When an Indigenous man and another businessperson wanted to create work opportunities for Indigenous community members, they found inspiration and motivation on a picturesque golf course.
Ganbara Facility Services is an Aboriginal facility services company committed to supporting the communities in which they live, work and play.
Managing Director Paul Brock knows there is a hidden market of Indigenous employees who do not feel comfortable entering the mainstream market. Despite the skills crisis, this is where his Indigenous business is getting phone calls from people wanting to work with Ganbara.
“We’ve started telling our story, which is incredible for our employees and us. Ganbara means fertile soil in Barngarla, the language of the Eyre Peninsula and Upper Spencer Gulf people in South Australia.
“We had one Elder join our team. We gave her a chance during a challenging time in her life. Now, she is our best ambassador and frequently gets us new clients.
“One of our core services is commercial cleaning, so to be honest, the COVID-19 pandemic was favourable for our business.
‘One thing that does concern me is the considerable amount of tax-payer dollars leaving our state when we have the people and businesses here who can do the job. We talk about bringing back our sovereign manufacturing capability, buying local, and supporting South Australian businesses, but on many occasions the reality is quite different.
“We’ve got national contracts in the millions but not here in South Australia, so I implore Premier Malinauskas to remain committed to increasing the value of public procurement that boosts the South Australian economy.”
