Around 90 people, including indigenous builders, tradespeople and building organisation representatives, are taking part in the gathering – called Building Futures, Moving Forward – which will be held in Arrawarra, north of Coffs Harbour.Guest speakers will discuss business development, government requirements, project management, finance, quality assurance and training opportunities.The event is being held by the federal government in collaboration with the NSW Department of State and Regional Development. “The construction industry is a major industry and this forum aims to develop an action plan to attract and retain indigenous people as builders, tradespeople and business owners in the sector,” said Employment Participation Minister Brendan O’Connor.Earlier this year, the Master Builders Association and the Australian Contractors Association joined with the federal government in hosting a workshop with some of Australia’s major construction companies looking at ways to increase the number of indigenous people pursuing careers in the sector.“We want to halve the employment gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians within a decade by creating job opportunities and giving indigenous people the skills and training they need to get and keep a job,” O’Connor said.
