Partnering with First Nations Communities

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The South-West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) is committed to working alongside First Nations people, communities and organizations to create meaningful opportunities and lasting benefits from the renewable energy transition.

Through genuine partnerships between Energyco, Developers and Council, we aim to create opportunities in employment, training, business participation and community development.

Funding for community programs

The Community and Employment Benefit Program will launch in the South-West REZ in early 2027.

The program’s First Nations Fund will provide grants for community projects that deliver social, cultural and economic benefits.

Aboriginal organizations will be able to apply for funding to support initiative such as education, training and cultural heritage programs when the program opens.

Learn about the First Nations Fund for South-West REZ

The NSW Govt has committed $14 million to the First Nations Fund through the Community and Employment Benefit Program. The program is currently being designed, and further information will be made available later in 2026.

Training and Employment Opportunities

We want First Nations people to benefit from South-West REZ job and skills opportunities and build long-term careers in the renewable energy industry.

Employment, training and local business opportunities

Learn about employment, training and local business opportunities in the South West renewable energy zone.

Procurement opportunities for Aboriginal businesses

Aboriginal-owned businesses have an important role to play in delivering the South-West REZ.

We are committed to helping Aboriginal businesses connect with project proponents, contractors and suppliers and access opportunities within the renewable energy supply chain.

If you are a NSW-based, Aboriginal owned business you must be registered with either the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, Fueling a Culturally and Economically Prosperous NSW or Supply Nation.

Aboriginal businesses are encouraged to register their interest, promote their capabilities and explore upcoming supplier opportunities through the ICN Gateway page.

First Nations Coordination and Outcomes Team

The First Nations Coordination and Outcomes Team is dedicated to supporting stronger participation and positive outcomes for First Nations communities across the SW REZ.

The team's focus is on ensuring opportunities are visible, accessible and responsive to community needs.

Click here to register your interest

If you are interested in employment, training, business opportunities or community participation, we encourage you to get involved.

First Nations Guidelines

The South-West REZ First Nations Guidelines help ensure engagement is respectful, inclusive and focused on creating meaningful benefits for First Nations communities.

The guidelines support:

  • Early, ongoing and culturally appropriate engagement.
  • Recognition and respect for cultural knowledge and heritage.
  • Opportunities for employment, training and workforce development.
  • Increased participation of Aboriginal-owned businesses.
  • Transparent and accountable decision-making.
  • Continuous improvement and stronger community outcomes.

The South-West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) is committed to working alongside First Nations people, communities and organizations to create meaningful opportunities and lasting benefits from the renewable energy transition.

Through genuine partnerships between Energyco, Developers and Council, we aim to create opportunities in employment, training, business participation and community development.

Funding for community programs

The Community and Employment Benefit Program will launch in the South-West REZ in early 2027.

The program’s First Nations Fund will provide grants for community projects that deliver social, cultural and economic benefits.

Aboriginal organizations will be able to apply for funding to support initiative such as education, training and cultural heritage programs when the program opens.

Learn about the First Nations Fund for South-West REZ

The NSW Govt has committed $14 million to the First Nations Fund through the Community and Employment Benefit Program. The program is currently being designed, and further information will be made available later in 2026.

Training and Employment Opportunities

We want First Nations people to benefit from South-West REZ job and skills opportunities and build long-term careers in the renewable energy industry.

Employment, training and local business opportunities

Learn about employment, training and local business opportunities in the South West renewable energy zone.

Procurement opportunities for Aboriginal businesses

Aboriginal-owned businesses have an important role to play in delivering the South-West REZ.

We are committed to helping Aboriginal businesses connect with project proponents, contractors and suppliers and access opportunities within the renewable energy supply chain.

If you are a NSW-based, Aboriginal owned business you must be registered with either the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, Fueling a Culturally and Economically Prosperous NSW or Supply Nation.

Aboriginal businesses are encouraged to register their interest, promote their capabilities and explore upcoming supplier opportunities through the ICN Gateway page.

First Nations Coordination and Outcomes Team

The First Nations Coordination and Outcomes Team is dedicated to supporting stronger participation and positive outcomes for First Nations communities across the SW REZ.

The team's focus is on ensuring opportunities are visible, accessible and responsive to community needs.

Click here to register your interest

If you are interested in employment, training, business opportunities or community participation, we encourage you to get involved.

First Nations Guidelines

The South-West REZ First Nations Guidelines help ensure engagement is respectful, inclusive and focused on creating meaningful benefits for First Nations communities.

The guidelines support:

  • Early, ongoing and culturally appropriate engagement.
  • Recognition and respect for cultural knowledge and heritage.
  • Opportunities for employment, training and workforce development.
  • Increased participation of Aboriginal-owned businesses.
  • Transparent and accountable decision-making.
  • Continuous improvement and stronger community outcomes.
Page published: 10 Aug 2026, 01:12 PM