THE journey to the completed Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence has been one that has uplifted the community and in particular, First Nation Australians, from conception through construction.
The build was completed by 70 per cent First Nations-owned construction company TVN On-Country, providing a range of opportunities to First Nations peoples. Ambitious social procurement targets ensured First Nation Victorians were employed at every stage of construction, with every target exceeded.
Jebb Hutchison, the managing director, shared his emotional response to seeing the vision come to life after 18 months of hard work. Jebb said, “This is our largest build to date, a design and construct build, so, you know, big risk, a big risk for us as an organisation to take it on, but also a big risk for the government to award a contract of this value to a First Nations building organisation from Albury-Wodonga, you know, the boys from the bush.”
“Having a First Nations head contractor lead this project opened up the opportunities for more First Nations contractors, trades, and employment opportunities, not just with them, but with our own organisation as well. That allowed us to employ what I’ll say are future leaders.”
Not only were social procurement targets achieved and surpassed, but students from ASHE have also been involved in the Centre’s construction and will continue their employment with TVN On-Country, something Jebb is very proud of.
“ASHE is an amazing program and amazing organisation that just continues to turn out amazing outcomes,” said Jebb. “It’s a continuation of what’s possible when given the opportunity.”
“Part of our business philosophy is we try and provide opportunities for First Nations people in particular and I’m proud we’ve achieved that. I grew up in Hillston in central New South Wales, and I understand what an opportunity can do for people because, you know, where I come from, sometimes there’s a lack of opportunity.”
Mr Hutchison is a proud Wiradjuri man and said his mother was the first in his family to be formally educated, something she pursued in middle age. Jebb said now the building is complete, he too looks forward to furthering his knowledge as a student at the MCRE.
Jebb extended gratitude to the supportive community, stakeholders and visionary leaders. He said, “Together we’re stronger,” expressing hope that the Centre will unite and benefit the entire community.
“As our culture is built on shared knowledge, we need to continue to share our knowledge so that the next generation is ready to take over the hard work we’ve done.”
