BMD proud to support the arts in remote Indigenous community

BMD recently supported the West Arnhem Regional Council’s Maningrida Girls Dance Troupe which competed at the national finals of the Evolution Dance Competition on the Gold Coast this month.

Their entry into the finals follows on from their first place achievement at the regional competition held in Darwin in August. BMD’s corporate travel partner, Complete Business Travel supplied airfares for the five young women and two staff members, while BMD arranged accommodation and meals on the Gold Coast.

The troupe made the 500 kilometre journey from Maningrida to Darwin via charter plane before hoping on a commercial flight to Brisbane, their first experience on a large aircraft. Competing in the Under 12’s Hip Hop competition, the troupe placed second after putting on a fantastic performance.

Dart Johnson, National Indigenous Program Manager, BMD Group said BMD was proud to continue supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the regions we operate.

“BMD has a longstanding history of identifying unique opportunities to support local communities,” Dart said.

“In 2019, BMD launched our second Reconciliation Action Plan, Innovate which further outlines how BMD is focused on increasing Indigenous engagement and employment within our sphere of influence.

“It was extremely pleasing to be able to support the Maningrida Girls Dance Troupe in their competition, particularly because it was their first journey outside of the Northern Territory.

“I would like to specifically thank Simon McLean and Miriam Fois from Corporate Business Travel for their ongoing support of our Indigenous program,” he said.

BMD’s support of the community stems from the construction of a 30 lot land development project delivered by BMD in the region. During construction, BMD implemented a unique roster system to encourage Maningrida locals to work on the residential development project and learn new skills such as earthworks, roadworks and pipe-laying.

Read BMD’s Reconciliation Action Plan to learn more about our commitment to Indigenous engagement.