Waddi Springs champions higher purpose for NSW Indigenous community
When Indigenous business Waddi Springs started supplying bottled natural spring water to our Parkes to Narromine project, it sparked a ‘can do’ spirit among employees to enrich the lives of the Wiradjuri Nation, the largest Indigenous community in NSW.
April 28, 2021
Not only did the Parkes to Narromine contract help Waddi Springs create three local truck driving jobs, the business also diversified its capabilities in procurement, logistics, client service and product innovation.
Waddi Springs Director, Tomika Johnson said the opportunity to support Inland Rail inspired its employees to strive for a “higher purpose” by bringing positive change to local Indigenous communities.
“Our ‘Small Actions, Big Difference’ collaborative approach to supporting Inland Rail has shown our people that they can leave our world in a better place by providing services that people value.”
Over the life of Parkes to Narromine construction, Waddi Springs delivered 2,500 15-litre spring water bottles and delivered and serviced 10 water dispensers to site offices along the project alignment.
“Every Indigenous business wants their work to have a higher purpose that goes beyond doing a job and earning an income,” Ms Johnson said.
“Collaborating with the Inland Rail team has helped our people appreciate that they can bring positive change to Indigenous communities by being highly engaged and productive.”
As a result of supplying to Inland Rail, Waddi Springs has invested in new systems and processes such as point of sale software and methodical ordering processes which have helped streamline logistics in regional areas.
Waddi Springs has also improved its commercial position through working with Inland Rail, cementing and further establishing its capabilities and increasing brand awareness regionally.
Ms Johnson said joining Inland Rail’s national supply chain has empowered employees to think big about how they can keep improving the quality of service provided to customers.
“Once our employees see positive impacts and economic returns from the opportunities they create and service, they start believing that they do have a role to play in providing better customer experiences,” Ms Johnson said.
“Working on such a large regional project has increased our employees’ skill base because it’s hands-on learning by doing.
“Whether it’s yarning to suppliers and clients about sourcing products, setting procurement targets, managing logistics, or collectively solving problems, Inland Rail has given our employees the opportunity to shape a purpose into impact,” Ms Johnson said.
April 28, 2021
