As a proudly Aboriginal-owned and operated civil construction business, Birubi is dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities for Aboriginal people across rural, regional, and metropolitan South Australia. With a strong commitment to training and career development, Birubi is paving the way for future generations of Indigenous workers in the construction industry.
Founded by former Rugby League champion David Liddiard and former educator Andrea Harms, Birubi was born from a shared passion for supporting young Aboriginal people in securing stable and fulfilling employment. Their mission is clear: to provide career pathways that not only lead to individual success but also contribute to the long-term financial wellbeing of Aboriginal families and communities.
Managing Director Farin Wanganeen believes that the civil construction industry offers unique opportunities for Aboriginal workers, especially with the growing focus on Indigenous procurement policies.
“The civil industry is one where people often travel to where the work is,” Farin explains. “But with the Indigenous procurement policies gaining momentum, we’re seeing more opportunities arise across different regions. There are some massive projects in the pipeline for South Australia – billions of dollars’ worth of work.”
Birubi is positioning itself to take full advantage of these opportunities, preparing to scale up as new projects emerge. As a Supply Nation certified company with both ISO and Federal Safety Commissioner (FSC) accreditations, Birubi has already delivered a range of significant projects, including road upgrades, stormwater works, fencing, grading, and vegetation clearance.
Building Career Pathways for Aboriginal Workers
With Farin’s extensive experience in delivering government projects, he understands the importance of preparing Aboriginal workers for long-term career success. For Birubi, this means more than just providing jobs; it’s about creating career paths that lead to skilled, sustainable employment.
“It’s a lot of work,” says Farin. “As a company, you have to invest in training people who are new to the industry, helping them develop from unskilled laborers to effective and efficient machine operators or skilled tradespeople. That’s the pathway we’re focused on.”
By investing in the training and development of young Aboriginal workers, Birubi is changing lives, one career at a time. The company’s commitment to skill-building has a ripple effect, improving not only the financial stability of individuals but also benefiting their families and communities for generations to come.
Leading with Safety and Certification
Safety is a top priority for Birubi, and their recent accreditation by the Federal Safety Commissioner under the WHS Accreditation Scheme is a testament to their rigorous safety management systems. This prestigious accreditation enables Birubi to tender for Federal Government projects worth over $4 million, opening the door to even more opportunities for growth.
“Achieving FSC accreditation shows that we have strong safety protocols in place, and that we follow and implement these systems on-site,” says Farin. “It’s a crucial step for us as we look to expand our work and take on larger projects.”
Growing with ICN: Expanding Opportunities Across South Australia
In addition to its certifications, Birubi has been leveraging its membership with the Industry Capability Network (ICN) to grow its business and connect with new clients. ICN provides a platform for contractors and suppliers to find and engage with businesses like Birubi, helping them access project opportunities across the state.
“ICN has become an important tool for us,” says Farin. “We’re using it to make our capabilities known and to identify new projects in both rural and metropolitan areas. It’s going to play a crucial role in our business development and growth.”
Through ICN, Birubi is making it easier for clients to discover their services, expanding their reach and further strengthening their presence across South Australia.
A Bright Future for Aboriginal Employment
With a steadfast commitment to empowering Aboriginal workers, Birubi is creating a legacy of opportunity and growth for Indigenous communities in South Australia. From delivering high-quality civil construction projects to providing life-changing career opportunities, Birubi is forging a new path for Aboriginal employment in the construction and engineering sectors.
For more information, follow Birubi on LinkedIn or visit www.birubiaustralia.com.au.
