Empowering Aboriginal communities in Australia

At Holcim, we deeply value our responsibility to support and actively engage with Aboriginal communities in the countries where we operate. With operations located on traditional Aboriginal lands and near Aboriginal communities in Australia, we have a responsibility to ensure that these communities can thrive together with us. 

By developing initiatives that empower these communities, we are also committed to building a legacy that goes beyond individual projects, working together toward a shared vision of prosperity and respect.

Partnering for safe Aboriginal communities

Through our partnership with Habitat for Humanity Australia, Holcim donated concrete and other materials for the construction of a new refuge in Western Sydney for victims of domestic violence. This emergency transitional accommodation, ‘Wirrawee Gunya’, provides culturally sensitive support and outreach for 80 Aboriginal women and their children each year.

In Western Australia, we partnered with local construction companies Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets Yurra to supply more than 1,300m³ of ECOPact concrete for the Short Stay project. This will provide affordable short-stay accommodation for Aboriginal people visiting the region and offer a secure environment where individuals can access essential services, connect with community resources, and participate in cultural activities.

The Short Stay facility aims to foster a sense of belonging and stability, promoting long-term wellbeing and social cohesion within the community, and is the first project in regional Western Australia to use ECOPact.

Promoting Aboriginal businesses and culture

In 2020, Holcim Australia announced its national partnership with Wirrigan Business Services, providing a one-stop-shop for Holcim’s general waste management needs. The company is 100% Aboriginal-owned and was established to help public and private sector organizations support Indigenous employment programs. With this partnership, we become the first major customer for this Indigenous owned and run business. Today, we still have a strong procurement relationship with them.

Fast forward to 2024, and Holcim Australia is supplying ECOPact for the construction of the Yitpi Yartapuultiku Cultural Centre in Port Adelaide, South Australia. Yitpi Yartapuultiku is a place for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to learn, experience and be immersed in Aboriginal culture.