NATIONAL TALK BLACK – 01/09/2025
On todays National Talk Black via NIRS – National Indigenous Radio Service we have:
Kim Hetherington, Construction Skills Queensland – CSQ Workforce Capability Director, talking about the Urgent $60M workforce push announced as Queensland construction faces record growth. Queensland’s construction industry is heading into a decade of rapid growth; however, workforce demand is expected to outpace supply, with a peak shortfall of 50,000 workers anticipated in 2026-27. To address this intensifying skills challenge, Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) is launching its 2025-26 Annual Training Plan, committing $60 million in workforce development initiatives. To tackle these challenges and keep Queensland’s construction sector resilient, skilled, and future-ready, Construction Skills Queensland is calling on industry stakeholders, training providers, schools and government to collaborate on practical solutions that will strengthen the state’s workforce. You can find out more via the link below!
Jebb Hutchison, TVN On-Country Managing Director, talking about TVN On-Country takes top honours at National Supplier Diversity Awards. Albury Wodonga-based builder TVN On-Country has been recognised as a national leader in the Indigenous business sector, taking home two top honours at the 2025 Supply Nation Supplier Diversity Awards: Outstanding Impact and Registered Supplier of the Year. The majority Aboriginal-owned business—founded in a rumpus room in 2017 by three friends—was recognised for its ongoing contribution to economic and social outcomes for First Nations communities. Supply Nation connects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses with government and corporate buyers, helping shape Australia’s growing First Nations business sector. Its 2025 “The Sleeping Giant Rises” report found that Indigenous businesses create $42.6 billion of social value each year for business owners, their employees, their households, and communities. Every dollar of revenue generated by Indigenous businesses equates to $3.66 of economic and social value. TVN On-Country’s submission highlighted its work on the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence on Yorta Yorta Country in Shepparton—the largest contract ever awarded to a First Nations business by the Victorian Government. The project also included upgrades to the neighbouring Rumbalara Football and Netball Club. With a strong focus on social impact, TVN exceeded ambitious targets for Indigenous employment and procurement. You can find out more via the link below!
https://tvnon-country.com.au/about/awards/
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