Inland Rail supplier workshops to hone businesses’ competitive edge
Local businesses wanting to sell goods or services to Inland Rail on its Beveridge to Albury project can find out how in upcoming Supplier Capability Development workshops in Benalla, Euroa and Broadford.
Co-ordinated by the Inland Rail Skills Academy, the workshops aim to help regional businesses boost their chances of successfully tendering for works on the Inland Rail project and with other construction-related industries in the region.
Businesses will learn how to engage with buyers, prepare competitive tender submissions, and manage contracts for work on major projects.
Each workshop is interactive and includes presentations from buyers and business advisory experts, a panel discussion and networking. Between the workshops, one-on-one mentoring will be provided to participants.
The program is open to local and Indigenous businesses and social enterprises, new and established businesses, and small to medium enterprises.
The workshops will be held in a series, with the first starting in late July in Benalla, Euroa and Broadford. The second series will be held during October.
As participant numbers are capped, interested businesses will need to commit to both workshops and registration is required. The last date for registration is Friday 18 July.
For more details or to register interest, view the Supplier Capability Development Program page.
Locations and dates are as follows:
| Location | Workshop 1 | Workshop 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Benalla | Tuesday 29 July, 8:30 am to 1:30 pm | Tuesday 28 October, 8:30 am to 1:30 pm |
| Euroa | Wednesday 30 July, 8:30 am to 1:30 pm | Wednesday 29 October, 8:30 am to 1:30 pm |
| Broadford | Thursday 31 July, 8:30 am to 1:30 pm | Thursday 30 October, 8:30 am to 1:30 pm |
Stephen Jones, Inland Rail Executive Director of Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability, said:
“Inland Rail works hand in hand with local businesses and suppliers along the alignment – they are incredibly important to the success of the project, and we want to help them develop their ability to grow in a sustainable manner.
“These Supplier Capability Development workshops are phase two of a collaboration between the Inland Rail Skills Academy and Deborah Wilson Consulting Services, and they will give businesses the knowledge and tools to enhance their business practices, continue looking for opportunities within Inland Rail’s supply chain, and also to grow within other construction-related industries in the region.
“We are already impressed with local businesses’ capabilities and what they have delivered for Inland Rail to date, with more than 500 local suppliers having supported the construction efforts between Beveridge in Victoria and Parkes in NSW.
“Some of these local suppliers participated in phase one of this initiative in 2024, and it’s tremendous to see they have so far tallied more than $16 million in earnings working on Inland Rail.”
Image caption: Inland Rail Skills Academy is holding several Supplier Capability Development workshops which will help regional businesses boost their chances of success in tendering for contracts with Inland Rail.
