COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
& INDIGENOUS PARTICIPATION
WSU Civil recognises the importance of providing real opportunities to Indigenous Communities to assist in raising their economic and social development, which ultimately improve their standards of living and associated health and well-being status.
WSU will continue to focus on increasing our commitment to Indigenous engagement across the Joint Venture company, to create a diverse workforce. We have extensive experience working in regional and remote areas and within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our policies, plans, initiatives, and training programs support our commitment to provide equal opportunities.
As a Supply Nation Certified indigenous owned business WSU is committed to improving the social and economic welfare of Indigenous people by providing opportunities for employment and promoting career development for Indigenous people and providing a culturally sensitive workplace.
WSU is structured to maximise indigenous participation through enabling Indigenous participation in major projects which in turn will build on its civil contracting capability by offering labour, training, and plant hire opportunities for our Indigenous workforce and support its inclusion of the local community within which WSU will work at the time.
Local Supply Engagement
WSU is committed to providing early communication to the local business community to allow interested parties to maximise their potential to secure supply delivery opportunities in their local region.
We approach each project individually, actively identifying opportunities for local community engagement and participation that will provide beneficial outcomes for the project team, client and local community.
WSU civil partners with NRL Cowboys House to deliver a 12-week bushtucker & language program
The term long program aimed to educate the students living at Cowboys House about traditional Indigenous foods and practices, while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for Australia's rich cultural heritage.
Through hands-on activities like bush tucker tastings, storytelling sessions, and building a community garden at the boarding houses, the students not only learn about the significance of native ingredients but also developed a sense of connection to the land and its history.
The second half of the program was focused around the Waanyi Language. With the help of Waanyi Dictionary linguist Mary Laughren, the students were taught the pronunciation and writing of some common Waanyi words.
By partnering with NRL Cowboys House, WSU Civil is able to reach a wider audience and positively impact the lives of young individuals, promoting cultural diversity and unity within the community.
The 12 week program was a great success, with the program planned to be delivered on an annual basis.
WSU Civil proudly supported the 2024 NRL All Stars game held in Townsville.
When consulted NRL players, including Ryan James, suggested taking advantage of the popularity and reach of All Stars to give the nation an introduction to Indigenous excellence in business.
The Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council advised the NRL in identifying businesses that would be promoted during the match at Queensland Country Bank Stadium as well as on the NRL's website and social media accounts.
WSU Civil was one of 22 selected businesses from the Far North Queensland region that was showcased during the weeklong celebrations.
The event drew thousands of NRL enthusiasts to Townsville to support their favourite players of the sport. It was also the perfect opportunity to help showcase Indigenous excellence in business.
"The All-Stars game and the cultural events throughout the week are unrivalled in the platform they create for all Australians to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence," said Chair of ARLIC Katrina Fanning AO PSM.
"This year we are excited to extend the spotlight to include a range of successful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and to showcase the breadth of industries in which they exist and the difference they are making in their communities."
WSU CIVIL & QUT partner for first nations student 5-day work experience
WSU Civil and QUT Brisbane have partnered together to give 10 indigenous university students hands-on experience during a 5 day discovery expedition.
Engineering students from QUT & JCU experienced project life while shadowing some of the Project Managers at some local projects. While on site, they were given the opportunity to ask many questions about engineering and construction pathways.
The students also got to engage in activities such as discovering bush tucker, exploring ancient rock art, joining in on Aboriginal traditional dances, and learning about making indigenous artifacts like Didgeridoos and Boomarangs.
