THE ROLE OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE
The role of the Steering Committee is to advise the executive management of the Academy to assist it in developing recommendations for consideration in relation to the governance and strategic direction of the Academy and its members and key stakeholders. Its purpose is to provide a forum for consultation on best practice strategies and how they relate to the specific business of the Academy. The Steering Committee has no power delegated by the shareholders or management and nothing in this Charter limits or replaces the authority of management.
THE STEERING COMMITTEE WILL PROVIDE ADVICE AND RECOMMENDATION ON:
- Developing the Academy purpose and values.
- Developing the Academy strategy, business plans and policies.
- Reviewing and assessing the Academy strategic direction and advising management in practical ways to build and implement the Academy values across its subsidiaries.
- Developing a risk appetite and recommend ways to monitor and review both financial and non-financial risks across the Academy.
- Advise on appropriate management of operating budgets and capital expenditure.
- Advise on the Academy’s accounting and reporting systems and their effectiveness in ensuring adequate, accurate and timely information is available to management.
- Advising on the effectiveness of the Academy system of corporate governance, inc. formation management committees and the terms of applicable governing policies and processes.
THE STEERING GROUP
REBECCA PICKERING – CEO, CIVIL CONTRACTORS FEDERATION SA
Rebecca has worked in the civil, commercial building and infrastructure industries for over 22+ years. Her earliest career projects included the Olympic Dam Expansion Project, Southern Expressway Project Stage 1 and over the decades included private, social and iconic South Australian infrastructure projects, all of which fostered her love for the infrastructure industry.
Over the last decade she also operated her own consultancy company and held various executive and Board roles in private construction and not for profit entities. In December 2020 Rebecca took on the role of CEO for the Civil Contractors Federation SA whist still leading Civil Apprenticeships and Careers Ltd as Executive Director. Rebecca has completed a Master’s in Business Administration with the Australian Institute of Business. She also holds a number of recognised qualifications in the areas of business, risk management, compliance, auditing, quality management, systems and information technology. Completion of the Governors Leadership Foundation Program in 2008 further strengthened her leadership style, community and political insights.
JEFFREY NEWCHURCH
– DIRECTOR, KAURNA YERTA ABORIGINAL CORPORATION
RAW Group has provided traditional owners opportunities that many have not been willing to provide. Constant challenges in both community and business is forgotten when Jeffrey hears stories of the first nations people being offered real work. This outcome provides a feeling of self worth and belonging which is the reason he keeps fighting for his people.
The friendship has been built around trust, loyalty and respect together with a lot of hard work but the results for the Kaurna people speak for themselves.
ANN NEWCHURCH
– CHAIRPERSON, NARUNGGA ABORIGINAL CORPORATION
ALLAN JONES
– MANAGING DIRECTOR, RAW GROUP
As an Aboriginal man who has been involved in the education, training and employment arenas for all of his working life, Allan has a commitment to supporting his People to achieve equality in the workplace. The key to the success in building stronger Aboriginal workforce participation is an ongoing focus on addressing all dimensions that impact on a person’s working life, that is, a holistic approach that understands the complex inter-relatedness of broader life issues and their resulting impact on an individual’s workforce development. This approach underpins all work undertaken by the RAW Group.
Ultimately, to address Aboriginal workforce development challenges, workforce development approaches need to be focussed on developing complementary supply side measures that aim to connect the Aboriginal workforce to industry demand.
BEN SYMONS – LENDLEASE
Ben is the General Manager of Lendlease Building SA, bringing with him vast project management and leadership experience. He is a client focused dedicated executive with an emphasis on delivery and maximising returns across multiple operational disciplines. Since joining Lendlease in 2000, Ben has held several project and management positions of increasing responsibilities. He has a proven track record directing large-scale projects, including infrastructure development and construction, telecom development and construction, high-rise construction, retail and residential projects and in successfully collaborating with clients, tenants, consultants and subcontractors. Ben spent ten years in the US with Lendlease including the role of General Manager Los Angeles where he was responsible for all the LA project management + construction activity.
The need to strengthen and support Aboriginal economic and workforce participation is paramount to both individual and industry efforts in reconciliation, and the provision of “opportunity to succeed” is an essential prerequisite to success.
DANNY PARKINSON – ACCIONA
Danny joined the construction industry 30 years ago and over that time he has met some motivational people, made great friends and worked on some fantastic projects. His experiences have included everything from working on the tools up including running large projects as a project director, to being a regional manager.
Being brought up with the idea that each person should have an equal chance at prosperity in life means that Danny believes in the fair go for all Australians. He also realises that reality can be very different to this ideal for many people, but, with the right leadership the situation does not have to be that way forever. One of the strengths of the construction industry is its ability to adapt, innovate and provide economic opportunities for Aboriginal businesses and meaningful jobs for Aboriginal people. In so doing, we can materialise the economic prosperity and respect that everyone is entitled to. Danny’s strengths and experience mean that he can make a difference and this is what he strives for.
SCOTT BRUMFIELD
– PROJECT DIRECTOR/CONSTRUCTION MANAGER, HANSEN YUNCKEN
Scott is a highly experienced Construction Manager who has completed a broad range of projects in the government, institutional and private enterprise sectors including residential, retail and public infrastructure. Some of his career highlights include working in key roles on the new RAH, Her Majesty’s Theatre and Skycity Casino. He is known for his strong understanding of project stakeholders and his projects have been delivered with collaboration and transparency as the key drivers to achieving project objectives.
