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Indigenous
Business
SPECIAL REPORT
Photo by Manny Moreno on Unsplash
businessnews.com.au
FEATURE
INDIGENOUS BUSINESS
“ Procurement is
a powerful tool for
social and economic
change - Elizabeth Gaines
Brindabella Resources director
Elsa Derschow (left) with
Elizabeth Gaines and Stephen
Dawson at Fortescue’s
Cloudbreak mine
Miners lead on indigenous spend
Mining is the largest supporter of indigenous businesses, but the
contribution of big miners is highly variable.
THE Aboriginal business sector is large University of Melbourne head Government members accounted for
and growing much faster than the rest of indigenous business research $340 million, with half of this from the
of the economy, two reports released Michelle Evans said the research was Department of Defence.
this year have found. unprecedented. Corporate members accounted for a
Supply Nation, which runs an “It shows us that indigenous much larger $617 million, with nearly
accreditation scheme for Aboriginal businesses bring not just significant half this ($296 million) coming from
businesses, has 2,335 suppliers on its economic impact, but far more,” she said. mining companies.
Mark Beyer national directory. The university study found The next largest sector was
mark.beyer@businessnews.com.au Its State of Indigenous Business Aboriginal businesses were larger, construction ($203 million), which
report found these businesses have employed more people, and paid higher likely includes work on mining and
annual revenue of $3.9 billion and more wages than non-indigenous businesses, roads projects.
than 30,000 employees. largely because of a lack of sole traders.
It also found rapid growth in revenue “On top of that, the sector is growing Miner ratings
by Aboriginal businesses. more quickly,” it concluded. The big iron ore miners in the
“Between 2011 and 2017, Supply The University of Melbourne study Pilbara are widely recognised as
Nation suppliers grew at 13 per cent per found that Aboriginal businesses leaders when it comes to procurement
annum compared to business growth of were weighted towards regional areas, from Aboriginal businesses.
3 per cent per annum for the economy particularly northern Western Australia However, data obtained by Business
as a whole,” the report concluded. and the Northern Territory, where they News shows an extremely wide
A study by the University of primarily service the mining, tourism variation in their spend in WA.
Melbourne, which drew on data from and health sectors. Rio Tinto, which is the biggest
Supply Nation and several other Supply Nation’s report reached miner in the Pilbara, said that
sources, found the Aboriginal business similar conclusions, finding that last year it engaged 57 indigenous
sector was even larger. mining was by far the biggest businesses with $218 million in
It estimated there were 3,619 contributor. expenditure.
indigenous businesses across Australia, This was based on spending by Its competitor, BHP, has reported
about double the number in 2006. Supply Nation members with Supply much lower spending.
These businesses have annual Nation suppliers. BHP’s WA iron ore business spent
revenue of $4.9 billion and employ The total amount spent in 2019 was $67 million with 43 Aboriginal
more than 45,000 people. $952 million. businesses in the year to June 2020.
34 | Business News May 31, 2021
FEATURE
INDIGENOUS BUSINESS
In the current financial year, it has
spent a similar amount, $66 million,
so far. Spending with Aboriginal businesses in 2020
On top of this, BHP is a big funder
of an indigenous ranger program in Fortescue Metals Group $354m with 63 businesses
the Pilbara. It spent $14 million on this Rio Tinto $218m with 57 businesses
program last year, employing 385 Martu
rangers. BHP – WA Iron Ore $67m with 43 businesses
At the other end of the scale, Source: Company reports, BN research
Fortescue Metals Group spent $354
million with 63 Aboriginal businesses
and joint ventures in FY20.
This was part of its Billion
Opportunities program, which has
awarded $3 billion in contracts to
130 Aboriginal businesses and joint
ventures during the past decade.
Fortescue’s focus on Aboriginal
contracting reflects the philosophy
of its founder and chairman, Andrew
Forrest, who advocates ‘a hand up, not
a handout’.
The flipside of this philosophy is that
Fortescue has in some cases resisted
the payment of royalties to native title
holders.
