Inland Rail provides real opportunities for regional businesses
Regional businesses around Albury, Wagga Wagga and Parkes can learn how to supply to major projects at Inland Rail’s final ‘Pathway to Opportunities’ workshop, taking place in each of the towns later this month.
Inland Rail Supplier Capability Workshop in Wagga Wagga
The Inland Rail Skills Academy in partnership with Deborah Wilson Consulting Services have facilitated the 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 15 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, and how to improve their skills and capabilities to be a competitive supplier.
The 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 in participating are encouraged to register their interest on our website. Early bookings are essential as places are limited.
James Gordon, from Aerodronemix Albury, said:
“I’ve learned a lot from the workshops including what the client is looking for, and that they are wanting to use local suppliers, which shows that support to communities as well.
“Knowing what documents to provide, how they want it provided and the wording involved – it’s not just benefitting this project, but any ongoing projects I need to tender for as well.
“Having Deb and the team reconfirming that you can still offer your services regardless of how niche they might be, having that reassurance has been good. There’s plenty of work out there.”
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.”
