In October, we held our first ever Meet the Buyer and Supplier Forum. This forum held at Perth's RAC Arena brought together Aboriginal businesses and major road and rail contractors operating across the transport construction and maintenance sector.
The day started with an inspiring Welcome to Country from Neville Collard and a keynote address from the Minister for Transport, who announced the government's commitment for the Transport Portfolio to award $700 million in contracts to Aboriginal businesses, as well as having 3.5 million work hours completed by Aboriginal workers over the next five years. We then had a question-andanswer session moderated by former Treasurer, Ben Wyatt who facilitated questions from more than 250 attendees to a panel that included representatives from industry peak bodies, government officials and Aboriginal business owners.
The forum then moved into an exhibition style, meet-andgreet session with more than 30 contractors including all the Portfolio's major construction and maintenance delivery partners, and support organisations such as Supply Nation, Aboriginal Business Directory WA and Wirra Hub hosting booths. Over 200 representatives from Aboriginal businesses across the state participated. The forum, which was coordinated by Known Associates, an Aboriginal owned event management company, is just one way we are supporting Aboriginal people to build sustainable and competitive businesses within the transport sector.
In another initiative, two Aboriginal businesses were selected as part of a pilot program to develop pathways for Aboriginal businesses to progress undertaking larger scopes of infrastructure works. An Aboriginal management consulting business was engaged to work with each company to develop management systems and assist them through the certification process.
As a result of this pilot program, the businesses achieved ISO certification in Occupational Health and Safety, and Environment and Quality, and are now on a pathway to becoming a nationally recognised prequalified contractor. Given the successful outcomem of the pilot, the program will be extended over the next two years to assist a further five Aboriginal businesses.
In addition, Dennis Kickett was announced as Director Aboriginal Engagement (Transport Portfolio) in May 2022, becoming a member of the Transport Portfolio Governance Council and our Corporate Executive. Dennis will continue to work across the Portfolio agencies to support Aboriginal businesses and deliver on the Portfolio's commitments.