Wamarra acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands upon which we work, live and socialise. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who we recognise as Australia’s First Peoples whose cultural practices continue today.
This year's NAIDOC Week theme, 50 Years of Deadly, celebrates five decades of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, culture and achievement. It's a chance to reflect on the people who paved the way, celebrate our mob doing deadly things today, and continue creating opportunities for the generations who'll follow.
We’re celebrating that legacy not just during NAIDOC Week, but every day through our people, our culture and the opportunities we create together.
Over the years, we've proudly shared culture across the Symal Group through our Kup Murri, bringing together team members, industry partners, families and community to connect through food, storytelling and culture. These moments create opportunities to learn from one another, strengthen relationships and celebrate the richness of Aboriginal culture together.
Our mob are helping deliver one of Victoria's largest infrastructure projects while proudly bringing their culture, identity and lived experiences to site. Their stories are a reminder that deadly isn't just something we say during NAIDOC Week. It's reflected in the pride, skill and determination they bring to their work, their communities and the people around them.
While every journey is different, a common thread runs through them all: pride in culture, gratitude for those who came before them and hope for those who will follow.
For Ruby Mauldon, a proud Gunditjmara woman and Labourer, creating opportunities for the next generation is what matters most.
"It's really important for [our people] to have hope and see that there is opportunity within the construction industry, and I feel grateful to work for a company that prioritises Aboriginal employment."
Creating opportunity is about opening doors and backing people to grow, lead and build long-term careers. That's why Bulabul—a Wiradjuri word meaning together—is such an important part of our journey, helping develop the confidence, leadership skills and support needed to build meaningful careers and create lasting impact across the construction industry.
With Formwork Carpenter Reid Crowe and the rest of this year's Bulabul cohort preparing to graduate over the coming months, we're looking forward to celebrating another group of emerging leaders ready to take the next step in their careers.
Fifty Years of Deadly honours the generations who came before us, but it's equally a reminder that the next chapter is already being written.
It's written by our mob delivering projects that shape our communities. It's written through Bulabul that we’re investing in future Aboriginal leaders and it's written every time we create space to share culture, strengthen connections and inspire the next generation.
As we celebrate NAIDOC Week, we're proud to continue honouring the stories, strength and achievements of our people. Together, we'll continue building meaningful careers, celebrating our culture and creating opportunities so the next generation can continue doing deadly things—for their communities, for the industry and for generations to come.
