Page 63 - Australian Defence Magazine July-August 2022

JULY-AUGUST 2022 | WWW.AUSTRALIANDEFENCE.COM.AU
FROM THE SOURCE MATTHEW THEOHARUS 63
teams located across the country, we understand that proj- ect success begins with effective planning and design, early mobilisation and local participation.
Our local industry participation targets ensure small and mid-sized businesses are placed front and centre of De- fence procurement. We review work packages to identify ways local trades and contractors can be engaged via mul- tiple opportunities to secure work.
In maximising opportunities for small businesses to par- ticipate on major defence projects, it helps to drive econom- ic growth and local employment in regional communities and supports businesses to expand their operations. This is very important to us and a real value add to the work we do.
To further support our regional projects, we have re- cently created a National Defence Operations role focused on tapping into our national resource pool to best service remote projects.
This has worked very well on the current project at RAAF Base Tindal where our team of 60 people has enjoyed the opportunity to travel and deliver work remotely. They enjoy the lifestyle change and responsibility that comes with the opportunity, as well as the exposure it gives them to new communities and projects.
ABOVE: The Lendlease team at Randwick Barracks, NSW
Our national approach to regional projects has also helped keep projects moving forward despite the challeng- es of COVID-19, skills shortages, competing demands with the infrastructure boom and border restrictions.
ADM: How do you view the transition to Defence Security & Estate Group? Has it affected the way you do busi- ness?
THEOHAROUS: As one of the first con- tractors to be DISP–accredited, the transition has only reinforced the im- portance of security compliance.
It needs to be part of our design and construction processes and also extend to our design consultants and sub-con- tractors.
“TO MAXIMISE FIRST NATIONS BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT, WE DIVIDE LARGER WORK PACKAGES ON PROJECTS INTO SMALLER PACKAGES OF WORK”
We have a comprehensive cyberse-
curity program – with the objective of
uplifting capability comprehensively through areas of gov- ernance, technology, vigilance, awareness and resilience.
ADM: How do you engage with Indigenous companies and what value do they bring?
THEOHAROUS: As an Elevate RAP company, we work in partnership with Defence to create pathways for career development, sustainable business growth, and economic participation of First Nations Peoples.