The rising generation of construction graduates

GEELONG’S future builders have had a behind-the-scenes tour of Wurriki Nyal, the City of Greater Geelong’s new Civic Precinct, as part of the project’s support for local jobs and skills development.

The construction students are participants in the city-led Regional Industry Sector Employment (RISE) program, a collaborative program sponsored by Gforce Employment Solutions that connects job seekers with industry via training, recruitment, mentoring and support.

The Civc Precinct project to bring together new centralised offices, services for the community and outdoor public space has already directly employed 255 local workers through its construction, with major tenders worth $29 million awarded to G21 businesses so far.

On last week’s tour, the RISE students were able to talk to the project team and see the 6 Star Green Star building’s sustainable features up close, including its exposed mass engineered timber structure.

Wurriki Nyal – Wadawurrung words meaning “speak and talk together” – is the first building of its kind in Geelong one of just a handful across Australia to use mass engineered timber in its structure.

The sustainably sourced material is a low-emissions alternative to steel and concrete because it captures carbon as the timber grows rather than releasing it during production.

RISE participant Alexander Wagstaff, 21, who hopes to become a plumber on large commercial projects, said it was exciting to see behind the scenes of such a large project.

“Tours like today are really important for me personally to get an understanding of the work and engineering that goes into a project like this.

“It was good to hear the way Wadawurrung people were involved as part of the design, and the sustainability features like using timber instead of steel were amazing.

“I’m really excited about my own career now, and excited to seeing what this building looks like when it’s done. Knowing it’s a project for the community makes it all the more important and valuable.”

Deputy mayor Trent Sullivan, who joined the tour, said it was great to share the project’s progress with the community.

“It was fantastic to have Geelong’s future builders on site with us to see this once-in-a-generation community project come together and learn from the construction team in the process,” he said.

“From locally-made steel to Geelong-grown expertise, Wurriki Nyal would not be possible without the local businesses and workers who have contributed to building a new civic precinct for our community.

“Creating Wurriki Nyal has always been an opportunity to support Geelong’s growth, and we’re delighted to see the project continue to create jobs and business for our community.”

Wurriki Nyal will open to the public in mid-2022.