Robert Wigness Contracting – Growing community capability
A desire to see a local solution to both community employment and works needs led to the establishment of Napranum’s Robert Wigness Contracting PTY LTD early in 2022. The ongoing support Robert receives through a developing partnership with Community Owned Enterprises (COE) has seen his initial concept grow into a flourishing venture this year.
Growing up, Robert remembered the time when the Napranum community looked after itself, with maintenance and capital tasks undertaken by workers from around the community. However, over time this shifted and as Robert entered the workforce he recalls “always looking for jobs, not seeing any jobs, but always seeing contractors coming in.”
He spent a period as a jobseeker, before realising that he could be part of the solution by “starting an Indigenous-owned business and employing local people,” creating the stepping-stones for other members of his community.
“This would allow us [the Napranum community] to see people we know on local worksites, and give local kids something to look up to.”
He got his start when COE required him to mentor twelve construction trainees in their recent Construction Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) project in Napranum. Working closely with Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council, Robert led Trainees through the construction of fencing around community properties, improving both safety and security. On completion of the SQW project, Robert was contracted to deliver the remainder of the fencing job, involving a further 12 months of works. COE flexibly pivoted supports to assist Robert adapt his enterprise to deliver these works. This has allowed him to employ one of his trainees, Jack Miller, as well as a second community member from outside the SQW project for the duration of these works.
However, this is just the beginning for Robert, who has his sights set on his business forming part of a long-term solution for his community.
Robert’s team have been improving Napranum community fencing.
He is being supported to undertake training to apply for a Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) Licence. This licence would allow him to bid for other construction and building jobs around the community and through these extra works, grow his operation to employ more community members.
“I’m just so lucky to have been given the opportunity with the SQW project,” Robert said.
“And I’m thankful for the ongoing assistance from COE, they have helped make this dream a reality, and with them continuing to support me and the growing support from Napranum Council, I have big hopes for the future of Robert Wigness Contracting”