are often taken for granted by people who have participated in a work culture for a significant period of time, but they are learned qualities and can pose a real challenge for trainees.

Thanks to Ngarda and BHP Billiton, there are now 29 graduates of the PIMA program with new skills, knowledge, a structured career path and increased self esteem. These graduates are equipped with the skills to create a worthwhile career for themselves and train the next generation from their communities. They are potential role models and a credit to themselves. With more training facilities like PIMA the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous employment will continue to be bridged. •

Issue Three October 2009 15 Australian Capital Territory Queensland Victoria Woden Brisbane Melbourne Bonner House East 5 Neptune St Level 13/144 Edward St Brisbane QLD Level 3, Casselden Place Woden ACT # Ph: 07 3008 8300 Fax: 07 3211 0399 2 Lonsdale Street Melbourne VIC Ph: 02 6121 2700 Fax: 02 6121 2730 PO Box 10906 Adelaide Street Ph: 03 8620 3275 Fax: 03 8620 3274 PO Box 38 Woden ACT 2606 Brisbane QLD 4000 GPO Box 9820 Melbourne VIC 3001

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