Wamarra Contractors officially commences operations. Wamarra, an Aboriginal led and operated Victorian-based business, provides meaningful careers to Aboriginal people through long term, sustainable employment initiatives in the construction industry.
Wamarra means ‘to build.’ The Wamarra business mandate is unambiguous: to build quality construction projects while encouraging and strengthening Aboriginal participation, engagement and employment outcomes now and in the future.
Led by Aboriginal man of the Wiradjuri Nation, Wamarra Managing Director Hayden Heta has extensive experience and personal insight into the barriers and achievements of Aboriginal employment and participation. Hayden says, “Wamarra brings people together. We want all our employees to feel secure and open to receiving hands-on job training and experience – including mentoring, support and encouragement that generate clear employment pathways and real career progression.”
Partnering with civil construction industry leader Symal Group, Wamarra will learn from and utilise the company’s diverse resources and focus on delivering quality civil solutions across a range of construction projects and sectors including transport, rail, port, water, resources and energy.
A vital component to our success in the construction industry has been in bringing people together who share a common vision and who want to take purposeful action. Our partnership with Wamarra is just that – providing real opportunities for Aboriginal people together.
The Symal Group Board of Directors met with Hayden to discuss their shared vision for a culturally inspired business that would focus on Aboriginal youth and their development in the civil construction industry.
The Symal story is all about developing its people while being agile and adaptable to the changing nature of the construction industry. And it’s no different for self-performing contractor Wamarra. Symal Group Managing Director Joe Bartolo says, “A vital component to our success in the construction industry has been in bringing people together who share a common vision and who want to take purposeful action. Our partnership with Wamarra is just that – providing real opportunities for Aboriginal people together.”
Wamarra collaborates with industry organisations including Out For Good and YMCA ReBuild who are dedicated to improving outcomes for disadvantaged people facing complex barriers to full participation in the economy.
Hayden says, “We’re proud to partner with these organisations who align with the Wamarra values and who exist in the community to make a difference to Aboriginal people overcoming obstacles that keep them from developing and participating fully.”
Wamarra Industry Event
Amidst a smoking ceremony at the Civilex-Wamarra head office in Spotswood, Victoria, a group of Indigenous employees will be welcomed on Kulin Nations land.
The Wamarra initiative was made possible by the Wamarra-Symal Group partnership, in collaboration with key industry organisations including Out For Good and The YMCA ReBuild.
We are delighted to have Hobsons Bay City Council Deputy Mayor Cr Sandra Wilson and Out for Good Co-founder Wade Noonan attend and speak at our upcoming industry event on Thursday 27 February 2020.
Visit our website https://wamarra.com.au
Media contact: Lisa Cole 03 9391 8800 or lisa.cole@civilex.com.au