WesCEF recognises the importance of engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suppliers to positively impact the Indigenous communities in which it operates. This year, WesCEF more than doubled its spend on Indigenous suppliers to $5.2 million up from $1.8 million in the previous financial year across 28 suppliers.

This growth continues the trend seen over the last few years and is a result of the committed focus and effort by WesCEF to implement its Aboriginal Procurement Business Plan, introduced in 2022.

The plan outlines a dedicated strategy to support Indigenous supplier diversity and provide the opportunity for Indigenous businesses to participate in WesCEF’s supply chain.

As part of this plan, WesCEF has established an Aboriginal Procurement Group and Steering Committee. Comprised of 21 team members from across the division, the Group is focussed on advancing Indigenous procurement initiatives to engage and increase WesCEF’s spend and employment opportunities with Indigenous businesses.