Creating opportunities across the APY Lands
Supporting Indigenous-led initiatives through Jawun
Since 2017, BlueScope has partnered with Jawun, supporting Indigenous-led organisations across Central Australia through employee secondments and leadership visits.
Jawun's approach is centred on Indigenous-led empowerment, connecting corporate, government and Indigenous organisations to support locally identified priorities and aspirations. Through the partnership, BlueScope employees contribute their professional skills to projects identified by community organisations, helping build local capability while developing a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture and remote Australia.
Over the years, BlueScope secondees have supported a range of initiatives, including:
- Developing rainwater harvesting solutions for Purple House dialysis facilities.
- Reviewing Jawun's induction and safety processes to strengthen risk management.
- Investigating opportunities to improve the energy efficiency and thermal performance of housing and healthcare facilities with Nganampa Health Council.
Images: (Left) New home under construction with frames made from TRUECORE® steel in Amata, NT. (Right) The APY Trade Training Centre, Umuwa.
A TRUECORE® steel story from the APY Lands
As part of a six-week Jawun secondment in Central Australia, Brad Wickham, Product Manager – Commercial Framing (BlueScope), worked with Nganampa Health Council and spent time across the APY Lands.
Brad's primary placement was with Nganampa Health Council, exploring opportunities related to solar energy and electric vehicles. As part of the secondment, he also had the opportunity to visit several communities, including Umuwa, Amata, Fregon, Iwantja, Mimili, Pipalyatjara and Pukatja.
Reflecting on his time in the region, Brad said the experience gave him a deeper appreciation of the strength, resilience and connection that exists within Aboriginal communities.
"It was an incredible experience to see first-hand how these remote communities live on Country and maintain their culture."
Brad said he was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Jawun program, which provided a unique opportunity to learn from community leaders, experience life in remote Australia and gain a deeper appreciation of the importance of Anangu led initiatives.
During his travels, Brad was pleased to see examples of light gauge steel framing being used in local construction and skills development initiatives. In particular, he noticed homes being built with framing made from TRUECORE® steel in Amata. This led him to visit the APY Trade Training Centre in Umuwa, where local students have been completing Certificate II construction training using a structure framed with TRUECORE® steel.
The visit highlighted the role that construction skills and industry partnerships can play in creating opportunities for young Aboriginal people in remote communities. Brad learned that the framing had been donated by South Australian based steel fabricator Maxispan and that the training program is delivered in partnership with TAFE SA, helping Aboriginal students develop practical skills and pathways into employment.
"It was great to learn that construction training was taking place in such a remote part of Australia," Brad said.
For Brad, the experience demonstrated that strong communities are built through more than just infrastructure.
"Through training, education and industry partnerships, organisations like the APY Trade Training Centre are helping create meaningful opportunities for the next generation while strengthening the future of remote communities."