Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) has awarded contracts valued at over AU$6million to two West Australian Aboriginal businesses, through the company’s ‘Billion Opportunities’ program.
Fortescue Chief Financial Officer Ian Wells said that by partnering with Aboriginal businesses, FMG are opening the doors to future work with other organisations.
“We are proud of our positive approach to engagement with Aboriginal people and providing access to training, employment and business opportunities,” Mr Wells said.
Aboriginal-Noongar owned business Kooya Australia Fleet Solutions was awarded a three-year contract for the supply of light and commercial leased vehicles across FMG’s operational sites. A family-owned business, Kooya was established in 2015 and has become Australia’s largest Indigenous fleet management and rental company. Owner and Principal Executive Officer Kim Collard said he looks forward to building on this new partnership with FMG.
“This contract is an investment in the future of our business and with the ongoing guidance and mentoring from Fortescue, we look forward to being able to provide more opportunities to Aboriginal people through employment and training,” Collard said.
Following a competitive tender process, Thuroona Services, a majority-owned Aboriginal business in Western Australia, was also awarded a contract for maintenance work at Fortescue’s rail operations.
“By working together with Fortescue, we will do our part in bridging the gap between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians by directly creating Indigenous jobs and helping to financially support the training and employment of Indigenous trainees, staff and contracts,” Director Terry Riley commented.
Since the inception in 2011, FMG’s Billion Opportunities program has awarded 270 contracts and sub-contracts (valued at AU$2billion) to 110 Aboriginal-owned business and joint ventures.
More information on the program can be found here.
