A $20 million contract has been awarded to deliver major electrical works at Dubbo’s Mindyarra Maintenance Centre in New South Wales.
Six locals will be recruited to carry out the works under the contract awarded to ARA Indigenous Services.
Nationals Member for Dubbo, Dugald Saunders, said the awarding of this contract to a registered Aboriginal business is great news.
“I encourage everyone to apply for the new roles needed to get this work done, including two electricians, two trades’ assistants and two project administrators,” Mr Saunders said.
“This is another example of why we chose to build the new rail centre in Dubbo: to support the new fleet, stimulate our economy and help create sustainable job opportunities and skills.”
ARA Indigenous Services Strategy and Growth Manager, Rohan Tobler-Williams, said the company is very excited to be part of the Regional Rail Project.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to make a meaningful contribution towards Aboriginal recruitment in the Dubbo region,” Mr Tobler-Williams said.
Nationals Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, said this project built on the commitment of the New South Wales Nationals in the State Government to keep jobs local on major infrastructure projects.
“The New South Wales Government’s $2.8 billion Regional Rail Project will replace New South Wales TrainLink’s ageing XPT, XPLORER and Endeavour trains with 29 new trains that will be tested, maintained and serviced at the Mindyarra Maintenance Centre,” Mr Toole said.
“The project will be a game changer for the region, creating about 200 jobs during construction of the facility and 50 permanent roles once in operation.
“Already, 15 Aboriginal businesses and 48 Dubbo businesses have been engaged on the project, which is exceeding its requirements in the number of Aboriginal apprentices and Aboriginal people in supervisor roles.”
