Construction firm’s partnership with Defence highlights Indigenous business excellence

Callan Morse Published October 9, 2026 at 2.00pm (AWST)

business

A smoking ceremony to mark the completion of construction works by TVN On-Country at Bandiana Barracks, Victoria last month. (Image: Ross Pandher)

The Australian Defence Force has highlighted the contribution of a majority Indigenous-owned construction firm which recently completed works in the north-east Victorian city of Wodonga.

Undertaken by TVN On-Country in the suburb of North Bandiana, Defence said the remediation of storage facilities will strengthen capability by providing additional covered storage for ADF vehicles, increase logistics capacity through a larger laydown area and loading ramp, improving the base road network and enhancing security infrastructure.

Defence Indigenous Champion and Deputy Secretary Security and Estate, Celia Perkins, said Defence continued to help Close the Gap by partnering with First Nations businesses in an impactful way.

"Indigenous Business Month is another wonderful opportunity for Defence to continue showing its commitment to partnering with First Nations businesses and leading the Commonwealth in delivering meaningful procurement outcomes," Ms Perkins said.

"Defence is committed to advancing reconciliation through our culture and procurement strategies, enhancing capability and improving employment and socioeconomic outcomes for First Nations peoples."

The works will deliver lasting benefits to Defence operations, including additional covered storage for ADF vehicles, improved logistics capabilities through expanded laydown and loading areas, upgrades to the base road network, and enhanced security infrastructure. (Image: Ross Pandher)

Completion of the multi-million dollar project was marked with a smoking ceremony by Traditional Owners at the barracks late last month.

Reflecting on this year's Indigenous Business Month theme, Local and Connected, Defence also highlighted the innovation and excellence of First Nations businesses and their contribution to economic independence, self-determination and communities across Australia.

Chief of Army and Defence Indigenous Champion, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, said Army relied on strong partnerships to deliver the facilities and infrastructure that underpinned capability.

"The North Bandiana project highlights how Indigenous businesses are helping us deliver practical outcomes for Defence, while supporting employment, skills and economic participation for First Nations Australians," Lieutenant General Coyle said.

Defence said since the inception of the Commonwealth's Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) in 2015, it has awarded more than $7 billion in contracts to Indigenous enterprises.

It said figures from the National Indigenous Australians Agency show Defence has exceeded Australian Government targets to procure Indigenous business, with about half of all Commonwealth contracts awarded under the IPP coming from Defence.