Today, Indigenous people make up ten percent of Fulton Hogan’s Northern Region business; something that the company is working on replicating across the Australian business explained Nick Marinelli, Fulton Hogan’s Chief Executive Officer.

Nick said; “Fulton Hogan wants a diverse workforce; one that reflects the communities in which we operate. As the inaugural Founding Friend of NRL Cowboys House, we saw this partnership as a way to build strong connections between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, business and the broader community. Fulton Hogan will offer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths living at NRL Cowboys House the opportunity to try their hand in the construction sector through a variety of work experience, holiday job placements, mentoring, cadetships and apprenticeships.

“This taste of construction will break down any perceived barriers to joining our sector or going on to pursue a degree in engineering.”

As part of Fulton Hogan’s commitment to Indigenous participation, we have also worked closely with  Indigenous-owned Balarinji, a leading Australian strategy and design practice, best known for creating a series of Qantas art aircraft. Balarinji created an iconic look for our bitumen tankers to promote diversity and inclusion across Queensland and Northern Territory. The colorful tanker was unveiled on Friday in Townsville, with NRL Cowboys House ambassador and North Queensland league legend, Matthew Bowen.

“Having organisations such as Fulton Hogan signing up as a Founding Friend of the House is fantastic. Their commitment to the young people who will be moving from their remote homes to study here in Townsville speaks volumes and sends a clear welcome to their communities and families,”  Matt Bowen said.

Richard Pearson, Fulton Hogan’s General Manager, explained that each year Fulton Hogan tankers transverse Queensland delivering bitumen to customers. “Having a way to visually demonstrate our commitment to diversity and inclusion is fantastic,” he said.

The Balarinji design tells a story of clan groups gathering by clear fresh water after many days of travel through spinifex and sandhills – a place for food and rest out of the scorching heat of the bush sun.

“These tankers travel long distances, around 170,000 kilometres each year, through dry and sandy areas with the sun beating down on them.  Each night our drivers, with their tankers, look for a safe area to bunk down for the night before they embark on their next leg of their journey.

“We have three tankers in our fleet featuring this Indigenous design, and I’m sure when they travel through remote communities, and are back home in Townsville, they will create conversation and connections.

“We’d encourage other local Townsville businesses, to get behind NRL Cowboys House and join up as a Founding Friend of the House.  In a few months, the first 25 students will be part of our community, let’s make them feel welcome and get the most out of this amazing experience.”

For more information on how to support NRL Cowboys house visit: www.cowboysfoundation.org.au