A company owned by former Wallaby twin brothers has secured one of the biggest civil contracts ever awarded to a certified Indigenous-owned and operated business, the Queensland Government announced today.
Moonyah Workforce, founded by former Brumbies and Queensland Reds players Saia and Anthony Fainga’a, has been awarded a three-year contract to provide traffic management for the $1.2 billion Stage 3 of the Gold Coast Light Rail.
“Securing the multi-million-dollar contract is a major coup for the twin brothers. The pair established the labour hire business naming it after the Bundjalung language word for ‘safe house,” said Member for Gaven, Meaghan Scanlon.
“The light rail extension to Burleigh Heads will be transformational for the Gold Coast. We’re proud to team up with a fully Indigenous-owned and operated company to bring it to life.”
The project will add 6.7 kilometres to the light rail network, from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads.
Moonyah Workforce trains workers in traffic management and construction and works closely with clients to execute their Reconciliation Action Plans.
Being majority Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander owned, managed and controlled, the labour company is a Supply Nation Certified business.
Playing rugby union from the age of 14, the twins established Moonyah Workforce in 2021 after retiring from the game.
The company now operates offices in Brisbane and Perth and has previously worked on the M1 Yatala South interchange upgrade, Mango Hill State School expansion, and the Pacific Motorway upgrade from Varsity Lakes to Tugun.
“This contract will make a major difference to the lives of local workers,” Anthony Fainga’a said.
“I am incredibly proud of what we’ve been able to achieve in a short period.
“I’m excited about what this will mean for the incredible people we work with and those we hope to provide with new prospects.
“This deal will give more of our workers meaningful opportunities to improve their lives and support their families,” he said.
“It’s so important to us to give back to the community and give people chances just like we got when we were able to play rugby at school and later as Wallabies,” said Saia Fainga’a.
“To be able to use our profiles and our voices to find work for people who want it is so worthwhile. It doesn’t matter where you’ve come from or what your situation is, everyone deserves a chance at a better future.
“People said we’d never play for the Wallabies, but we always had the support of our families. Now we want to be that support for people looking for work.”
The light rail contract is part of a 15-year plan mapped out for Moonyah Workforce. This includes being listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.
Gold Coast Light Rail has transformed public transport on the Gold Coast. It has helped create an integrated network that connects more people to more places.
“All of our infrastructure projects support good jobs, and light rail is no different,” said Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey.
“Boosting the local economy, while building transport connections to support this major growth region, means prioritising local jobs that attract and develop talent.”
The stage three extension is jointly funded by the Albanese Government, the State Government and the City of Gold Coast Council.
For more information, visit www.gclr3.com.au.
