Learning circle opens at new airport

Atraditional Aboriginal learning circle has been opened by Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) and their contractor AeroWest. It has been constructed by the company’s own First Nations employees, and with all materials donated by the local western Sydney business, Hytec Concrete.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from western Sydney schools were welcomed onto the airport construction site with a tour, and helped in the opening of the circle. Students were engaged in a learning experience about their heritage and culture, as well as about the future of the airport itself; such as its future jobs and ambitions.

Katy Hannouch, General Manager – Community Engagement and Social Impact at WSI has been working with the team at AeroWest to launch the ‘First Nations Taking Off’ program.

“Overall, the program is committed to fostering connections between First Nations young people and First Nations employees across the project, as well as provide the support and guidance needed to succeed in their chosen career paths,”

Hannouch said.

Participating Plumpton High School student, Ethan Hawke added: “It was a great experience to see the opportunities that are there for me and where I would like to go in the future. The workers were very informative and easy to talk to. They cared enough to listen about what I want to do and where I would like to go in the future, as well as telling me the jobs they have available regarding electrical engineering, which is what I would like to do.”

Hannouch is working on building strong engagement with local First Nations people and businesses, with already acknowledged success. As of current, the airport project has more than 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services

4721 8520 nepeancommunity.org.au

Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service 4729 7300 27-29 Lawson St, Penrith

Muru Mittigar 4730 0400 murumittigar.com.au

KARI Aboriginal Resources (02) 8782 0333 kari.org.au

Aboriginal Home Care 1300 973 058 australianunity.com.au working on the team, and First Nations businesses account for over 10 per cent of contracts across the total project.

Hannouch concluded: “Western Sydney International Airport is driving the creation of new jobs across the region which will provide significant future employment opportunities for people living in western Sydney and for First Nations people”.

NSW Aboriginal Affairs 1800 019 998 aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au

Real Futures Women’s Business Second Chance Hub 1800 732 538