A local construction company has been awarded $500,000 in funding under the Federal Government’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy.
Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said HC Building and Construction PTY LTD in Bentley Park will receive the grant to expand their business and provide employment to Indigenous people in Leichhardt.
“I’d like to congratulate HCCM PTY LTD on being awarded the funding,” Mr Entsch said.
“This is a terrific opportunity that will allow a local building company to grow its workforce and increase its capacity to take on more building and construction projects across Leichhardt.
HCCM PTY LTD is a leading Indigenous construction company across Queensland including Cape York and the Torres Strait.
Director of HCCM, Mr Heath Christison said he was humbled by the opportunity to receive the grant.
“This grant will allow HCCM to hire young apprentices from remote aboriginal communities and train them to become carpenters and cabinet makers,” Mr Christison said.
“We’ll also be training young Indigenous people to drive prime movers to transport our freight around Cape York.
“It’s about giving these young people an opportunity they would not otherwise have to get into the workforce.
“When I was a young Indigenous man in the Cape I was given an opportunity, and I’d now like to give back to community and help others.
“The young apprentices will be working with approximately 50 other HCCM employees to build residential and commercial buildings in Cape York, Bamaga, Kowanyama and Pormpuraaw,” Mr Christison said.
Mr Entsch said every new person employed in the trade services industry helps to address skill shortages across Far North Queensland.
“It also provides new workers with opportunities to gain valuable experience, strengthen their industry relationships, improve their future employment prospects and contribute to their local region.”