Defence marked the start of Indigenous Business Month with a smoking ceremony at the completion of upgrade works carried out at Gaza Ridge Army Barracks at North Bandiana in Victoria.
Reflecting this October's theme 'Local and Connected', Defence used the opportunity to highlight the innovation and excellence of First Nations businesses and their contribution to economic independence, self-determination and communities across Australia.
Completion of the multi-million dollar project by First Nations commercial construction business TVN On-Country was marked with a smoking ceremony by traditional owners at the barracks on September 30.
The remediation of storage facilities at North Bandiana will strengthen capability by providing additional covered storage for ADF vehicles, increasing 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."
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.
Since the inception of the Commonwealth's Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) in 2015, Defence has awarded more than $7 billion in contracts to Indigenous enterprises.
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.
