TECKnology investment brings jobs and training

Monday, 19 November 2018

A $319,622 grant as part of the Indigenous Business Sector Strategy has allowed a local firm to increase its economic opportunities, as well as offer training for Indigenous youth.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the investment allowed local Indigenous firm TECKnology (TECK) – which combines traditional knowledge with modern best practices to provide sustainable environmental and agricultural services – to expand and employ more local people.

“TECKnology Environmental Consultancy and Management has purchased specialised equipment including: locally manufactured animal containment systems, heavy lift agricultural transport, innovated design in honey extraction equipment including bee hive designs and deployment strategies and this week are finalising procurement of hi-end drone equipment along with training for company employees.

“These assets will continue to grow the capacity of the company to deliver state of the art equipment and procedures to their existing contracts with the local council, and grow the business to new heights” Mr Pitt said.

“In addition to providing increased economic opportunities TECKnology Indigenous Corporation has also committed to offer training and experience opportunities to Indigenous youth in the local community in order to develop pathways to employment and business opportunities both within and outside of the business model.

“By creating these innovative opportunities for young people in the community the business will help them unlock their full potentials. I look forward to seeing the continued success of TECKnology now and into the future.”

This initiative complements the Coalition Government’s broader Indigenous economic development agenda including the Indigenous Procurement Policy that has resulted in contracts worth over $1 billion in just its first two-and-a-half years.

TECKnology Managing Director Leslie Lowe said in this time TECK established a small corporation with no funding and capital investment was supplied only by Indigenous members.

“Our small company is now recognised by ORIC as a medium corporation due to our rapid growth. TECK maintains contracts with local, state, federal departments and works in the broader private sector,” Mr Lowe said.

“In the last financial year, the business pumped over $300,000 back into the local economy, not including taxes paid to state and federal governments.

“Every dollar received in funding has been spent wisely for the benefit of the local community. We continue to innovate through our mandate to take traditional Aboriginal knowledge and imbed these data bases with best modern practices and technology.

“One would have to agree that this small grant has been a very wise investment by the Federal Government, thanks to a little faith and belief from our local member,” he said.

More information about the Government’s Indigenous Business Sector Strategy can be found at: https://www.pmc.gov.au/resource-centre/indigenous-affairs/indigenous-business-sector-strategy.

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