Victoria’s Big Build is not just transforming transport infrastructure for Victorians; it is also providing opportunities to transform the lives of Indigenous workers.
Aboriginal-owned and controlled business A2B Personnel has partnered with Victoria’s Big Build to supply traffic management workers on some of Melbourne’s biggest infrastructure programs in the city’s west, including level crossing removal projects in Melton, Altona and Newport.
“We want to help the next generation succeed; be that generational change,” A2B Personnel General Manager Mat Walker, Yorta Yorta Mob, said.
Mat was inspired to join the business in 2019 after seeing the potential to provide opportunities for Indigenous workers.
A2B Personnel has since expanded to offer apprenticeships and construction and labour-hire services, recruiting 180 Indigenous workers who receive ongoing support.
“Having so many people in our workforce, each with their own unique stories, and being able to help them change their lives (is a privilege),” Mat said.
“The best part - and always has been - is the job opportunities that have been created for our people.”
Mat said having the opportunity to offer employment on some of Melbourne’s biggest infrastructure projects to Indigenous people is something he is “super grateful” for.
“Each major project adds to our resume as an Indigenous business. Posting these 3 big level crossing projects helps us get exposure on these types of projects and win the next job,” he said.
Since the company started, Mat has seen first-hand the impact that ongoing meaningful employment can have.
“A lot of our people came to us with limited skills and experience, and now at work they have a full range of new skills,” he said.
“They are in important roles on site, getting thrown into supervisor roles. And away from work, things like getting a house, or getting their kids back, or having a family relationship because they are now back on their feet.”
Mat said the continuous goal was to create pathways to meaningful employment and provide the next generation of Indigenous workers with role models.
“The biggest thing for us is that generational change and to try and (help) some Indigenous people obtain some pretty high-end roles, some important roles. That’s what we’re pushing for,” he said.
A2B Personnel is also a group training organisation and has 70 apprentices currently training in the electrical space under its Yanda subsidiary, with the first cohort completing their program and gaining certification as A grade electricians.
October is Indigenous Business Month, a month-long celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, with this year’s theme “Strength through collaboration”.
