Building on the success of last year’s inaugural Wiimali Awards, we are thrilled to continue to recognise and celebrate Indigenous excellence across the ARA Group.
The ARA Wiimali Awards highlight the hard work and commitment of the Wiimali Program employees, those who have completed their apprenticeship (graduates) and mentors. The awards are a commitment of the ARA Group’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
We took the opportunity to congratulate all our current Wiimali awards winners and the program graduates.
We also acknowledged the role and contribution that many of our key suppliers and clients have made towards current graduates and ongoing Program members.
The ARA Wiimali Award winners for 2025
Congratulations to the following individuals:
Unsung Heroes of Wiimali Award
- Jonah Patterson: Jonah has been a cornerstone of the Wiimali program since its inception—consistently attending mentoring sessions and encouraging others to get involved. He actively connects with team members across regions, supports new apprentices, and has grown into a leadership role, mentoring others and contributing to community initiatives.
- Veronica Cooper: Veronica exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond. She’s a pillar of support for new Indigenous employees, often meeting outside work hours to build trust and connection.
ARA Efforts in Reconciliation Award
- Indigenous: Nicole Glynn: Nicole consistently makes herself available to support both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous staff, generously sharing her personal journey and RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) experiences to build bridges and deepen cultural awareness.
- non-Indigenous: Gary Stoker: Gary plays a pivotal role in the development and delivery of ARA’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). From drafting and reviewing strategies to engaging directly with Indigenous Community Organisations, his contributions are both thoughtful and impactful. He regularly shares stories and learnings from his experiences, helping to build understanding and drive meaningful change across the business.
Wiimali People’s Choice Award
- Marcel Ah Wong: Marcel is a consistent and supportive presence in the Wiimali program—regularly attending Zoom sessions, reaching out to others, and sharing his journey with openness and heart. His commitment to uplifting Indigenous employees and the broader community is truly inspiring.
Graduates for 2025
We are honoured to annouce Shaun Myers Junior as the 2025 graduate.
Shaun has successfully completed a 4-year Apprenticeship and is now a qualified HVAC Technician at ARA Mechanical. Recently, Shaun was honoured with the Infrastructure, Energy and Construction Student of the Year award at the TAFE NSW 2025 Gili Awards, an annual event held during Reconciliation Week to celebrate excellence in education and training.
ARA First Nations Academy Program
Since its launch in 2022, the program has empowered over 400 young participants, with 55 advancing to the QBE Sydney Swans Academy. More than just sport, the Academy fosters a creative and caring environment that celebrates culture, community, and personal growth.
The winners of the leadership award for the ARA First Nations Academy are:
Bobbi Matthews
School: Bishop Druitt College in Year 10.
Career: Would like to become a AFLW player and study Sport Science.
Mob: I belong to Dharug Country and feel very connected to Yawuru Country in the Kimberely WA where I spent majority of my toddler/childhood years.
Comments: Bobbi is a well-rounded young lady who strives for excellence both on and off the field.
Jakob Frankl
School: Inner Sydney High in Year 11.
Career: Would love to play for the Swans and complete a University degree in Sport.
Mob: Larrakia (Darwin) and Kaurareg (Thursday Island)
Comments: Jakob is dedicated and passionate about sport, culture and education.
Client Recognition Awards
Five years:
Client: Curtin University
Contract: Fire Maintenance
Client: Spotless Coca Cola
Contract: Commercial Cleaning & Property Services
Client: AFL House
Contract: Commercial Cleaning & Property Services
Client: Acciona
Contract: Ongoing contract work
Client: BGIS Shell Chinchilla
Contract: Commercial Cleaning & Property Services
Client: CPB Contractors
Contract: Ongoing contract work
Three years:
Client: Richard Crooks Constructions
Contract: Mechanical Ventilation & HVAC Installations
Client: Built Constructions
Contract: Mechanical Ventilation & HVAC Installations
Client: Melbourne Cricket Club (MCG)
Contract: Fire Maintenance
Client: BHP Nikel West
Contract: Fire Suppression & Maintenance
Client: Caufield Grammar
Contract: Commercial Cleaning & Property Services
Client: Evolve FM Family Courts NSW
Contract: Commercial Cleaning & Property Services
Client: IDIC Fujitsu & Leidos
Contract: Commercial Cleaning & Property Services
Together, we continue to make a meaningful contribution towards reconciliation and community engagement in Australia.
Unsung Heroes of Wiimali Award
The Unsung Heroes of Wiimali awards aim to recognise participants who have demonstrated:
- Active Participation: the nominee has taken a keen interest in their work and demonstrated a commitment to their job in both good and tough times.
- Active Kinecting: the nominee has actively sought to connect and support their fellow Wiimali members and their work colleagues.
- Taken Initiative: the nominee has taken opportunity to go above and beyond in doing their job and/or contributing to their workplace.
ARA Efforts in Reconciliation Award
The ARA Efforts in Reconciliation awards will go to both an Indigenous and non-Indigenous employee. This award recognises an individual’s contribution towards reconciliation within their workplace. Nominees will have demonstrated the following:
- Outstanding achievements in supporting and/or delivering actions from the ARA Group Reconciliation Action Plan.
- Actively supported their fellow Indigenous and Non-Indigenous staff in their workplace.
- Demonstrated their commitment to building and ensuring their workplace is a culturally safe environment.
Wiimali People’s Choice Award
We are excited to announce the Wiimali People’s Choice award, designed to recognise an outstanding Wiimali member who exemplifies the values and spirit of our workplace.
Nominees will consistently:
- Make a positive impact on their team and ARA.
- Is an active role model; who leads by example and inspires others to grow.
- Takes initiative within their own work and personal life.
ARA First Nations Academy Leadership Award
The ARA First Nations Academy, in partnership with the Sydney Swans, provides opportunities for First Nations boys and girls aged 11-18 to engage in AFL, while supporting culture and community. Much more than just football, this program serves as a vehicle to develop strong and resilient young people and focuses on their social and emotional wellbeing. They are awarded based on the following criteria:
- Consistent Effort and Attitude: The awardee has shown a positive attitude and consistent effort, maintaining a high attendance rate throughout the program.
- Leadership and Initiative: The awardee has demonstrated leadership qualities amongst their peers and has consistently demonstrated personal initiative.
- Engagement and Team Support: The awardee has engaged in the cultural aspects of the program and have actively supported their teammates.