South Coast Indigenous businesses are getting behind the State and Federal Government's bushfire clean-up effort across New South Wales.
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A Laing O'Rourke spokesperson said there were 26 Indigenous-owned businesses working within the clean-up crews.
More than 12 per cent of the total workforce identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
The spokesperson said their involvement had seen the clean-up program deliver over than $6 million into the local Indigenous economies to date, exceeding Laing O'Rourke's targets.
Laing O'Rourke had partnered with Aboriginal Beata Terra, Merimbula Sand and Gravel, R and C Civil Group, Shoalhaven Excavation and Demolition, BY Group, Cleaning by Smiley and Bay Coast Electrical and Control Solutions to drive the clean-up effort.
Laing O'Rourke senior Indigenous affairs advisor Belinda Murdoch said the procurement process was designed to identify successful local Indigenous-owned businesses and see how Laing O'Rourke could work with them.
"Our team has worked hard to carefully evaluate all of the registrations we received from local contractors, including many Indigenous-owned businesses," Ms Murdoch said. "I'm pleased that many of these Indigenous businesses came out of that process successfully and are now involved in the project."
Laing O'Rourke said the appointment of Indigenous contractors was part of its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.
The plan outlined how Laing O'Rourke would strengthen its approach to driving reconciliation through business activities, services and programs, and develop mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders.
Director or R&C Civil Robert Dennis said they became involved after a chat with Laing O'Rourke in the Cobargo pub carpark.
"Since then, our teams have cleared more than 100 homes in the local area and right now, we're clearing the Main Street," Mr Dennis said. "Everyone here has been so welcoming and thankful of the work we are doing."
Laing O'Rourke NSW bushfire clean-up project director Paul Barrie said subcontractors had made a huge effort to bring locals crews on board.
Property owners are still able to register for the free clean-up program.
Residents were urged to register and take a moment to ensure friends, family and neighbours were registered. You can register by calling 13 77 88.
For more information about the clean-up, go to https://cleanup.lnbr.com.au/