The ‘Pathway to Opportunities’ program helps regional businesses understand how to engage with buyers on major projects, prepare compliant tender submissions and manage contracts, giving them the skills to win future business on major projects, potentially including Inland Rail and with the Australian Government.
Since July 2023, around 95 businesses including 15 First Nations business have participated in three rounds of workshops in Albury, Wagga Wagga, Parkes and Forbes.
The ‘Pathway to Opportunities’ sessions are hosted by Inland Rail and Deborah Wilson Consulting Services, with presentations from experts in major project supply chain development, interactive one-one-one sessions, as well as group support and networking opportunities.
The fourth round of workshops will be focused on preparing for contract management and will be held at the following locations:
- Tuesday 20 February, 9am – 3pm, Club Forbes
- Wednesday 21 February, 9am – 3pm, Rules Club Wagga Wagga
- Thursday 22 February, 9am – 3pm, Commercial Club Albury
The fifth and final round of workshops will be held in May with a focus on future pathways, including a ‘Meet the Buyer’ panel.
Local businesses interested in participating in these workshops are encouraged to register their interest.
Luke Dickerson, Contrack Group Pty Ltd Director, said:
“Our first shot came on the Inland Rail with the Parkes to Narromine section and that was a massive thing for our business. Not only did our business grow but all of our suppliers grew. Now we’ve got the Albury to Parkes section coming everyone is getting excited.
“The workshops have been good to get an idea of what’s upcoming, what the tender process will look like, and to meet the client. It was a good way for us to stay current and get up to date with a lot of the environmental strategies and procedures and make sure we’re meeting all those targets correctly.
“We know exactly what they’re after and we can give them exactly what they need.
“We’re pumped about Inland Rail and the opportunity Inland Rail is providing to us and appreciate all the help that Inland Rail is giving to our local community”.
John Abraham, Inland Rail Local Content Principal, said:
“Inland Rail projects spanning from Albury to Parkes present real opportunities for local and First Nations businesses to get involved.
“While we’re expecting to generate direct and indirect supply and job opportunities during construction, we’re also working to prepare communities for other project opportunities by helping to upskill local and First Nations businesses.
“Local businesses are crucial to regional communities and to the delivery of Inland Rail. Supporting them to build their capability will not only help them embark on new endeavours, but it will help drive positive change and boost employment along the alignment.”
