In 2026 Anthony Mundine will notch up a decade of opening doors for his community to build their future.
His venture Mundine Gosh Management (MGM) Australia, founded with life-long friend and partner Gosh Daher, works to provide clear employment pathways for First Nations people in the construction industry.
Chris Phillips, also a McGuinness and nephew of former NRL players Ken and Kevin, says his work life lacked stability for a long time, but now he's thriving with the right people backing him.
He got involved with MGM around two years ago and soon after took up an opportunity with concrete works civil contractor JK Williams.
Phillips, 26, is a traffic controller at their large-scale project at Stockland's Figtree Hill housing estate in Sydney's south-west.
"Growing up (work) wasn't ever stable," he told National Indigenous Times, "it was hard to find a decent company to work for."
"I've been with MGM for two years. It's been a good challenge."
MGM operates as principal contractors facilitating people like Chris into strong stable employment opportunities.
Founded in 2016, they are celebrating 10 years of work.
Phillips had previously worked with Indigenous businesses in similar roles but said steady hours could prove difficult to secure. He also has experience as a labourer.
"I like to continue to show our people that there's opportunities out there for us and to work together," he continued.
"When we work together we kill it and we get things done...show each other and motivate each other."
Those connections can be a real strength when previous experiences and upbringings came with some challenges, Phillips added.
The Stockland's project has years until completion. Phillips said he's committed to being there for as long as possible, and hopefully until its finished.
Working there has been a driver of, as he says, and as those around him have noticed, a new sense of confidence and fulfillment. It's also 10 minutes down the road from home - keeping him connected with community.
Mundine it's exactly what MGM is all about.
"We started MGM to give opportunities to Aboriginal men and women to build their future and wealth and to understand the importance of working," the former footballer and world champion boxer said.
"It makes me proud and happy giving our people an opportunity to work and be comfortable and make them part of the MGM family. Throughout my career that's what I have done - uplift, love, care for people.
"It's great seeing companies like JK Williams being real and true. They want to make change. They wanna make a difference that aligns with me and MGM because a lot of other companies are doing it without purpose. It's not real, it's 'tick a box', and that's what I've been all about - being real & authentic."
Mundine's partner Daher said the same.
"They get a crack, they kill it," he said of the people they work with.
The "legacy of MGM", Daher said, is when there people's success, in the workforce and life.
Phillips said Mundine has been a great mentor leading with actions.
"Being younger, I look up to that," he said.
