The South Australian Aboriginal Building & Civil Construction Academy hosted its second Empower & Employ Gala last Friday, while ushering in a new cohort of Indigenous apprentices.

Building on the resounding success of last year's inaugural event, the sold-out evening at the Adelaide Convention Centre united industry leaders, state government representatives, community, and Academy members to celebrate significant strides in empowering Aboriginal individuals through meaningful employment in the building and civil construction sectors.

The event showcased an engaging mix of influential voices, award presentations, Indigenous entertainment, a powerful keynote opening delivered by Kyam Maher MLC and a captivating panel discussion hosted by Bill Shorten MP, with contributions from key industry leaders including SA human services minister Nat Cook, BHP Copper SA's Indigenous engagement principal Tilly Coulthard and Lendlease SA/WA executive general manager, Ben Symons.

The Gala's highlight was a live challenge encouraging businesses to pledge Aboriginal apprenticeship positions on the spot, underscoring the theme that "actions speak louder than words".

The evening resulted in 36 new apprenticeship commitments, generating a financial impact exceeding $1.6m for Aboriginal households.

Academy business development manager and former Port Adelaide Power player, Peter Burgoyne said apprenticeships were a true investment that extended beyond dollars, and directly impacted lives and communities.

"By providing even a single Aboriginal apprenticeship, we're helping to build economically resilient households, breaking cycles of welfare dependency, and inspiring Aboriginal parents to model positive behaviours for future generations," Mr Burgoyne said.

Since its inception in 2023, the Academy has collaborated with prominent organisations such as BHP, Lendlease and Fulton Hogan to develop a culturally-inclusive and responsive model of Aboriginal training and employment.

The approach has already resulted in the creation of crucial Aboriginal apprenticeships, laying a strong foundation for future generations.

Academy managing director, Allan Jones said supporting Aboriginal workforce participation in the economy on projects taking place on ancestral lands uplifted local communities.

"The support also contributes to the growth of broad economy," he said.

Programs like the Aboriginal Youth Pathways to Employment Pilot - backed by state government funding - were pivotal to the Academy's success and gave Indigenous youth transitioning from detention with trade training, mentorship and employment opportunities, breaking cycles of reoffending and welfare dependency.

The first cohort graduated earlier this year, with the second intake set to follow suit in the first half of 2025.

Mr Jones said everyone in life deserved a second chances.

"This program is all about making that a reality," he said.

Mr Jones said that as the Academy builds on its success into 2025 and beyond, its purpose remained clear.

"We want to continue transforming lives and empowering Aboriginal communities through sustainable employment," he said.

The gala concluded on a celebratory note, with Aboriginal comedian Sean Choolburra bringing much laughter on a night already brimming with hope and purpose.