BESIX Watpac has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a leading NSW Indigenous business group to boost participation by First Nations people in the construction industry.

The MOU with the Yarpa Indigenous Business and Employment Hub will form the centrepiece of BESIX Watpac’s commitment to grow Indigenous employment by subcontractors and increase the number of Indigenous-owned businesses in the supply chain.

BESIX Watpac general manager, NSE Peter Furlong says the agreement will enable greater visibility of Indigenous enterprises and their capability: “Yarpa Hub will increase the talent pool available to BESIX Watpac in New South Wales at an important time in our business as we target larger and more complex projects,”

NSW Aboriginal Land Council chief executive James Christian welcomed the strategic partnership.

“I am very pleased to add BESIX Watpac to our list of esteemed partners. We’re connecting with a world class construction company that is continually striving to strengthen their commitment to Indigenous participation in all aspects of their company,” he says.

BESIX Watpac and the Land Council will meet quarterly to further develop the strategy.