From One Generation to the Next: Daracon Group Celebrates NAIDOC Week 2025

Every year, National NAIDOC Week (6th - 13th July) is a time to reflect, honour, and celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year's theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, invites all Australians to recognise the leaders of yesterday and today, while celebrating those shaping the future.

At Daracon Group, NAIDOC Week is a meaningful opportunity to acknowledge the role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to play in the success of their communities and industries. It also serves as a reminder of the responsibility to build genuine partnerships and create lasting opportunities, and as such, Daracon Group has remained committed to providing employment pathways and supporting long-term career development across their operations.

“Our approach is grounded in our Aboriginal Partnership Policy, which guides our commitment to extending opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and businesses. This policy has led to notable progress in the number of Aboriginal peoples involved in our workforce,” said Emma Morson, Daracon Group’s Senior HR Specialist - Compliance, Diversity, and Inclusion.

This year’s theme is especially meaningful for Daracon Group, as they begin to see the long-term impacts of their Indigenous Pathways Program, with the next generation of workers following in the footsteps of those who came before them. Carol Andrews, a valued dozer operator who began her Daracon journey through the Indigenous Pathways Program is now watching her son, Connor, progress his career within the civil construction industry. Connor originally joined Daracon as a Labourer working on major projects just under two years ago, before following in his Mum’s footsteps to join the Plant department late last year; Connor now drives a dump truck and works on a variety of projects across the Hunter.

“It was actually through a family connection with my local Land Council that put me on the path to join Daracon through the Indigenous Pathways Program to start with; so for Connor to now be following in my footsteps, it makes me immensely proud,” said Carol Andrews, Daracon Plant Operator.

“Our goal has always been to create opportunities that go beyond short-term outcomes. It’s about building careers and making space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to thrive in our industry. Seeing this family connection evolve within Daracon is incredibly rewarding, and a reminder of the positive impact that we can make by being proactive,” said Emma.

“I’m proud of our culture and I’m really excited about the doors that have now opened for myself and Connor since joining Daracon. Three years ago I wanted to get into operating big machines, and since then I’ve grown my Plant Operator skills, I’ve learnt how to drive a dump truck, compactor and dozer and my son Connor’s moved from a Labourer to a Plant Operator, who now drives a dump truck on site,” said Carol.

For more information on how Australians can celebrate and contribute to National NAIDOC Week, visit the NAIDOC website.