Fortescue chief executive Elizabeth
Gaines reflected this philosophy when
she said strong, sustainable Aboriginal
businesses created employment and
development opportunities. under Billion Opportunities were to Commercial focus “We restructured our procurement
“Procurement is a powerful tool majority owned Aboriginal businesses. policies and practices to ensure that
Ms Gaines said Fortescue approached
for social and economic change,” Ms Joint ventures also form a critical part our contractors also adopted our
Aboriginal contracting in a commercial
Gaines said. of Fortescue’s program. level of commitment to Aboriginal
manner.
They provide the opportunity for engagement.”
Comparisons Aboriginal businesses to partner with
“These contracts are not handouts,
Other steps taken by Fortescue
they are real contracts with real
The wide variation between the big established contractors to help build include 14-day payment terms to
deliverables,” she said.
iron ore miners begs the question of their capabilities, before securing improve operational cash flow and a
Ms Gaines added that Fortescue helped
whether the data is like-for-like. contracts on their own. $50 million leasing facility with ANZ
BHP, for instance, says only When asked about joint ventures, some Aboriginal contractors along the way. Bank.
businesses that are owned 50 per Fortescue acknowledged not all its “We have people who are dedicated Fortescue has provided guarantees
cent or more by Aboriginal people are contracting partners were Supply to working with our Aboriginal for $25 million worth of loans under
included in its statistics. Nation suppliers. business partners, to helping them this facility.
It also highlights its engagement with That helps to explain why the develop business plans,” she said. It was used recently by Brindabella
traditional owner businesses. reported spending by the big three iron “Some of these contracts might start Resources, a plant hire business
By value, half its annual spending is ore miners in WA ($639 million) greatly off very small; it might be one piece of established by five traditional owner
with traditional owner businesses, and exceeds Supply Nation’s data on total equipment undertaking some work. women.
by number, two thirds are traditional spending by mining companies across “But we have then worked with those Mr Forrest has used his philanthropic
owner businesses. Australia ($296 million). businesses to help them grow.” Minderoo Foundation to also support
Fortescue quotes similar statistics. (Rio Tinto has not provided a Ms Gaines said Fortescue expected its Aboriginal businesses.
During the past three years, more than detailed breakdown of its Aboriginal contractors to also support Aboriginal
50 per cent of contracts it has awarded contracting.) partners. Continued on page 36
Managing wide range of projects:
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Quality earthmoving
Delivering
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Western Australia. www.australianie.com.au
May 31, 2021 Business News | 35
FEATURE
INDIGENOUS BUSINESS
From page 35 Mr Milsom said corporate partners
had been very supportive: Development
Last year, it hosted Australia’s WA provided the Subiaco premises,
first indigenous angel investor and CBRE planned to provide office space in
entrepreneur masterclass program. QV1, and Deloitte had provided pro bono
Twenty indigenous entrepreneurs support to install a CRM system supplied
and potential angel investors by Salesforce.
participated, and Minderoo is looking “Our corporate partners don’t want to
to take the program national. join us just to be a member, they actually
BHP and Rio also have programs to want to join us to do some good,” he said.
support Aboriginal businesses. Mr Milsom said he would like to
BHP’s local buying program offers replicate the hub in other areas, such
an entry point for smaller Aboriginal as Midland, Joondalup, East Perth and
businesses and traditional owner possibly Fremantle.
businesses by allowing a simpler The chamber’s regular programs
engagement with the company. include a two-week on-boarding course
In addition, the two big miners for indigenous job seekers.
provide support through regional “That has proved really popular and
chambers of commerce in the Pilbara. very successful,” Mr Milsom said.
Rio’s grow local program, for Chamber president Gordon Cole said
instance, engages businesses through its activities were linked to the Noongar
a series of workshops and events in cultural philosophy of commerce and
Karratha, Tom Price and Newman. trade.
A BHP spokesperson said the “The colonial process took it away,”
company was aiming to substantially he said.
lift its national spending. “It’s like we are reclaiming our
“BHP is committed to creating commerce and trade on country.
