Murrungar marked its official launch on 26 February 2026, bringing community, partners and industry leaders together at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for an afternoon grounded in place, story and intention.
The event opened with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by Alex Kerr at the Scarred Tree in Yarra Park, acknowledging Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country, before guests gathered in the Jim Stynes Grill inside the MCG for the formal proceedings.
From the outset, the atmosphere reflected what Murrungar stands for — a shared commitment to building capability that lasts, shaped by cultural respect and practical impact. Families, community members and industry representatives filled the room, creating an environment where genuine connection sat alongside industry ambition.
Redefining how industry engages with First Nations businesses
Early in the afternoon, guests were introduced to the heart of Murrungar’s purpose. Murrungar is an Indigenous-led, profit-for-purpose enterprise that redefines how Australia’s construction, building and property services industries engage with First Nations peoples and businesses.
Murrungar procures, delivers and supports building services across commercial, government and infrastructure sectors, embedding Indigenous capability at every step.
By channeling procurement activity through an Indigenous-owned supply chain, everyday business transactions become meaningful social and economic outcomes. This includes supporting Indigenous employment and enterprise, strengthening cultural capability within client supply chains and reinvesting value in community-driven initiatives such as apprenticeships, youth leadership and sport-based development programs.
These foundations grounded the entire event and helped guests see how Murrungar’s work creates long-term value for both industry and community.
A collective vision to Build, Grow and Nurture capability that endures
In his address, Murrungar co-founder Aaron Clark spoke about the meaning of Murrungar and the responsibility embedded in its name — to Build, Grow and Nurture.
He shared the story behind the artwork created by Sharna Colgan-Smith, Jade Colgan and Lowell Hunter (Salty One), describing how it reflects journey, connection and cultural strength. Aaron emphasised that Murrungar is a shared value enterprise where commercial performance and community outcomes move together by design.
As part of this vision, Murrungar outlined two clear commitments:
Within three years, at least 20 per cent of partner spending will be directed to First Nations suppliers
By 2030, Murrungar will have trained or upskilled 50 Indigenous professionals into technical roles across the industry.
These commitments signalled that Murrungar’s approach is not symbolic — it is structural.
Guests reflected on the meaning of this shift. One described the day as showing “a real commitment for our business, our partners and the wider community”. Another attendee saw the gathering as “historic”, recognising the long-awaited opportunity to celebrate community, industry and vision in the same room.
Many also spoke about the excitement for young Indigenous people. Pathways into real technical careers were seen as one of the most meaningful outcomes ahead — “that’s where impact sticks,” a guest shared.
Alignment in action on values, governance and social procurement
A.G. Coombs Group Managing Director Russell Telford also addressed the room, outlining how A.G. Coombs’ values and long-standing reconciliation journey align with Murrungar’s purpose. He reflected on the organisation’s progression through Reflect and Innovate Reconciliation Action Plans, diversity and inclusion priorities, and the belief that everyday business can drive meaningful change.
Russell spoke to a practical framework that connects governance, procurement and supplier partnerships — demonstrating how social procurement becomes a tangible way to use the money already being spent today to contribute to a better tomorrow.
He then drew a clear line to key A.G. Coombs core values: Value to Others, Continuous Improvement, Good Corporate Citizen and Leadership — explaining how an Indigenous enterprise like Murrungar strengthens client value, integrates Indigenous perspectives, supports economic development and sets a benchmark for supplier diversity. The alignment is deliberate and operational, reinforcing that commercial delivery and social value belong in the same conversation.
Ready to procure and make a difference?
As the afternoon drew to a close, it was clear the room carried a shared sense of momentum. Conversations about capability, connection and cultural integrity pointed to a future shaped by partnership and practical action.
With the launch now complete, Murrungar invites organisations across the construction, building and property services sectors to walk alongside it — strengthening Indigenous participation, uplifting suppliers and building capability that lasts.
To learn more or begin a conversation about how your organisation can support this work, please contact Aaron Clark a via the Contact Us page.
