CPB Contractors’ delivery of the NSW Government’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA) redevelopment has seen close to $3 million spent with Aboriginal and Torres Strait businesses in construction in the first year of main works, creating reciprocal social and economic benefits for local communities.
The RPA hospital redevelopment is part of the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program, which aims to develop skills, capability, and capacity in the construction industry and increase diversity on building sites, including the representation of First Nations people.
Under the Program, the main works contractor CPB Contractors is on track to achieve its commitment to spend 5.5% of the contract value with subcontracted Indigenous businesses while also creating opportunities to build capability and advance business acumen through education and training of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers supporting delivery of this important project.
More than 42 people identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander have worked on site at the RPA Hospital Redevelopment, with numbers planned to increase as the main works construction ramps up.
CPB Contractors Graduate and cultural champion Lawson Tinmouth shares the pride he feels to be part of a project that is creating authentic and practical opportunities for First Nations people.
“Learning goes two ways, and being part of a diverse team has also deepened my cultural understanding,” adds Lawson.
Biripi man Brendan Syron is working on the redevelopment as a third-year electrical apprentice with Stowe. He’s been involved since the early stages of the main works and will be involved with the circuiting of the new 15 storey building. Mr Syron is passionate about the industry and strives to be a role model for young people looking to create careers in the construction and engineering sectors.
“Being part of this redevelopment means a lot to me personally. It’s about contributing to something that will benefit the entire community while also paving the way for more Aboriginal people to enter the industry,” shares Brendan.
In addition to providing opportunities for Aboriginal business and employment, the redevelopment is supporting initiatives aimed at preserving and celebrating Aboriginal culture. These include networking events, ceremonies on site, and honouring and incorporating Aboriginal heritage through consultation in design.
CPB Contractors’ delivery of the RPA project includes the construction of a new 15-storey acute hospital building adjoining the existing RPA Hospital, vertical and horizontal expansion of the existing hospital structure, major refurbishment to existing spaces across the campus including the ambulance parking area, re-alignment of Lambie Dew Drive Road, diversion of existing inground services, and the design and construction of a temporary helicopter landing site.
CPB Contractors has a longstanding commitment to reconciliation, reflected in its Reconciliation Australia-endorsed Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan and Social Inclusion Strategy, its ABSE Playbook and Database, and long-term partnerships with CareerTrackers, CareerSeekers, Supply Nation, and Social Traders.