From doubling their order to spreading the good word about social procurement, First Nations Traffic Management has backed OC Connections Enterprises from the beginning. Lionel and Peter, directors of the 100% Indigenous company, have encouraged many organisations in the traffic control industry to go green by purchasing our Eco T Top Bollards, made from recycled materials in our Oakleigh South factory.
But this partnership is more than just business – our enterprises are founded on the same core values, and teaming up means we have a greater positive impact on our communities. First Nations Traffic Management’s principal aim is to create employment pathways for Indigenous Australians, refugees, ex-offenders, survivors of domestic abuse, and those at risk of homelessness. Their Social Procurement model provides opportunities for vulnerable people in Victoria, giving them the tools and support they need to transition from social housing, purchase their first home or car, and plan their futures.
“We get to work with them and change their lives, and we saw OCC[E] with the Eco T Top Bollards doing something very similar, and it was a no-brainer for us to collaborate,” Peter told us in a recent interview.
Our Social Enterprise employs 100 people living with disability across packing, administration, and the manufacturing of our sustainable bollards. Just as OCCE guides participants through training, employment, and onwards into careers of their choice, First Nations aims to grow their organisation from traffic control to include cross-industry training and career progression. With the creation of Mob Jobs on the horizon, we’re excited to watch their positive impact expand and develop into new opportunities for their clients.
In 2022, First Nations placed their order for the Eco T Top Bollards before seeing the product, because, as Peter says, they saw what we were achieving for our employees and they “bought in on the concept.” Then, after seeing the high-quality development of recycled materials, the strength of the Ts, and the custom-made colour and branding on display, they doubled their order on the spot.
Lionel hopes that other businesses will “take the leap” and buy into more sustainable practices and materials, noting that “the proof is in the pudding”. With high-quality products that have a positive impact on the environment, there’s every reason to support social enterprises in the traffic control industry.
“We’re just glad to be part of the journey, from start to finish.”
We thank Peter and Lionel for their time and ongoing support, and look forward to working with them again in the future.
Watch our interview with First Nations Traffic Management here.
