For nearly a decade, Visionstream has been a key delivery partner to NBN Co in the roll out of Australia’s national broadband network.
An important element of this work has been to support our client’s Reconciliation Action Plan and Partner Participation Management Plan to create further employment and supply chain opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We have also worked with NBN Co to build strong engagement with Indigenous communities, and to recognise and respect the traditional owners’ cultural heritage.
It’s an absolute privilege to honour the nbn’s Reconciliation commitments and to support local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through community-enriching projects such as these.
Tim Harwood, Visionstream Executive Director
Our efforts to help NBN Co “bridge the digital gap” in Australia have helped Visionstream be awarded the nbn Supplier of the Year award for the past two years. In addition to recognising our work in delivering and maintaining broadband access across Australia, the award recognises the broader contribution that our people have made, including projects that support the communities in which we operate.
A great example of Indigenous engagement is our nbn team’s involvement in the delivery of a project for students at Oakey State High in Queensland under the Learning Circles program in 2019.
Learning Circles is a government-led initiative that supports Indigenous students, often from disadvantaged backgrounds, to explore leadership, and develop the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to enjoy and achieve success.
In partnership with Toowoomba Regional Council, Queensland Department of Education and Landcare, Visionstream had the honour of being involved in this special program, working with students to establish a traditional yarning circle, native habitat area and a 400m walking path.
The business also sponsored a week-long cultural heritage camp attended by the students.
The newly created space is now a special spot for the students of Oakey State High. They are responsible for the upkeep of this haven filled with Australian native flora, bush tucker and aboriginal medicinal trees where they can connect with traditional Aboriginal culture and beliefs.
Visionstream also delivered a special park restoration project to the local shire council and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Kempsey, New South Wales in 2017.
The project was undertaken in partnership with Real Futures, a training and employment service supporting Indigenous Australians, which we had engaged on the nbn project in the area. Working together, we upgraded the Railway Bridge Park, clearing around the footbridge that links South and West Kempsey.
Banner image: People gather at the newly created yarning circle
