In Sydney’s South-West, Indigenous construction company, GWS Engineering and Constructions, is going from strength to strength with completed projects at universities, railway stations, museums and even cathedrals. Their list of clients has grown significantly in 2020 and they plan on getting bigger and better. We caught up with Director, Ashley Rayner to find out more about their journey and their latest projects.

Tell us a little about yourself and what your company does?

My name is Ashley Rayner, GWS Engineering and Construction is my company and we’re a fabrication and engineering company that supplies tier 1 clients in the transport infrastructure environment. We’re an Indigenous certified company and have 5 Indigenous workers and 21 staff at the members.

What are some of the great projects you are working on at the moment?  

At the moment we’ve got an ongoing supply with Laing O’Rourke at central station – this is a huge project. We’ve got a contract signed for Sydenham station and with Robert Pizzarotti at Concord hospital. We also have a contract signed for John Holland CPB Joint Venture for Rozelle interchange, as well as completing a number of projects recently. One of these being two lift shafts for Degnan at Fairymeadow railway station. We’ve been really busy and it’s been fantastic.

How did you start your business?

I was originally subcontracting myself, for different companies, running around doing installations for them. Then in 2017, I started GWS constructions. At first it didn’t come easy, to be honest. I grew up in the back end of Mount Druitt, Rooty Hill and the Doonside area. Schooling and anything formal growing up was a huge anxiety for me. So at first it was really hard but I’ve come out of my shell quite elaborately and I’m able to do what I need to do, which is why the company has been able to engage in these contracts that we have. It’s a good feeling knowing where I come from, growing up in housing commission in Mt Druitt, and Rooty hill and now running an Indigenous company is certainly gratifying when I take a breath to think about that.

However that growth and transition comes from many confrontations and hurdles and challenges and that certainly gets tiring. I face some challenges straight on and keep on going.

Its extremely easy to just stay there, and next to impossible to get out of it.

How has your Yarpa Membership benefited you? 

Initially it was the networking events held by Yarpa (Meet the buyer)– that business networking event with Tier 1 clients, that has allowed me to meet with my existing clients, John Holland and Laing O’Rourke.

The most beneficial offering is where a company like mine get face to face time with the managers from Tier 1 Clients. You’re literally standing in front of them selling yourself. It has really paid off and we have big future plans for the company.

If you’d like to know more about Indigenous company, GWS Engineering and Contruction, follow them here on social media.