Historic Wajarri joint venture awarded major SKAO contract

BY LIZ WILLIAMS (SKAO), TOGETHER WITH VENTIA AND WAJARRI ENTERPRISES LIMITED

The SKAO has awarded the contract to manage the operations of Nyingari Ngurra, the SKA-Low construction village, to a joint venture partnership between SKA-Low infrastructure contractor Ventia Pty Ltd and Wajarri Enterprises Limited (WEL).

The 50/50 partnership brings together the strengths and expertise of both entities and will create a significant number of roles for Wajarri Yamaji People. The contract for managing the accommodation village was awarded by the SKAO directly to the Ventia-WEL joint venture. WEL and Ventia are partnering to run the camp operations, including maintenance, catering and day-to-day operations.

Ventia is the infrastructure contractor for the SKA-Low telescope in Australia, providing power and fibre to the telescope and designing and commissioning data processing facilities on site. Wajarri Enterprises Limited is part of the Wajarri Group and specialises in engaging and empowering the Wajarri Yamaji People through employment opportunities and sustainable business partnerships.

Through the joint venture, Ventia has committed to employing local people and providing ongoing training and personal development opportunities, as well as seeking local suppliers for products and services, and supporting WEL in its future objectives. Fifty per cent of employees at the SKA-Low accommodation village are Wajarri Yamaji, and the number is growing along with the village.

WEL Chief Executive Officer Ehsan Haque said WEL was excited to be partnering with Ventia for the SKA project.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for members of the Wajarri community to not only be involved in this great project but presents scope for employment, professional growth and widen their options in the future,” Haque said.

“WEL is excited to engage in this venture with Ventia who have a strong commitment to Indigenous engagement and capacity building, and thanks the SKAO for this opportunity.”

The SKA-Low construction village was gifted a Wajarri name - Nyingari Ngurra - which means ‘Zebra Finch Home’ in Wajarri language. The Zebra Finch is native to the area.

The SKAO is building the SKA-Low telescope at Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, the CSIRO Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory. The Wajarri Yamaji are the Traditional Owners and Native Title Holders of the observatory site.