Tim Milsom with Codee Cleaning’s Jennifer Vo at the Noongar Chamber
opportunities for indigenous of Commerce’s Subiaco business hub. Photo: David Henry “We work from that philosophy.”
businesses and over recent years we Mr Cole said the chamber was
have increased our spend significantly, regularly approached by both young
with more than $800 million spend people and elders wanting to set up a
estimated in the next five years,” they “In terms of encouraging Aboriginal Carey is arguably Australia’s oldest business.
said. business growth through procurement, and most resilient Aboriginal business. “It’s giving people the belief they can
“We continue to improve and we are on the same page as Fortescue However, it has been overtaken as actually do it,” he said.
simplify our processes so it’s easier to and I want to commend the company’s the state’s largest Aboriginal business “Having business role models is
do business with us.” inspiring leadership in this space,” Mr by another mining services contractor, crucial.”
Fortescue is also aiming for more: it Dawson said. according to Business News’s Data & Indigenous construction company
plans to award $1 billion of contracts “We were so impressed by the Insights. Marawar is keen to lift the profile and
to Aboriginal businesses and joint national policy we committed to Warrikal chief executive and major performance of the Aboriginal business
ventures through its green energy implement a similar scheme in our owner Amanda Healy said her business sector.
program by 2030. state.” had about 650 staff, double the number Established in 2018, the company has
3,619
WA’s Aboriginal procurement policy it had a year ago. a 55 per cent Aboriginal workforce and
(APP) has awarded $339 million in Main Roads Western Australia was a claims 90 per cent staff retention.
contracts in its first two years. big supporter of Aboriginal businesses. Noongar traditional owner and
It exceeded its 2 per cent target last It awarded more than 10 contracts director Gerry Matera said the role of
year, with 5.5 per cent of contracts to each of H&M Tracey Construction, Aboriginal engagement manager was
awarded to Aboriginal businesses. GBSC Yurra and Kardan Construction. at the heart of the company’s business
The largest recipients included framework. At Marawar, it was a role
INDIGENOUS registered Aboriginal corporations that South West focus assumed by Aboriginal woman Carmel
BUSINESSES IN hold native title in parts of WA. The Aboriginal business sector Smithson.
AUSTRALIA They were led by Pilbara Meta Maya
Regional Aboriginal Corporation,
in the South West does not have
big operators like the Pilbara and
“We invest heavily in our people,
which means addressing individual
Source: University of Melbourne
which was awarded $40 million worth Kimberley. challenges at great depth, whether that’s
of contracts by the Department of Nonetheless, it is substantial, ensuring they have petrol for their car,
Government support Communities. judging by the Noongar Chamber of support for their family or a sense of self
The sector has received a big boost It is one of WA’s largest Aboriginal Commerce, which has 420 members and community,” Mr Matera said.
from state and national programs corporations, with annual revenue of and 14 corporate partners. “Most of these young kids are just
that mandate a minimum proportion $18 million and 80 staff (see list). “We’re going from strength to surviving and their main concerns are
of contracts must go to Aboriginal It employs 21 Aboriginal people, strength,” chief executive Tim Milsom things that others take for granted, such
businesses. including board members. said. as mobile phone credit, bus money and
The federal government’s indigenous That is a relatively low proportion for “We have a fully tenanted hub in how they are going to get to work.”
procurement policy (IPP) has awarded an Aboriginal business. Subiaco, with 10 Aboriginal businesses He said Marawar’s engagement
$3.5 billion worth of contracts to 2,000 On average, one third of employees working from that space. model sought to blur the lines between
businesses since it was implemented are Aboriginal, according to Supply “We filled it very quickly and we commercial operation and social
in 2015. Nation data. have a waiting list.” enterprise.
Speaking at Fortescue’s Cloudbreak The state government’s APP also The major tenants in the subsidised It has combined that approach with
mine last month, Aboriginal helped private Aboriginal businesses, space include Spartan First, led by work on several large projects, including
Affairs Minister Stephen Dawson including Daniel Tucker’s Carey former AFL footballer Des Headland, Bunnings in Albany, Match apartments
enthusiastically acknowledged Andrew Mining, which won a $20 million road Codee Cleaning, and Aboriginal grower in Fremantle, and Armadale Emergency
Forrest’s role in pushing for the IPP. construction contract. group Noongar Land Enterprise. Health Service.
