Indigenous construction company TVN On-Country's burgeoning reputation within the country's Defence industry has been recognised when finalists in the prestigious Australian Defence Industry Awards were named on Monday.
Proud Wiradjuri man and TVN On-Country managing director, Jebb Hutchison, said the Wodonga-based commercial business was proud to be in the running for SME of the Year and Estate Infrastructure Business of the Year at next week's event in Canberra.
The nationwide awards recognise outstanding individuals and businesses that positively shape the growth and development of Australia's Defence sector, and Mr Hutchison said the twin honours were testament to the professionalism of his team.
"We have worked hard to build our reputation within the Defence industry and, despite being a small regional company, we are well known and regarded by our clients on bases around Australia," he told National Indigenous Times.
Mr Hutchison said he and fellow directors Jonathon Whelan and Gareth VanNoort put a focus on treating its employees as family when they first formed the company in 2017.
"One of the first jobs we secured was for the Australian Defence Force and now, some five years later, we have multiple projects under way on bases across Australia," he said.
"We started this company to be something different, to be a workplace that people enjoyed coming to every day and one that supports First Nations people - whether they be our own employees, their families or the communities where we live and work.
"Our people are proud of the work they do, and whether we win awards or not, they are giving their best every day."
TVN On-Country is currently knee deep delivering the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, on Yorta Yorta Country in Shepparton, the largest project in Victoria ever awarded to an Indigenous company that is set to further benefit First Nations workers.
The Victorian Government and University of Melbourne have invested $36 million into the state-of-the-art, Aboriginal-led educational, sporting, cultural and community centre, with project work well under way and construction due to finish in 2024.
Hutchison said TVN On-Country would spend 10 per cent of the project cost with other First Nations companies as part of the company's focus to go above and beyond engaging Indigenous businesses and employees.
"This target is significantly higher than the standard 1.5 per cent the Victorian Government requires," said Hutchison, who's company employs more than 50 people in offices and on projects across South Australia, NSW and Victoria.
"It is important to us to set the benchmark high because this is about improving outcomes for all Indigenous people, and that's at the heart of our business."
The Australian Defence Industry Awards finalists comprise more than 200 defence industry stakeholders, from executives and scientists to technicians and academics.
Ukraine Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, H.E. Vasyl Myroshnychenko, will provide an exclusive welcome address at the awards ceremony, which will be at the National Convention Centre in Canberra on September 21.
