Water Corporation provides new opportunity for Aboriginal employment in the Pilbara

Water Corporation has helped create more than 16 new jobs for local Aboriginal people through a $300,000 contract awarded to Pilbara company Naanda Australia.

As part of a nine-week project, Naanda Australia will carry out vegetation clearing along Water Corporation pipelines in the Roebourne and Millstream areas to prevent damage and corrosion.

Water Corporation North West Regional Manager Sharon Broad said the project reflected Water Corporation’s commitment to building the capacity and capability of Aboriginal businesses across the State.

“Water Corporation is committed to increasing opportunities for Aboriginal businesses across Western Australia,” Mrs Broad said.

“Since July 2019 we’ve awarded 118 contracts, worth more than $3.8 million to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Naanda Australia to provide jobs, training and mentoring for more than 16 local Aboriginal people as part of this important project to maintain the longevity of our infrastructure.

“This project is a great example of how we can work together with Aboriginal businesses to provide training and employment for those living in the communities we operate in.”

Naanda Australia Director Jane Tittums said the project helped local Aboriginal people take control of their future career pathway.

“At Naanda Australia we are focussed on empowering the people of tomorrow and providing meaningful employment and skills development for local Aboriginal people,” Mrs Tittums said.

“We’ve employed 16 local workers on a three days on, three days off roster, allowing us to ease new employees into employment so they are job ready for the future.

“We also have several employees acting in the role as Supervisor. This allows them to be mentored into the role and paid as a Supervisor so they can add this work history to their resume for future opportunities.”

The project is supported by Karratha Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Business Centre Pilbara, Real Futures and local Aboriginal Corporations.

Water Corporation is committed to developing partnerships with Aboriginal suppliers across the State as a key part of its 2019-21 Reconciliation Action Plan and has set a three per cent progressive procurement target by 2021.

Media contact:

Jessica Wilson

Senior Advisor - Customer & Stakeholder

P: (08) 9186 8266