In February 2021, Wamarra celebrated its one-year anniversary of work on the Chisholm Road prison project at Lara.

As an Aboriginal-owned and operated business, Wamarra employs 23 Aboriginal staff with skills in design, management, and a variety of trades.

To date, the team have completed works including concrete and carpentry walkways, subsoil drainage, temporary pavements and haul roads, and electrical works.

Wamarra’s Managing Director, Hayden Heta, says the opportunity to work with project contractor Symal, through managing contractor John Holland, has provided a significant boost.

“Winning work on the project has allowed Wamarra to employ more people and has provided a training ground for our employees to gain new skills in a range of construction areas,” he says.

“Chisholm Road has allowed us to create pathways for people who otherwise might have struggled to gain this sort of employment and experience, enabling us to provide meaningful and sustainable careers.”

Wamarra’s work is part of a $16.3 million commitment through the Chisholm Road prison project to fund social enterprises that support indigenous and local businesses, disadvantaged Victorians and Victorians with disability.