Construction of EnergyConnect is making huge progress, and it’s having a positive impact on First Nations communities. One of the businesses contracted to deliver construction services for the Dinawan substation is StructureCorp [https://structurecorp.com.au/], an Indigenous-owned building and infrastructure company based in regional New South Wales.

Partnership built on trust, not just contacts

The relationship between StructureCorp and Elecnor developed through openness, respect and a shared commitment to getting the job done well. At Elecnor, our teams adapted our approach to work more collaboratively and in a way that respected the cultural and operational practices of an Indigenous business. For StructureCorp, the project was never only transactional, it was built on connection, shared values and mutual respect.

StructureCorp Director Simon Kay [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonkay82/] describes the partnership as one where the relationship came first: “The best contracts are the ones you don’t need to pull out. Our relationship with Elecnor was built on trust.”

Cultural recognition in action

A small but meaningful gesture surfaced early in the partnership. Elecnor workers began placing First Nations Goanna artwork stickers – supplied by StructureCorp, on their helmets. This simple act strengthened pride, visibility and cultural safety onsite. It helped normalise Aboriginal representation and gave workers a sense of belonging and identity in their workplace.

Business outcomes

StructureCorp’s work on EnergyConnect focused on the fit-out for the building that houses specialised synchronised condenser equipment at the substation, including construction of  [JH2] internal partitioning walls, painting and priming and door installation, delivering:

• New capability – first EPC-tier experience with a major contractor
• Industry credibility – strengthened StuctureCorp’s profile for future major contracts
• Pathway to growth – EnergyConnect experience now positions StructureCorp to compete for larger-scale infrastructure work.

Community outcomes

Indigenous businesses typically reinvest in their communities, and StructureCorp is no exception. Profits and experience gained from this project contributed to:

• Investments in Aboriginal student education, including laptops provided through an IBA partnership.
• A First Nations Technology Program, supporting digital inclusion.
• Ongoing support for Aboriginal subcontractors focusing on capability, reliability and long-term development rather than identity alone.
• Local community initiatives and improved regional amenities.

These outcomes extend far beyond the project site, creating intergenerational benefits across Aboriginal families and Communities.

A model for future partnerships

The partnership between Elecnor and StructureCorp shows what is possible when major contractors invest genuinely in Indigenous businesses as a shared commitment to better outcomes.

By choosing to partner with StructureCorp, Elecnor helped build capability, strengthen economic participation and support a business deeply connected to community benefit.

This initiative demonstrates that when companies take the time to listen, adapt, include and collaborate, the results are powerful: stronger businesses, stronger communities and a more inclusive energy future for Australia.

Elecnor Australia is proud to have supported StructureCorp’s first EPC experience, a milestone that will continue to deliver value well after EnergyConnect is built.