36 | Business News May 31, 2021
Data & Insights WA’S LARGEST INDIGENOUS CORPORATIONS
Ranked by total revenue, most recent year. Balance Date: 30 June 2020
Change
Year Total Total Total
Rank
est. in staff Revenue - Assets -
Company name Senior executive and title WA in WA this year this year Core function
Kimberley Aboriginal Ms Lorraine Anderson a) $38.7m a) $40.6m Provide and promote indigenous health improvement to the Kimberley region.
1 Medical Services Medical director 1986 205 b) $33.8m b) $34.9m
Heritage ethnographic survey and archaeological survey work for mining and
Karlka Nyiyaparli Mr Nick Preece a) $35.7m a) $29.3m exploration companies in the Pilbara. Act as the Local Aboriginal Corporation
2 2001 8
Aboriginal Corporation Chief executive b) $35.9m b) $26.4m pursuant to the Indigenous Land Use Agreements with BHP Billiton Iron Ore…
Wirlu-murra Actively participate in building capacity and capability across its operations and
Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Ms Allery Sandy a) $29.6m a) $21.8m
3 2010 160 Corporation by delivering mining support services across various projects for the
Chair b) $23.1m b) $15.9m
Corporation betterment of the Yindjibarndi Community.
The peak Indigenous body in the Kimberley region working with Aboriginal people
Kimberley Land Council Mr Wayne Bergmann a) $25.6m a) $28.5m to secure native title recognition, conduct conservation and land management
4 1978 103
A/Chief executive b) $24.0m b) $25.3m activities and develop cultural business enterprises.
Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) is a Broome-based community driven
Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Mr Joe Grande a) $25.6m a) $19.6m by Aboriginal membership predominantly derived from the Dampier Peninsular
5 1993 192
Corporation Chief executive b) $19.6m b) $14.7m Region, North of Broome. The Corporation provides environmental health services…
The Corporation is a not-for-profit organisation that operates a range of programs
Marra Worra Worra Ms Denise Andrews a) $24.1m a) $72.1m and services for the residents of Fitzroy Crossing and the surrounding valley in the
6 1981 138
Aboriginal Corporation Chair b) $24.2m b) $69.8m Kimberley Region of Western Australia.
The Corporation was set up in 2017. It's purpose is to provide culturally secure and
Wungening Aboriginal Mr Daniel Morrison a) $22.7m a) $19.1m holistic programs and strategies that inform, educate and address the harmful
7 1989 189
Corporation Chief executive b) $20.2m b) $18.5m effects of alcohol, drugs and other substances on individuals…
Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) is the Native Title Representative
Yamatji Marlpa Mr Simon Hawkins a) $22.0m a) $18.9m Body for the Traditional Owners of the Pilbara, Midwest, Murchison, and Gascoyne
8 1994 102
Aboriginal Corporation Chief executive b) $23.6m b) $14.5m regions of Western Australia.
Principal organisation of governance in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands. The principal
Mr Gerard Coffey a) $19.5m a) $13.1m activities of the Corporation is to provide support for the development of its
9 Ngaanyatjarra Council 1981 138
Chief executive b) $20.8m b) $11.3m members (in regard to health, education, housing, land and culture, law and…
Pilbara Meta Maya Provision of services planned and unplanned maintenance, (water, power and
Ms Rachael Christensen a) $18.0m a) $16.3m waste water) to 29 Aboriginal communities within the Pilbara, Gascoyne &
10 Regional Aboriginal 1994 72
Chief executive b) $23.4m b) $17.2m Murchison regions….
Corporation
Puntukurnu Aboriginal Mr Robby Chibawe a) $17.1m a) $28.1m Provision of primary health care services and associated health programs to the
11 2009 37
Medical Service Chief executive b) $15.9m b) $21.8m Indigenous communities of Punmu, Parngurr, Kunawarritji and Jigalong.
