The Rudd Government today announced more than $1 million funding for Ngarda Civil and Mining to help employ and train 91 Indigenous people in the Pilbara region.
Minister for Employment Participation Mark Arbib said the funding, under the Indigenous Employment Program (IEP), would see 50 Indigenous people employed at Ngarda’s Pilbara operations, as well as the recruitment of an Indigenous cadet to undertake undergraduate studies.
Ngarda will also provide specific workplace and industry training to a further 40 participants at its Yarrie mine site in the Pilbara.
Ngarda GM, Darren Lundberg; Federal Minister for Employment Participation,
Mark Arbib; Ngarda Chair, Ian Myers; and Deputy Opposition Leader, Roger Cook
“Ngarda is an industry leader in Indigenous employment and its efforts are a positive contribution to the Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap in Indigenous disadvantage,” Senator Arbib said.
“The funding will also help to provide the vital skills the Western Australian resources sector needs to meet demand for workers on the projects of the future.”
Ngarda General Manager Darren Lundberg said the company’s purpose was to provide wealth creation for Indigenous people and stakeholders by being the most successful Indigenous-owned and operated commercial venture in the Pilbara region and beyond.
“We have a unique company structure and training model that allows us to build strong partnerships with our clients, governments and local communities, “ Mr Lundberg said. “This means we can ensure that local Indigenous communities are given maximum opportunity to participate in the economic development within their regions.”
The company currently employs more than 340 staff, 51% of whom are Indigenous and its local Indigenous employment participation policy guarantees work and training opportunities for local Indigenous people and communities.
“Already 20 Indigenous people have commenced training and a further 20 will start at Yarrie next month,” Senator Arbib said.
The Rudd Government has committed $764 million over five years to the Indigenous Employment Program to strengthen Indigenous employment and business opportunities.
The Government is committed to halving the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous employment within a decade.
Programs like IEP are equipping employers with the skills, knowledge and expertise to provide employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians and providing support for Indigenous Australians to become self-employed and develop businesses.
Source: Media Release, Hon. Mark Arbib, Minister for Employment Participation