National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity to reflect on the important responsibilities that come with delivering major projects on Country and the need to create lasting social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal communities.
Health Infrastructure is partnering with the NSW Government’s Regional Aboriginal Partnerships and Outcomes team, NSW Treasury and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) on the Gather and Grow program which is delivering a series of events across regional NSW.
Gather and Grow opens doors for Aboriginal businesses and workers looking to tap into opportunities on major infrastructure projects, and build connections with government agencies, contractors and suppliers. The events provide a tangible platform for promoting Aboriginal employment, business growth, and participation which will help advance the NSW Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP) and Health Infrastructure’s own Reconciliation Action Plan.
Health Infrastructure is proud to have projects headline three of the seven Gather and Grow events in 2025; Shellharbour, Cessnock and Bathurst.
Acting Chief Executive, Amanda Bock, said initiatives like Gather and Grow are essential to turning the principles of reconciliation into meaningful action.
“Reconciliation is about more than reflection — it’s about relationships, respect and real opportunities. Through programs like Gather and Grow, we are connecting government, industry and Aboriginal businesses and employees to forge genuine pathways for participation”.
“Gather and Grow benefits our projects too. We prioritise cultural connection in our health capital projects because we want communities to see themselves in the infrastructure we deliver and the health services we enable.”
The first Gather and Grow took place at the new Shellharbour Hospital on 27 May with approximately 100 people in attendance. Contractors for the hospital, including Health Infrastructure, provided details of job opportunities and programs. Aboriginal businesses and job seekers had the opportunity to engage directly with project representatives to discuss upcoming opportunities and how they could get involved.
Dominic Longo, Senior Project Director for the Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services Project, said the project is committed to leaving a strong legacy.
“Hospitals reflect the communities they serve — their culture, values and aspirations. Programs like Gather and Grow help us create jobs, and drive self-determination in regional communities, on top of the world-class health facilities we deliver.”
To learn more about Gather and Grow, visit: Gather and Grow events supporting Aboriginal businesses in 2025 | info.buy.nsw.
To learn more about our Reconciliation Action Plan, visit: Reconciliation - Health Infrastructure NSW
