Bravus Mining and Resources has been acknowledged for its impactful collaboration with Indigenous enterprises. The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) 2025 Indigenous Awards have highlighted Bravus’s commitment to community inclusion. Central to this recognition is its enduring partnership with Biodiversity Australia. The collaboration showcases how regional businesses and resource operators can grow together. Bravus continues to prioritise Indigenous participation as a pillar of its operational strategy.
QRC Awards Acknowledge Biodiversity Australia Collaboration
Biodiversity Australia was named a finalist in the Exceptional Indigenous Business category at the QRC Awards. This nomination reflects its work with Bravus on the Carmichael mine and associated infrastructure. The partnership has focused on environmental protection, cultural inclusion, and employment pathways.
Bravus chief operating officer Mick Crowe commended the partnership for delivering real, measurable benefits to regional communities. He noted that local procurement and cultural partnerships are essential to Bravus’s long-term vision.
Partnership Built on Environmental and Cultural Excellence
Bravus and Biodiversity Australia began working together in 2018 during rail development for Carmichael. Their initial focus was on delivering ecological services including fauna monitoring and vegetation management. Biodiversity Australia applied its award-winning Indigenous Pathways Model from the outset. This model provides mentoring, training, and career development tailored to First Nations communities. It addresses employment barriers through culturally safe engagement and skills-building initiatives. The collaboration is founded on mutual respect, technical expertise, and aligned core values. It demonstrates that environmental stewardship and cultural inclusion can go hand-in-hand.
Townsville Hub Strengthens Local Economic Impact
The Bravus collaboration enabled Biodiversity Australia to expand its footprint in North Queensland. The company established a permanent office in Townsville to better service its growing client base. This hub now delivers services to industries including mining, defence, education, and tourism.
Biodiversity Australia’s managing director Steve Noy said the partnership had long-term benefits. He credited Bravus with helping build careers, not just fill contracts. By creating stable, purpose-driven roles, the partnership has supported local economic resilience. It has also promoted First Nations leadership in science-based environmental consultancy.
Bravus Focuses on Meaningful Inclusion
Bravus’s approach to Indigenous engagement goes beyond compliance or tick-box obligations. Mick Crowe said the company integrates Indigenous participation through real employment and planning frameworks. Over 10 per cent of the Carmichael mine workforce identifies as Indigenous.
Bravus also works with Traditional Owner groups through formal land use agreements. These agreements ensure Indigenous voices are central to the company’s operational decisions. Crowe noted that authentic inclusion is rooted in trust, transparency, and ongoing dialogue. It goes beyond compliance—it’s about generating meaningful, shared value for all stakeholders.
Indigenous Pathways Model Breaks Down Barriers
The Indigenous Pathways Model underpins Biodiversity Australia’s approach to training and recruitment. It provides flexible work options that reflect community and cultural responsibilities. The model supports participants with mentorship and skills for long-term career success. It is especially effective in remote regions, where employment access is often limited.
With support from Bravus, the program continues to scale and evolve. Its success has made it a benchmark in the resource sector for inclusive workforce practices. This approach is helping shape how the broader industry recruits and retains Indigenous talent.
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QRC Gala to Celebrate Industry Leaders
The 2025 QRC Indigenous Awards will be held at a gala event on 25 June in Brisbane. This annual event recognises outstanding contributions to Indigenous engagement in the resource sector. Bravus and Biodiversity Australia’s finalist status highlights a commitment to inclusive development. Their nomination affirms that community-based partnerships are critical to sector-wide transformation. As mining companies increasingly focus on social licence, such models offer a blueprint for action. They show how industry players can foster economic independence and cultural respect.
The 2025 QRC Indigenous Awards
Lasting Impact Beyond the Award
Recognition at the QRC Awards reflects the genuine impact of Bravus’s partnerships. These are not one-off programs, but enduring commitments to community empowerment. Biodiversity Australia’s growth in North Queensland is proof that local collaboration works. Together, Bravus and its partners are creating careers, conserving ecosystems, and building regional pride. By embedding Indigenous engagement into core operations, Bravus is setting a new industry standard. It’s a reminder that the future of mining lies not just in what is extracted—but in who is included.
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