Join our host, Ben Dillon, Operations Manager at Bendigo Hospital project for Downer, as he embarks on an enlightening conversation with Damian Wells, Managing Director of Coliban Water. In this episode, they delve into the transformative potential of social procurement and its impact on local communities and businesses.

Discover how Coliban Water is leveraging its purchasing power to achieve broader community benefits beyond simple transactions. Damian shares insights into Coliban Water's commitment to social procurement, including their strategic shift from considering projects above $1 million to those above $50,000, amplifying the impact of customer money within the community.

Explore the role of social procurement in fostering inclusion, diversity, and economic opportunities for Aboriginal businesses and other underrepresented groups. Damian highlights the importance of investing in the future workforce through initiatives like the Passions and Pathways project, graduate engineering programs, and work-integrated learning.

Gain practical insights into how businesses, big or small, can engage in social procurement and the ripple effect it creates within the economy. Damian's passion for building a resilient and capable local workforce shines through as he shares Coliban Water's journey and future opportunities.

This episode is a must-listen for businesses seeking to enhance their social impact and integrate social responsibility into their strategies. Join us as we explore how social procurement can drive positive change and create a more inclusive and resilient workforce in Greater Bendigo.

THIS PODCAST IS SUPPORTED BY WORKFORCE AUSTRALIA LOCAL JOBS BENDIGO

Workforce Australia Local Jobs is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

ABOUT OUR HOST BEN DILLON

Ben Dillon is the Operations Manager of Soft Services at the Bendigo Hospital project for Downer. Passionate about workforce development and community engagement, Ben is dedicated to empowering local businesses and building a skilled workforce for the future.

ABOUT BE.BENDIGO

Every successful community has a strong and growing business community.

Be.Bendigo exists to provide a range of information, support and programs to assist, develop and grow our Greater Bendigo business community. We are a member-based organisation with a commitment to developing our business so that we can continue to add value for our members, partners and stakeholders.

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