Alinta Energy and SAABCCA partner up

Alinta Energy and the South Australian Aboriginal Building, Civil and Construction Academy (SAABCCA) have formed a partnership focused on genuine participation and employment pathways as part of a major energy project.

SAABCCA is one of the entities within the 100% Indigenous‑owned RAW Group. The Academy plays a key role in supporting Aboriginal people to enter the renewables and construction sectors through targeted training, on‑the‑job experience, and clear pathways into ongoing employment.

Working alongside principal contractor Genus, RAW Group has delivered critical early works at the Reeves Plains Energy Hub in South Australia, helping prepare the site and pave the way for construction.

The importance of authentic engagement

What sets this partnership apart is authenticity, according to the RAW Group’s Founder and Managing Director, Allan Jones. “From day one, the team at Alinta Energy have been sincere and true to their word,” said Allan.

The RAW Group's involvement in the Reeves Plains Battery project began with heritage management and mitigation before expanding into critical early works. These commitments are now extending through to subcontractors, creating broader opportunities across the project’s supply chain, and strengthening pathways for Academy participants to transition into ongoing work.

Now the RAW Group can continue to stay involved in the Reeves Plains Battery project through SAABCCA supporting Aboriginal worker participation on the project.

“You can never underestimate what one job can do for a person, their family and their community,” said Allan.

A key ingredient for shared success

According to Allan, genuine commitment from leadership is essential. “The proof is in the outcomes on the ground — dollars spent with First Nations businesses, workforce hours, and heritage management outcomes. These are the fundamentals of best practice.”

“We’re already seeing strong outcomes at the Reeves Plains Battery project, and we’re keen to keep building and growing on that.”