Arrow is launching its 2014 Indigenous business development program with free introductory workshops in Dalby, Toowoomba, Gladstone, Mackay and Brisbane.
The May and June workshops are the lead-in to Whanu Binal ​– Arrow’s program to build Indigenous participation in supplying goods and services into the coal seam gas (CSG) industry.
“The CSG supply chain offers big opportunities but there are also some significant standards that businesses must meet,” Arrow Vice President Community and Sustainable Development Leisa Elder said.
“Whanu Binal is Arrow’s capacity-building program for Indigenous businesses wanting to learn how to meet those standards and compete for work across the CSG industry and beyond.
“Last year we had 10 Indigenous businesses pre-qualify with Arrow as a direct result of their participation in Whanu Binal, so we know it works.
“Even better, if a business is capable of pre-qualifying in the oil and gas sector, it’s capable of pursuing work in the wider resources sector and amongst major projects as well.
Thomas Holden, managing director of Townsville-based training and security company Sundown Group, took part in Whanu Binal last year and is already receiving interest from suppliers to the LNG industry.
“I did my introductory workshop in Gladstone and they talked about capacity building and fitting into the LNG supply chain,” Mr Holden said.
“Back in 2009, getting involved in LNG was a 10-year goal for my company. Whanu Binal moved it forward.
“As a direct result of Whanu Binal, we’re getting more interest in my company. We’re in discussions with major international companies and we have the capability to acquire those works.”
Applications are now open for businesses to join Whanu Binal in 2014. Businesses must be Indigenous-owned (50 per cent minimum) and priority will be given to businesses from Arrow’s areas of operation.
The free Whanu Binal introductory workshops will give Indigenous businesses an overview of the CSG-LNG industry and allow them to assess whether the program can assist them.
Businesses which progress from the workshops will receive a pathway plan for their development, and then be guided with assistance that includes networking and mentoring from local and regional businesses.
The workshops will be held:
- 26 May – Brisbane (Arrow Energy office, 8.30am-12.00pm)
- 28 May – Mackay (Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, 12.30pm-4.00pm)
- 5 June – Brisbane (Arrow Energy office, 8.30am-12.00pm)
- 11 June – Dalby (Dalby Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 12.30pm-4.00pm)
- 12 June – Toowoomba (Burke and Wills Hotel, 8.30am-12.00pm)
- 19 June – Gladstone (Oaks Grand Hotel, 8.30am-12.00pm).
To register for the workshops please visit the Whanu Binal registration page or email [email protected].