Call for Aboriginal participation in major Hunter road projects Port Stephens by News Of The Area - Modern Media - June 2, 2021 INDUSTRY forums are being held in Newcastle to help Aboriginal businesses and employment, skills and training providers interested in participating in road construction. Transport for NSW Director North Region Anna Zycki said the NSW and Australian governments are investing $2.4 billion on three major road upgrades to significantly improve the way local and through traffic moves around the Newcastle area. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au “The Newcastle Inner City Bypass between Rankin Park to Jesmond, M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace and the Hexham Straight upgrade will be transformative projects for the Hunter region and regional NSW, which will improve safety and support the local economy by providing work to suppliers and contractors,” Ms Zycki said. “Harnessing the skills of the local workforce for these projects is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to safer and stronger regions.” Ms Zycki said Transport for NSW is committed to maximising participation from local Aboriginal communities through sustainable opportunities for Aboriginal businesses and employment for Aboriginal people. “Two forums will be held in June and will provide an opportunity for collaboration to identify practical actions available to Transport, the Aboriginal skills, training and employment services sector, the Aboriginal business sector and major contractors to help maximise Aboriginal participation,” Ms Zycki said. “There will also be sessions about pathways for Aboriginal employment on the projects and planning for work with the Aboriginal community.” The first of the two industry forums will be held at the Travelodge Hotel Newcastle on Friday 4 June between 9am and 4pm with the second scheduled for Wednesday 30 June between 9am and 3pm. Aboriginal businesses and workers planning to attend should register their interest at www.ipsau.com.au/projects-tfnsw.