$35 million in contracts has been awarded across local Aboriginal businesses
Since the Byford Rail Extension Project started, over $35 million in contracts has been awarded across local Aboriginal-owned businesses, driving economic growth and fostering community initiatives that support education, health, and culture.
Beyond the project: community benefits
The benefits of working with these businesses extend beyond the provision of services for the project. Many of these companies give back to their communities by creating jobs, providing training and supporting culture and education.
One such company is KEE Bundu who dedicate profits to fund scholarships for Aboriginal students and support local schools and sports clubs such as Neerigen Brook Primary School in Armadale.
“We don’t just provide services, we actively give back to our community and supporting local people and building stronger, healthier communities is at the heart of what we do,” KEE Bundu CEO David Cox explains.
Similarly, Wilco Electrical partners with the Foundation for Indigenous Sustainable Health to run programs that improve life skills, education, and health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Wilco has also set up a fund to help Aboriginal apprentices with tools, living expenses and other needs - dedicating 10 per cent of their profits to this initiative. They also sponsor Aboriginal-led clubs and organisations to promote local leadership and growth.
Kulbardi, another participating business, created the Bibbulmun Fund to support projects focused on education, entrepreneurship and cultural preservation. Their programs range from scholarships to youth programs and cultural courses that help reconnect people with their heritage.
A model for social responsibility
By working with local Aboriginal-owned businesses, the Byford Rail Extension Project demonstrates how large infrastructure projects can drive positive social change and not only boost the local economy but also support initiatives that strengthen communities.