Support for indigenous business finalist

Whitehaven Coal has thrown its support behind Many Fabrication and Engineering which was recently named as a finalist in the indigenous business category for the prestigious Australian Small Business Champion Awards.

Whitehaven said the Gunnedah-based business is 100 per cent indigenous-owned and a long-term supplier to Whitehaven Coal.

Whitehaven commended Many Fabrication’s commitment to supporting local suppliers which it said aligns with its own approach – focused on promoting local prosperity and building local community capacity.

Bob Sutherland, Whitehaven’s manager, Aboriginal community relations, said Many Fabrication exemplifies the importance of supporting local contractors as part of the company’s indigenous procurement strategy.

“Supporting local contractors in indigenous procurement initiatives is crucial for driving economic growth, respecting cultural and environmental values, and fulfilling our social responsibilities,” he said.

“By working together with local indigenous businesses, we can help to build a more inclusive and sustainable local economy.”

Owner, Glenn Many, was grateful to Whitehaven Coal for its ongoing commitment and support.

“It’s great to see large companies in our region backing local businesses and establishing long-term partnerships,” he said.

Many Fabrication is one of 16 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses that Whitehaven worked with in FY23, with a combined spend of $14.4 million across the year.