‘Life-changing for the local mob’

Jo Damcevski is a proud Biripi woman and leads one of six Aboriginal Engagement teams across the state to manage and coordinate engagement with Aboriginal stakeholders, industry and project teams.

This includes facilitating, implementing and reporting on Transport’s Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP) and Aboriginal Participation Plans which mandates a minimum 1.5% project spend for projects above $7.5 million to achieve Aboriginal business, employment and education outcomes for the duration of the project.

Trainees from the Nowra Aboriginal community participated in the Nowra Bridge Project and were managed by Jo through to full-time traineeships or apprenticeships with either the delivery partner or their supply chain on the project. Nine trainees were subsequently employed as apprentices or trainees and continue to progress toward a Certificate II in Civil Construction.

Jo’s favourite part of her role is working with project teams and contractors that are committed and passionate about improving employment and economic aspirations for Aboriginal people and businesses, as well as having a team that is always looking at opportunities to promote Aboriginal culture and heritage.

“Having the ability to contribute to increasing Aboriginal procurement and employment opportunities on our major infrastructure projects, and seeing the impact and benefits it has to businesses and individuals, is very rewarding. It’s life-changing for the local mob,” Jo said.

The Nowra Bridge project is running its second pre-employment program as part of the Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program. The program was developed with local industries to upskill people in the Shoalhaven area and support local business growth. The six-week program provides candidates with skills in basic tool use, safety and communication. The first pre-employment program in 2020 had 11 local Aboriginal graduates, with five now working on the project and completing a civil construction traineeship and the remainder working with companies in the region.