Derbarl Yerrigan Health Ms Tracey Brand a) $16.4m a) $8.9m Provides culturally secure primary health, mental health and dental services for
12 1974 101
Service Chief executive b) $16.2m b) $6.4m Aboriginal families living right across the Perth metropolitan area.
Gumala is Australia's second largest Indigenous organisation, serving the
Gumala Aboriginal Mr Justin Dhu a) $15.8m a) $5.3m
13 1996 Banyjima, Innawonga and Nyiyaparli people of the Pilbara region in Western
Corporation Executive Officer b) $10.7m b) $4.5m Australia….
The Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation (AAC) was formed in 2000 to promote the
Ashburton Aboriginal Mr Steven Sonneman-Smith 2000 a) $13.7m a) $12.7m
14 72 interests of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peiople in the Shire of Ashburton.
Corporation Chief executive b) $13.7m b) $13.5m The AAC delivers a wide range of services to job seekers, indigenous communities…
To provide corporate support and governance and training of community members
Winun Ngari Aboriginal Ms Susan Murphy a) $13.5m a) $10.0m
15 1983 67 in the Kimberley Regional Communities, to help build sustainable, prosperous
Corporation Chief executive b) $10.1m b) $8.3m communities in which the community members can create and take up social…
Ngarliyarndu Bindirri Aboriginal Corporation is Roebournes oldest and highly
Ngarliyarndu Bindirri Mr Francois Langlois a) $12.4m a) $4.9m
16 1970 168 respected not for profit organisation. It provides corporate support and governance
Aboriginal Corporation Chief executive b) $11.3m b) $4.4m and training of community members, to help build sustainable…
The maintenance and support of Country, traditions, lore, language and culture as
Banjima Native Title Ms Johanna Ramsay a) $11.7m a) $4.8m
17 2014 183 well as the provision of economic, social and cultural benefits, including housing,
Aboriginal Corporation Chief executive b) $16.0m b) $7.4m training and education to the Banjima People.
The Corporation is the governing body for native title over the land of which the
Ngarluma Aboriginal Mr Neil Fong a) $10.7m a) $16.1m
18 2005 Ngarluma people are the traditional owners. Whilst operating out of Karratha, the
Corporation Chief executive b) $10.9m b) $15.3m Ngarluma people predominantly live in the town of Roebourne and surrounding…
19
GET THE FULL LIST ONLINE businessnews.com.au/bniq/aboriginal-corporations
69
All information compiled using surveys, publicly available data and contact with industry sources. Other companies may be eligible for inclusion. If you believe your company is eligible,
please email: claire.byl@businessnews.com.au WND: Would Not Disclose, NFP: Not For Publication, N/A: Not Applicable or Not Available.
May 31, 2021 Business News | 37
May 31, 2021 Business News | PB
May 31, 2021 Business News | PB
FEATURE
INDIGENOUS BUSINESS
Gumala, Wintawari shift focus
Two major Aboriginal businesses have shut their contracting arms,
choosing to invest instead in tourism and mining.
Karajini Eco Retreat in the Pilbara has become the main focus for Gumala Enterprises.
WITH Western Australia in the midst The decision came shortly after Enterprises and that Karijini Eco Retreat
of another iron ore boom, there are Gumala Enterprises had completed complemented his company’s existing
plenty of opportunities for Aboriginal repayment of a $3.3 million loan to its portfolio of facilities.
businesses chasing contracts in the parent, which included GAC writing off “This next chapter in Karijini Eco
mining sector. about $2.2 million. Retreat’s 14-year history will be exciting
Despite that, two well-established In October, GAC completed the in terms of potential as we further
Aboriginal operators have shifted away strategic review and said it would shut develop the market,” he said.
