The Ison Road Overpass project's partnership with Indigenous labour hire firm Yurringa has seen two promising young footballers, Fitzroy Stars' Jai Burns and Keadin Ronnan, get a start in the construction industry.
Mr Burns is employed as a spotter, directing trucks on the site, while Mr Ronnan's work ranges from labouring to plant operation.
Both are key members of the team helping connecting Wyndham West's community to the Princes Freeway.
Yurringa supported the pair's employment in partnership with Major Road Project Victoria's (MRPV) construction partner on the project, Decmil.
Decmil Project Superintendent Rob Crumpen, also an Indigenous man, gives Mr Burns and Ronnan guidance and advice on site.
Yurringa, an Indigenous-owned-and-operated firm, works with employers committed to diversity and inclusiveness, and aims to ensure all employees feel safe and welcome at work.
MRPV's Program Delivery Approach aims at ensuring construction partners meet social procurement requirements to support Indigenous businesses, social enterprises and jobseekers from across Victoria.
Major construction on the Ison Road Overpass began early this year.
Yurringa Managing Director Daniel Briggs said working with organisations like MRPV and Decmil, "who are committed to fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces" is vital to Yurringa's "commitment of assisting Indigenous people achieve prosperity through employment".
"Achieving positive employment outcomes while supporting employers' social procurement objectives is a win-win for all Indigenous people involved and for our business partners who provide the opportunities," he said.
Decmil Project Superintendent Rob Crumpen said he gains "a lot of job satisfaction" from being able to help young Indigenous people successfully enter the construction industry on projects like the Ison Road Overpass.
"Jai and Keadin are gaining great experience from their work on the project, which will support their career aspirations into the future," Mr Crumpen said.
Major Road Projects Victoria Program Director Tim Price said the agency is pleased to be able to support Indigenous people with career opportunities on the Ison Road Overpass.
"We thank Yurringa for working with us to create these opportunities and for helping Jai and Keadin become valuable members of our diverse team working to deliver this important project," he said.
Once complete, the four-lane overpass will extend over the Melbourne-Geelong railway line toward the Princes Freeway.
The project aim is to provide residents access to surrounding areas and minimise traffic in central Werribee. Its opportunities for active transport will include shared walking and cycling paths over the bridge and a cycling path underneath the bridge.
The overpass is set to cater for nearly 29,000 vehicles a day by 2036.