Co-ordinated by the Inland Rail Skills Academy, the workshops aim to help regional businesses boost their chances of successfully tendering for works on the Inland Rail project and with other construction-related industries in the region.
Businesses will learn how to engage with buyers, prepare competitive tender submissions and manage contracts for work on major projects.
Each workshop is interactive and includes presentations from buyers and business advisory experts, a panel discussion and networking. Between the workshops, one-on-one mentoring will be provided to participants.
The program is open to local and Indigenous businesses and social enterprises, new and established businesses, and small to medium enterprises.
Inland Rail executive director of health, safety, environment and sustainability Stephen Jones said the workshops would be held in a series, with the first starting in late July.
“Inland Rail works hand in hand with local businesses and suppliers along the alignment — they are incredibly important to the success of the project, and we want to help them develop their ability to grow in a sustainable manner,” Mr Jones said.
“These Supplier Capability Development workshops are phase two of a collaboration between the Inland Rail Skills Academy and Deborah Wilson Consulting Services.
“They will give businesses the knowledge and tools to enhance their business practices, continue looking for opportunities within Inland Rail’s supply chain, and also to grow within other construction-related industries in the region.
“We are already impressed with local businesses’ capabilities and what they have delivered for Inland Rail to date, with more than 500 local suppliers having supported the construction efforts between Beveridge in Victoria and Parkes in NSW.
“Some of these local suppliers participated in phase one of this initiative in 2024, and it’s tremendous to see they have so far tallied more than $16 million in earnings working on Inland Rail.”
The Benalla workshops will be held on Tuesday, July 29 and Tuesday, October 28 from 8.30am to 1.30pm.
As participant numbers are capped, interested businesses will need to commit to both workshops, and registration is required. The last date for registration is Friday, July 18.
For more details, visit inlandrail.com.au/