Mark Beyer from contracting during the past year. down the civil contracting business. To support its continued operations,
mark.beyer@businessnews.com.au Gumala Enterprises has been GAC’s 2020 annual report revealed Gumala Enterprises has taken out a $7
working in the Pilbara for 15 years, the discontinued operations generated million loan from another entity in the
winning multiple contracts in its own revenue of $26.3 million that year, group, Gumala Investments.
right and with joint venture partners. indicating their substantial scale. Its focus on Karijini could be aided
Like most contractors, it has had However, after adding in other by the state government’s election
lean periods, but appeared to be on income and expenses, Gumala commitment to invest $10 million
“
the up during 2018 and 2019 when it Enterprises incurred a loss of $4.4 upgrading visitor facilities at the
won contracts with BHP and Rio Tinto million for the year. remote park.
The prime focus worth more than $30 million. The winding down was an The government plans to establish
Gumala obtained Supply Nation expensive exercise, as it resulted in a new campground, cultural walk trail
is the protection of certification in September 2019,
which was another signal of the
staff redundances costing $350,000, and interpretive facilities, and seal the
supplier costs of $1.7 million, and bills dirt road between the Eco Retreat and
group’s desire to expand its business from the Australian Taxation Office various gorges, making the area more
heritage and culture, operations. of $2.1 million and the Office of State accessible for hire cars and coaches.
However, in July last year, its parent Revenue of $342,000. More generally, the state government is
and that will be Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (GAC)
removed the board of directors and
Gumala has retained ownership of
a workshop in Tom Price, but its main
seeking to promote Aboriginal tourism.
Last month, it launched a $20
launched a strategic review. undertaking is ownership of Karijini million fund to support more
unhindered - Tony Bevan GAC attributed this dramatic move Eco Retreat in the Pilbara. Aboriginal people who wanted
to COVID-19 restrictions, saying they Gumala built the resort in 2007 and to be involved in the sector,
had reduced the pipeline of work and took over its management in 2017. including development of up to
made it very difficult to manage the However, it decided last year to three new Camping with Custodian
business and plan for the future. appoint private company Mackerel campgrounds.
“The GAC board felt it needed Islands to manage the resort. The government has also launched
to move quickly and efficiently to Mackerel Islands was founded in an Aboriginal tourism action plan,
resolve the situation, so the decision 1969 and operates several tourism known as Tjina, which was developed
was made to remove the Gumala facilities in the Pilbara. by Tourism Western Australia and the
Enterprises board,” chair Gloria Smith Its chief executive, Drew Norrish, said Western Australian Indigenous Tourism
said at the time. he was thrilled to work with Gumala Operators Council.
38 | Business News May 31, 2021
FEATURE
INDIGENOUS BUSINESS
Wintawari Guruma
Meanwhile, Wintawari Guruma
Aboriginal Corporation is close to
completing a major shift in its business
focus.
WGAC – the registered ‘body
corporate’ holding native title for the
Eastern Guruma people – set up its own
contracting business in 2014.
That was a contentious move, as four
Eastern Guruma families already had a
successful privately-owned contracting
business, known as Eastern Guruma Pty
Ltd (EGPL).
WGAC’s business arm – Wintawari
Guruma Enterprises – has shut down
its labour hire operations and is in
the process of selling its plant and
equipment.
It has retained one aspect of its
old business operations: a facilities
management joint venture with US-based
Civeo, at Fortescue Metals Group’s
Solomon mine.
Its new focus is on mineral
exploration, under the name Guruma
Resources.
The company has applied for nine
exploration tenements on Eastern
33.9m
Guruma land, which surrounds Tom
Price, and has already been granted
$
three.
Director Tony Bevan described Eastern EASTERN
Guruma land as one of the most heavily GURUMA
REVENUE, 2020
mined and explored areas in Australia,
with 93 per cent covered by mining
tenements.
This includes six Rio Tinto mines and
Fortescue’s Solomon hub. Perth-based contractor Eastern Guruma has a major joint venture with Wirlu-murra Enterprises.
The area was also home to many
culturally significant places, with more
than 70 rock art engraving sites, 40 holders, and environmental social and WGAC originally supported the The joint venture has been in place
ceremonial areas and 30 traditional governance (ESG) reporting. establishment of this business. since 2013 and provides road maintenance
burial locations. Early next year, WGAC will publish A second is SX5 Group, a diversified and mining services for Fortescue.
