Indigenous business supply chain for entrepreneurs hub

Construction is now underway on a cutting-edge co-working and innovation space that aims to transform Northshore Brisbane and cultivate a thriving community of entrepreneurs, innovators, and creatives.

Situated adjacent to the Eat Street Northshore, The Wheelhouse will span 1,172 square metres across two levels in a warehouse-style building and accommodate up to 170 workers.

The facility will boast flexible workspaces, collaborative meeting rooms, town hall and event spaces, and a communal kitchen area, offering a versatile and inspiring setting for professionals.

Indigenous company Bridgeman has been awarded the building contract for the $5.9 million project, which will deliver an estimated 16 full-time equivalent jobs during construction and five jobs once operational.

A Queensland SME and Supply Nation certified Indigenous company, Bridgeman supports First Nations businesses and peoples and will use local contractors, manufacturers and supply chains for goods, services, materials and equipment.

Owner and Managing Director of Bridgeman Adam Sarota said: “As a Supply Nation certified Indigenous company, we are committed to ensuring that we provide leadership, support, and encouragement to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“That is why we created the Bridgeman Yarning Circle, a unique Indigenous supply chain network that provides companies with genuine, pre-qualified, accredited, and compliant Indigenous companies.

“These companies would never tender for government work directly, but through us they get a chance.”

The Wheelhouse is being funded by Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) as part of the $12 billion urban renewal within the Northshore Hamilton PDA, which is transforming the former industrial site into a mixed-use precinct.

Construction commenced this month with the facility slated to open its doors for business in early 2025.

The Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace: “The Queensland Government is proud to partner with Bridgeman, a Queensland SME that is committed to supporting local and First Nations businesses and fostering training opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“Bridgeman works to pre-qualify capable and reliable First Nations businesses and advocates for the inclusion of First Nations businesses in non-Indigenous supply chains.

“They will also ensure 100 percent engagement with local contractors, manufacturers, and supply chains, creating job opportunities for Queenslanders and enhancing community involvement in the project’s development.”

Image: Bridgeman