Intract Launched

McMahon Services and the Aboriginal Foundation of South Australia proudly unveil Intract

In August, McMahon Services and the Aboriginal Foundation of South Australia proudly unveiled an exciting initiative dedicated to providing Indigenous Australians with long-term, sustainable employment opportunities in the mining and construction sector.

Federal Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development, Mark Arbib, was among more than 100 guests who attended the launch of Intract – Indigenous Contractors at McMahon Services’ Dry Creek headquarters.

Minister Arbib said a $260,000 contribution from the Federal Government’s Indigenous Employment Program would help kick-start Intract.

“I like to see organisations like Intract developing and growing because I know it’s so important to the work we are doing as a country and a Government in terms of Indigenous employment and economic development,” Senator Arbib said.

“Indigenous enterprise actually empowers Indigenous people. It allows Indigenous communities to make their own decisions about their own future.

“When we have in place Indigenous businesses, they employ Indigenous people. That’s why the work you are doing here through Intract (and McMahons Services) is so important to what we’re doing as a country.”

“This partnership with McMahon Services in forming Intract is the very breakthrough that we have been seeking. It fits exactly into our charter.

“On behalf of the Foundation, I wish to thank David and Andrew McMahon, John Heard and John Briggs for recognising the needs of the Aboriginal people of South Australia, and giving us and them this great opportunity that we now have.”

Intract General Manager John Briggs said his team was ready and looking forward to working on a variety of projects.

“Last year David McMahon had a vision to create an employment pathway for Aboriginal people through the formation of Intract,” John said.

“Today with the support of our key stakeholders and funding from the Australian Government, we have been able to provide ‘work ready’ training for nine Aboriginal people and made the first steps to creating long-term sustainable employment pathways.”