Mr Bevan said WGAC had, in the the results and provide feedback to the contractor that is 51 per cent owned by Wirlu-murra chief executive Jose
past, experienced poor behaviour by mining companies recognising areas Eastern Guruma elder Kenzie Smith. Castillo told Business News the scope
mining companies where they had not of excellence and identifying areas for The largest is EGPL, which is chaired of this contract had been increased
complied with agreements or relevant improvement. and part-owned by Tania Stevens. and would now deliver revenue of $35
environmental and heritage laws and WGAC director Tony Bevan said there It has been operating for nearly 20 years million per annum.
processes. were two main reasons for shutting and consistently ranked as one of WA’s Wirlu-murra also delivers
Most recently, it protested when down the contracting arm. largest indigenous contractors with about maintenance services in its own
Fortescue breached an agreement One was to avoid any potential 200 staff, according to Data & Insights. right to non-process infrastructure at
governing the clearance of land. conflicts of interest in dealing with EGPL increased revenue to $33.9 Fortescue’s Solomon mining hub.
Fortescue issued an immediate mining companies that may award million and net profit to $1.9 million last It employs about 70 tradespeople
apology and blamed an administrative large contracts. financial year, according to financial under this contract.
error. “The prime focus is the protection of statements lodged with the Australian When these contracts were awarded
“It’s an area under significant heritage and culture, and that will be Securities and Investments Commission. in 2019, Fortescue said they were the
pressure,” Mr Bevan said. unhindered,” he said. The directors’ report said EGPL largest it had ever awarded to 100 per
“This enables us to manage the The second reason was that three had a good year due to the strong cent Aboriginal-owned businesses.
heritage in a better way. businesses owned by Eastern Guruma performance of its joint ventures and The third major leg of Wirlu-murra’s
“We can engage with partners that are members were already in existence. exceptional performance in two new business is bus services: it owns 15
culturally responsible.” “The board recognised that private projects, which included construction buses and hires a further six to transfer
To support its new focus, WGAC traditional owner businesses can be of a sealed road and a conveyor tunnel mine workers.
has started an evaluation of mining more nimble and responsive,” Mr at Rio Tinto’s Silvergrass mine. Wirlu-murra employs 140 people
companies operating on its land. Bevan said. This offset another write-down in its in total, with 32 per cent Aboriginal
It has introduced a mining company The private businesses include discontinued pastoral operations. participation.
scorecard, with 34 questions covering Muntulgura Guruma, a 50:50 partnership EGPL’s most significant joint venture It increased annual revenue to
matters such as heritage surveys, between Clinton Wolf’s iContracting and is with Wirlu-murra Enterprises, an nearly $29 million, according to the
regulatory compliance, care for the HHF Pty Ltd, a company set up by the entity that has been strongly supported 2020 report of its parent, Wirlu-murra
environment, relations with native title Hughes and Hicks families. by Fortescue. Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation.
May 31, 2021 Business News | 39
Data & Insights
Showing 6 of 2,144
Indigenous business getting more
diverse
agencies looking to boost their indigenous
procurement. Mr Devitt said … said. * To read
more about Indigenous business in WA, and
the highly-varied … Indigenous business
getting more diverse …
Marawar wins national accolade
that involves largely local indigenous
businesses. The company … long-term
viability of the indigenous business sector.
Supply Nation’s … prosperous and sustainable
indigenous business sector, with entries …
BHP opens ‘new generation’ mine
employment and 15 per cent indigenous
employment. The company said … cent female
and 15 per cent Indigenous operational staff,
Indigenous
reflects …
$40m Rottnest lodge revamp
respect to the island’s Indigenous
Business
significance. “We are …
Loss as personal as it is public for
defeated MPs
Ashburton. Elsewhere, Carol Martin, the first
indigenous woman to be elected to any … book
representing several indigenous businesses
and causes in … SPECIAL REPORT
INCITE 2021 Awards finalists
announced
vulnerable communities including Indigenous
Australians, the autistic … medical
terminology into Indigenous languages.
Telethon Kids …
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