Indigenous Stars kicking goals on Ison Road Overpass project

Two Indigenous footballers have found employment on the Ison Road Overpass project through a special partnership initiative.

The project has collaborated with Yurringa, a labour hire provider, to support Fitzroy Stars’ Jai Burns and Keadin Ronnan in establishing careers within the construction industry.

Burns works as a spotter, directing trucks on the site, while Ronnan’s work ranges from labouring to plant operation. Both individuals have become valued members of the diverse team working on the project, which aims to provide the Wyndham West community with a crucial link 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.

Tim Price, program director at MRPV, stated that the team is pleased to support Indigenous people with career opportunities on the Ison Road Overpass project.

“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,” said Price.

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Rob Crumpen, project superintendent at Decmil, offers guidance and support to Burns and Ronnan onsite, partly informed by his own Indigenous background.

“I gain 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,” said Crumpen.

“Jai and Keadin are gaining great experience from their work on the project, which will support their career aspirations into the future.”

Established to help Indigenous communities overcome inequality and disadvantage, Yurringa aims to improve the prosperity of First Nations people through employment opportunities. The Indigenous-owned-and-operated firm works with employers committed to diversity and inclusiveness, defining success as employees feeling safe and welcome at work.

Daniel Briggs, managing director at Yurringa, emphasised that working with organisations like MRPV and Decmil, which are dedicated to fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces, is vital to Yurringa’s mission of assisting Indigenous people in achieving 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,” said Briggs.

MRPV’s Program Delivery Approach (PDA) ensures that construction partners meet social procurement  requirements to support Indigenous businesses, social enterprises and jobseekers across Victoria.

Major construction on the Ison Road Overpass began in early 2024. Once complete, the four-lane overpass will extend over the Melbourne-Geelong railway line toward the Princes Freeway. Future-proofed for six lanes, it will enhance access for residents and minimise traffic in central Werribee, reducing congestion and improving journey reliability. The project also includes provisions for active transport, such as shared walking and cycling paths over the bridge and a cycling path underneath.

The overpass is expected to accommodate nearly 29,000 vehicles daily by 2036.