First Nations Traffic Management are paving employment pathways in construction

Joel (Mob Jobs), Peter O’Brien and Lionel Dukakis (Founders and Directors of First Nations Traffic Management) presenting at Community First Development’s event in Victoria 

First Nations Traffic Management (FNTM) is more than just a business—it is a lifeline, a supporter of dreams, and a creator of opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in construction.  

The business was founded by Yorta Yorta man Peter O’Brien and Gunditjmara man Lionel Dukakis. FNTM stands proudly in Nunawading in the eastern suburbs of Narrm (Melbourne), on Wurundjeri Country, with ambitions to expand across the nation. Their incredible business venture is already changing lives. 
 
FNTM’s mission is simple yet profound: to foster a supportive environment that not only employs but empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with a unique dual approach. FNTM encompasses a Labour Hire arm and a pioneering First Nations employment agency, called Mob Jobs. They are dedicated to nurturing a First Nations way of working—where support, training, and guidance are intertwined with opportunities for personal and professional growth. 

Their business model has proven to be a haven for many, offering a second chance to ex-offenders, a first chance for those who have never been employed, and a safe space for victims of domestic violence. By focusing on long-term goals such as property rental, car loans, and financial stability, FNTM stands as a testament to what can be achieved with a bit of guidance and a lot of heart. 

The journey towards expanding and promoting FNTM nationally is paved with challenges, especially when it comes to tender applications for larger projects. Despite initial setbacks, the determination to succeed led FNTM to seek the support of Community First Development. Here, they found a mentor in Paul, a volunteer with a knack for professional writing and an understanding of the tender process. Through his guidance, FNTM not only improved their tender application skills but also secured their largest contract yet—a significant milestone towards achieving their dream of national expansion. 

The success of their largest tender application is not just a victory for FNTM; it’s a blueprint for future achievements. With a new approach to tender writing and the practical advice from Paul and Community First Development, FNTM is now better equipped to pursue larger projects. This template for success is a game-changer, ensuring that FNTM can continue to expand and, most importantly, change more lives within First Nations communities.

“Well with the help of Community First Development, this has given us a great platform when completing new tenders. We now approach tender writing differently since Community First Development has shown us the best way to approach them. This will allow us to expand and change more lives. 

- Peter O’brien and Lionel Dukakis, founders and directors, First Nations Traffic Management 

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