Kicking new career goals

Jai Burns and Keadin Ronnan on site at the Ison Road Overpass project. (supplied)

Two Indigenous footballers are now kicking career goals with the Ison Road Overpass project thanks to a special partnership.

The project has engaged with labour hire provider Yurringa, which has helped Fitzroy Stars’ Jai Burns and Keadin Ronnan secure valuable footholds in the construction industry.

Mr Burns is employed as a spotter, directing trucks on the site, while Mr Ronnan’s work ranges from labouring to plant operation.

Both are thriving as valued members of the diverse team helping provide Wyndham West’s community with a vital link to the Princes Freeway.

Yurringa supported the pair’s employment in partnership with Major Road Project Victoria’s (MRPV) construction partner on the project, Decmil.

Decmil project superintendent Rob Crumpen supports Mr Burns and Mr Ronnan on the site with guidance and advice, partly informed by his own Indigenous background.

Mr Crumpen said he gets a lot of “job satisfaction from being able to help young Indigenous people successfully enter the construction industry on projects like the Ison Road Overpass.”

“Jai and Keadin are gaining great experience from their work on the project, which will support their career aspirations into the future,” he said.

Established to help Indigenous communities overcome inequality and disadvantage, Yurringa aims to improve the prosperity of First Nations people through employment opportunities.

The Indigenous-owned-and-operated firm works with employers committed to diversity and inclusiveness, defining success as employees feeling safe and welcome at work.

Yurringa managing director Daniel Briggs said “Working with organisations like MRPV and Decmil, who are committed to fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces, is vital to our commitment of assisting Indigenous people achieve prosperity through employment”.

“Achieving positive employment outcomes while supporting employers’ social procurement objectives is a win-win for all Indigenous people involved and for our business partners who provide the opportunities.”