Scott is keenly committed to improving participation rates for Aboriginal businesses and for individuals as a priority. Cultural change requires support and leadership across the community and Scott believes business needs to take a stronger lead in creating opportunities and initiating real change.
JOHN BRIGGS – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, INTRACT AUSTRALIA
John identifies as Yorta Yorta from Cummrugunja, a part of the Barmah Forest on the Murray River border region between Victoria and New South Wales.
He has devoted a significant portion of his working life sharing his experiences and working with Aboriginal people both in his local community and across all states and territories of Australia. In 2010, John was instrumental in launching Intract Indigenous Contractors, John brought passion, extensive industry experience whilst playing an influential role in supporting and mentoring the Intract team.
John views every project as an opportunity to grow our people and increase Indigenous participation within the workforce. We aim to create new employment pathways for local Indigenous people through our Workforce Development and Renewal Strategy.
GUY FISHER – PRINCIPAL, FISHER BRENNAN CONSULTING
Guy has over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry procuring and delivering large commercial, industrial + government facilities both as a consultant & leading award-winning construction teams. His career started as a carpentry and joinery apprentice, later going on to complete a Bach. of CM His experience spans from residential construction through to tier one delivery in the Commercial, Defence, Laboratory + Education sectors. Having worked on ‘both sides’ of the industry, Guy has insight into the drivers + motivations that underpin the construction industry. Guy is a Member of the Australian Institute of Building (MAIB) and a SA Master Builders Certified Construction Professional.
Guy has been a supporter of the Operation Flinders Foundation, an organisation that offers wilderness therapy programs for youth at risk of losing the path early in life and not reaching their penitential. As Team Leader, he has worked closely with indigenous youth and keen advocate of youth training and employment as a driver to a generational change.
LEE REVELL – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, FULTON HOGAN UTILITIES
Lee spent his early career contracting in the aviation and defence sectors, and for the last 15 years has been involved in the civil construction and utilities sectors. More recently, as CEO of Fulton Hogan Utilities, Lee led the establishment and growth of the new business line which now has significant operations in every state of Australia. Born in South Australia, Lee has proudly overseen the growth of the business in the state, such that it directly employs over 300 South Australians and indirectly employees a similar amount again.
The utilities sector is destined for strong growth, as population increases and assets reach the end of their design life, driving investment into new assets and in upgrading existing assets. Our communities need reliable and affordable essential services such as water, wastewater, communications, power and gas now and in the future. With such a bright future, the sector provides long term employment opportunities, and Lee is passionate about supporting Aboriginal owned businesses and providing employment opportunities for Aboriginal men and women.
Elliot Nuberg has been a leader of the South Australian team of Delta Group since 2018. In 2020, Elliot spearheaded the nationalisation of the Aboriginal Partnership Widi Ngaruwa and is proud to hold the position of State Manager.
Elliot holds a Bachelor of Engineering and has extensive knowledge and experience which helps provides a dynamic approach to civil and demolition contracting. Elliot has been involved with delivery of subcontracts upto $75M.
A recent accomplishment for Widi Ngaruwa was the successful pursuit and award of the early works of the nationally significant project – Tarrkarri: Centre for First Nations Cultures in South Australia, which was delivered with the help of various SA Indigenous businesses and people.
Her relentless advocacy efforts have led to the implementation of polices which have enhanced diversity, safety, training, sustainability, quality, and growth of the civil construction industry.
Melissa recognises the importance of collaboration and has strong relationships with industry leaders and government agencies which create a cohesive ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.
Melissa was voted SA Woman of the Year in 2022 for a woman who is pursuing excellence in her chosen career and has overcome challenges to continue to pave their own path towards a career that they are thriving in, while supporting others to do the same.
Kara is an industry leader in the workforce development and vocational education sectors. Kara has a strong career background in the apprenticeship and employment services industry in both South Australia and Victoria, having held numerous senior leadership roles in the sector.
Kara has managed large successful teams, worked with multinational organisations through to SME’s supporting them to commence and upskill tens of thousands Australian Apprentices and has executed the roll out of major Federal and State Government contracts.
Having commenced her career as a trainee herself, working for a company that focused on apprenticeships, employment, education and training, Kara knew this was the career path for her early in her career.
In her role as State Manager of Mas National, Kara works with employers to support them achieve their workforce engagement and development goals, ultimately setting their business up for success now and well into the future.
In her time at Mas National, Kara has worked across numerous major projects and with ASX listed companies supporting them to achieve their employment needs and national apprenticeship and traineeship programs.
Kara is also passionate about supporting women in business, having lead the initiative ‘Collective – Inspiring Women in Business’ in South Australia. As part of this initiative Kara organises networking events with key South Australian business leaders such as Tammy Barton of My Budget, Kelly Jamieson and Abbey Baker of Edible Blooms and Hayley & Lauren of Adelady. The events also raise money for Catherine House and link attendees with mentoring and mentee opportunities.
Kara is driven to make a long term impact on the businesses and individuals she works with and truly believes that education, training and meaningful employment has the power to not just change an individual’s life, but it has the power to change the lives of their family, friends and community.