Jake Tarplee is bypassing Coffs Harbour but it’s not personal

The new Coffs Harbour bypass is bringing needed employment and career opportunities to the Aboriginal community in the region.

It is estimated that the project will cost $1.8 billion and after construction commences in mid-2022, will create roughly 12,000 direct and indirect jobs.

One Gumbaynggirr man already benefitting from the project is Jake Tarplee from Coffs Harbour.

Thanks to the assistance of the Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES) team, Jake has secured employment as a Field Assistant working for Newnham Karl Weir & Partners.

‘I am required to conduct surveys on land sites and properties, examine previous records and evidence to ensure data accuracy, and use equipment and tools to accurately measure land features from point to point,’ Jake said.

Formerly a General Lawn Maintenance Labourer and with time spent unemployed, Jake has experienced significant changes in his life since securing his new job.

‘I have been developing new skills in different aspects of surveying,’ Jake said.

‘I am a more confident, independent and driven person. I am more confident in the way I communicate. I have been able to buy my own car, and have heightened interests in pursuing a career within the Civil Construction industry.’

Shonelle Poli is a Business Development Operations Manager with AES.

‘AES have placed and mentored a handful of career seekers into the early works of the project thus far that include traffic control, surveying and site works,’ Shonelle said.

‘Once the main works kick off, we predict to place several hundred over the duration of the project. AES continue to coach and support our local Aboriginal community into training and development opportunities to gain the relevant skills and qualifications that will lead into sustainable long-term careers.’

Shonelle said the project will have a positive effect on the local Aboriginal community and would leave a legacy, connection to place and give the local Aboriginal mob ownership and empowerment for generational change.

‘It will be great to see the Aboriginal participation spend go back into community pockets and boost the local economy,’ she said.

When the changes experienced by Jake are multiplied by several hundred, it’s easy to imagine Shonelle’s prediction of generational change becoming a reality.

‘I have learnt to be more self-reliant and prioritise my time management. I have become a better communicator through enhancing confidence and great rapports with stakeholders and work colleagues,’ Jake said.