Construcciones Yamaro: Laing O’Rourke backs Kany Bidi growth

The Kany Bidi team has worked across six major Laing O’Rourke projects. (Images: Supply Nation)

Laing O’Rourke’s commitment to supplier diversity is helping drive growth for Western Australian Indigenous-owned traffic management company Kany Bidi, with procurement contracts now valued at more than $14 million.

The partnership demonstrates how sustained procurement relationships can extend beyond individual projects to create lasting opportunities for Indigenous businesses, employment and economic participation.

A member of Supply Nation since 2011, Laing O’Rourke recorded $66 million in procurement spend with Supply Nation-verified businesses in the 2024–25 financial year, up from $2.3 million in 2017–18.

The international engineering and construction company now works with about 120 Indigenous businesses across its projects throughout Australia.

Kany Bidi, meaning “One Path”, was established in Perth in 2019 by proud Whadjuk, Ballardong, Noongar man Michael Johnson.

Laing O’Rourke first engaged Kany Bidi in 2020 to provide traffic management services on a major transport infrastructure project in Perth. Kany Bidi has since worked across six major Laing O’Rourke projects, with the total value of its procurement contracts growing to $14.5 million.

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Laing O’Rourke senior Indigenous affairs and social inclusion adviser Amanda Inman said Kany Bidi had demonstrated its capability across these projects while maintaining Indigenous employment at an average of 65 per cent.

“We are proud to support Kany Bidi’s business growth and development,” she said.

Johnson said the company was focused on delivering high-quality traffic services while retaining staff, increasing Aboriginal employment, developing skills and supporting workforce inclusion.

“The partnership with Laing O’Rourke has allowed us to develop a strong foundation and deliver services with a values-driven approach, and we are proud to continue working with Laing O’Rourke as well as actively seeking projects in regional and remote Western Australia with other prime contractors,” he said.

Laing O’Rourke’s commitment to supplier diversity has also been recognised by Supply Nation, with the company named Corporate Member of the Year at the 2024 Supply Nation Supplier Diversity Awards. Inman was named Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year and received the Dr Jean Jarrett Award for Outstanding Impact, while Laing O’Rourke procurement leader Ryan Sims was recognised as Procurement Professional of the Year.

Supply Nation CEO Kate Russell said Laing O’Rourke had been among the organisation’s early supporters, with its membership now spanning more than a decade.

“Over this time, Laing O’Rourke has spent hundreds of millions of dollars with verified Indigenous-owned businesses, contributing to business growth and delivering meaningful economic and social outcomes,” she said.

“Importantly, its commitment extends beyond procurement, with investment in programs that create long-term employment opportunities and foster sustainable partnerships.

“The ongoing collaboration between Kany Bidi and Laing O’Rourke is a powerful example of how genuine partnerships can build capability and strength in both organisations, while creating sustainable economic outcomes and long-term opportunities for Indigenous business.”

The post Laing O’Rourke backs Kany Bidi growth appeared first on Inside Construction.

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