Wamarra: Building opportunity into every project

For Wamarra, the work has always been about more than what gets built. It’s about what can be built around it, too. 

Careers. Skills. Experience. Opportunities for Aboriginal people to build a future in construction. 

Since its establishment in 2019, Wamarra has shown what’s possible when social outcomes are built into the way projects are delivered, alongside the quality, certainty and capability clients expect. 

Today, Wamarra employs 97 people across Victoria and New South Wales, with 56% of its workforce identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. 

The business continues to grow, while staying connected to the communities and people at the heart of it. 

For Hayden Heta, that connection is a big part of what sets Wamarra apart. 

“As an Indigenous business that's providing a quality outcome, as well as delivering social outcomes, we've been able to build genuine relationships with industry.” 

Building more than infrastructure 

That approach came to life on one of Wamarra’s significant projects during FY26 — the Myambat Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Facility in New South Wales. 

Working alongside Symal, Wamarra secured and delivered the $40 million head contract, taking on a complex defence infrastructure project while creating opportunities for Aboriginal participation through the Commonwealth Indigenous Procurement Policy. 

The project included significant earthworks, critical enabling infrastructure and purpose-built facilities, while exceeding Aboriginal employment targets. 

It was a major piece of infrastructure. But the people and opportunities created along the way matter just as much. 

Creating pathways that last 

Wamarra’s focus on opportunity doesn’t stop when a project wraps up. 

The business is continuing to invest in people, skills and pathways that can create careers well beyond a single project. 

Initiatives including the Bulabul Leadership Program, alongside partnerships supporting Aboriginal education and employment pathways, are helping create opportunities for the next generation of leaders in construction. 

It’s part of a broader approach: create the opportunity, build the capability and give people the chance to keep progressing. 

Learn more about Phil Cooper, recently awarded Koorie Student of the Year at 2026 Victorian Training Awards! 

And that approach is opening more doors, growing project pipeline reflects increasing opportunities across civil construction, landscaping, infrastructure and defence, as more clients look to work with Aboriginal-led businesses that can deliver complex projects while creating meaningful participation. 

More opportunity, more capability 

Wamarra’s place within the broader Symal Group also creates opportunities to take on larger and more complex work, while maintaining its Aboriginal-led identity and purpose. 

That combination — strong delivery capability and a clear connection to community — is helping Wamarra continue to grow its role across the construction industry. 

As Hayden puts it: 

“I can say with confidence that we're changing people's lives.” 

Because every project Wamarra delivers is an opportunity to build more than infrastructure. 

It’s an opportunity to build skills, careers and pathways for Aboriginal people, and keep those opportunities moving long after the project is finished. 

“We are a genuine Aboriginal business that's providing opportunities to our community and I think that's what's going to take us into the future.”  

And that future is already taking shape.