Metropolitan Roads Program Alliance and Wamarra
Social procurement initiatives across Victoria’s Big Build projects are creating opportunities for Aboriginal businesses, social enterprises and priority jobseekers.
This work, delivered by the Metropolitan Roads Program Alliance (MRPA), an alliance comprising Fulton Hogan, Metro Trains Melbourne, V/Line and the Level Crossing Removal Project, was recently recognised at the 2026 Civil Contractors Federation Victoria People & Training Awards, where Fulton Hogan received the Social Procurement Excellence Award.
Across several transport infrastructure projects, MRPA has worked with Aboriginal businesses and social enterprises to support workforce participation, grow supplier capability and create long-term opportunities across the industry.
One of these partnerships is with Wamarra, an Aboriginal owned and operated contractor delivering works across multiple projects as part of the alliance’s social procurement approach.
Through the partnership, Wamarra has supported 69 full-time Aboriginal roles, generated more than 18,700 Aboriginal labour hours and created 18 new employment opportunities. Seven employees also progressed into leadership and higher-level roles during project delivery.
Wamarra Managing Director Hayden Heta said the work had created meaningful opportunities for employees and their families.
“This partnership has led to various personal successes for our employees, including home ownership, vehicle ownership and obtaining driver licences,” Mr Heta said.
MRPA has also worked with social enterprises to create opportunities for people living with a disability and neurodivergent workers.
Through a partnership with OC Connections, people living with a disability participated in work experience programs and project support activities.
Collaborations with Australian Spatial Analytics (ASA) also created opportunities for various neurodivergent adults working as data analysts on infrastructure related projects.
ASA Chief Executive Officer Geoff Smith said the projects had provided valuable experience and skill development opportunities for analysts involved in the work.
“Working with the MRPA team has been a genuine pleasure and an excellent opportunity for both me and the team. Every analyst involved has greatly appreciated the diverse skill development and growth opportunities these projects have provided,” he said.
This work demonstrates how social procurement initiatives can create lasting employment and business opportunities alongside major infrastructure projects.