Dandy delight

By Bridget Cook
Civilscape was one of three Victorian organisations awarded a certificate of recognition for their commitment to local industry at the Industry Capability Network (ICN) end of year event on Monday night.
Civilscape engaged businesses from the Dandenong region for $4 million of work with the Revitalising Central Dandenong initiative.
The business, which was contracted to deliver part of the Station North Upgrade and Realignment Project, worked with the ICN to identify suppliers from the Dandenong region for the majority of the work.
As a result, the area has benefited from a jobs boost, with more than 20 Dandenong-based businesses supplying goods and services to the project since it commenced in April 2010.
Civilscape also hired an additional five permanent staff as well as 10 sub-contractors, predominantly from the local area, after winning the contract which involves road upgrade and realignment works to provide improved traffic flow and pedestrian accessibility in the area.
Victorian firms were engaged for a further $1.6 million of work where no local Dandenong supplier was identified.
Civilscape Director Hayes Heffer said he was impressed with the industry capability available locally.
“The Dandenong region is home to an expansive network of products and suppliers, which enhanced our abilities to source quality local materials, at competitive market rates,” he said.
ICN chief executive Peter Yates congratulated Civilscape on the efforts it made to support local business wherever possible.
“Civilscape’s commitment to working with ICN to identify local businesses to engage in the project has led to a significant boost in jobs and business opportunities for the region,” he said.
Civilscape was introduced to ICN by VicUrban, which is delivering the Revitalising Central Dandenong project.
VicUrban engages ICN as part of its community engagement strategy, using ICN’s Regional Industry Link program to collect data from local businesses and identify potential suppliers to the project.
More than 300 local businesses have registered their interest in the Revitalising Central Dandenong initiative through the Regional Industry Link website.
ICN is an independent organisation that supports local industry by matching buyers with suppliers.
Businesses in the Dandenong region interested in knowing more about how ICN can help them are encouraged to contact James Ewenson, ICN regional manager Southern and Eastern Metropolitan on 0417 101 740 or check out jewenson@icnvic.org.au