The Inland Rail Skills Academy in partnership with Deborah Wilson Consulting Services have facilitated a five-part series over the past year. The program helps regional businesses understand how to engage with buyers, prepare compliant tender submissions, and manage contracts for work on major projects, such as Inland Rail.
Since July 2023, more than 95 businesses including fifteen First Nations business have participated in four rounds of workshops in Albury, Wagga Wagga, Parkes, and Forbes. Local businesses have benefitted from learning what major project buyers want from suppliers.
Workshops also included presentations from major buyers in the region, including Inland Rail Albury to Parkes prime contractor Martinus, local government, and project proponents within the mining, recycling, and energy industries.
The fifth and final session is a half day ‘Meet the Buyer’ workshop, providing a rare opportunity for suppliers to gain a better understanding of buyer expectations, identify potential opportunities and network directly with major project buyers in the region.
Local businesses interested are encouraged to register at: https://inlandrail.com.au/supplier-capability-development-program-registration-of-interest/.
John Abraham, Inland Rail Local Content Principal, said “Inland Rail projects spanning from Albury to Parkes present real opportunities for local and First Nations businesses to get involved.
“Local content is key to the program’s success. This is a social investment into these communities by Inland Rail. It doesn’t matter if businesses out here are small or large, they’ve all got an opportunity to participate in major supply chains.”