Partnership in Practice: Building a Replicable Model for Indigenous Economic Inclusion

06 May 2026
Panel Discussion , Industry Leadership

Traditional approaches to Indigenous engagement often stop at compliance. Byrnecut and BOAB built something different: a long-term model that creates commercial pathways for Aboriginal businesses, embeds Indigenous employment into everyday site operations, and delivers sustainable careers — not just short-term placements. In this panel, the leaders who designed and delivered the model share what it took to move beyond tick-box engagement, build genuine partnerships with Traditional Owner groups, and create a replicable blueprint now informing Indigenous economic inclusion across the resources sector. This is partnership that delivers measurable outcomes.

Leave with a clear understanding of the structural elements required to build a meaningful Indigenous economic partnership — not an MOU, but a model that generates measurable economic outcomes. Identify what conversations you need to have with Traditional Owner groups, contractors, and operational leaders to move beyond compliance.

Speakers
Steve Coughlan FAusIMM
Steve Coughlan FAusIMM, Executive Chairman - Byrnecut Group
Pat Boniwell FAusIMM
Pat Boniwell FAusIMM, Managing Director - Byrnecut Australia
Michelle McAullay
Michelle McAullay, General Manager - Building Opportunities for Aboriginal Business