FDC’s partnership with AWM Amaroo is proof that when you put reconciliation into practice it can create real world results. Just ask AWM’s Founder and Director, Anthony Scotts, who has worked alongside FDC’s leaders for 30 years, collaborating on thousands of projects since AWM began as a Sydney furniture manufacturer and became a trusted delivery partner. That connection evolved naturally in 2020 when AWM expanded to create its Indigenous arm, AWM Amaroo.

Established by Executive Director, Daniel Manson, a descendant of the Arabana people, alongside AWM’s Anthony Scotts and Ric Lewarne, AWM Amaroo was founded with a clear vision to not only deliver beautiful workspaces, but to open up meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal people and communities. And as Anthony says, working with FDC “just worked very well from day one.” Today, that same trust continues to drive a partnership that helps deliver quality projects, build strong relationships and create meaningful community outcomes.

From Supply Nation to Steady Impact

Since becoming a Supply Nation member in 2018, FDC has backed up its commitment with consistent spending and practical engagement, spending over $50 million with over 77 Supply Nation registered suppliers and more than $8 million with AWM Amaroo, since 2022. "Consistency matters," says FDC ESG Manager, Pat Trotter, "because it gives Indigenous businesses the confidence to plan ahead and invest in new opportunities."

“We don’t see AWM Amaroo as just an Indigenous supplier we engage to meet a target, they’re a trusted partner,” says Pat. “Their work speaks for itself, and our teams trust them because they care about what we care about.”

It’s a connection that reflects FDC’s broader culture of creating genuine relationships and collaborating in ways that make people feel seen, valued and supported. “It’s not just about who’s onsite, it’s about what flows on,” Pat adds. “When you back a partner like AWM Amaroo and build that trust, they can invest that back into apprenticeships, youth programs and community initiatives. That’s how you move from intention to meaningful impact.”

Supporting Community

For AWM Amaroo, having steady work with FDC doesn’t just deliver projects, it allows them to directly benefit community. One example is their work with The KARI Foundation, one of the nation’s leading Aboriginal service providers and Australia’s largest Indigenous not-for-profit.

AWM Amaroo works closely with KARI on everything from cultural games days and swimming programs to backpack drives for kindergarten students, with a new cultural immersion program now in the works. “We’re in the process of developing a program where Indigenous kids will travel to a site with one of the elders and spend time on Country learning traditional bush crafts,” Anthony says.

“When we have funds coming in from certain jobs, we ask how we can make a genuine difference. Partnering with KARI has certainly enabled that for us. And in turn, companies like FDC, who are such a good client of ours, help make it possible,” says Anthony. “Our intention has always been to give back to the community. So, to have clients who want to get involved and engage Indigenous suppliers aligns with everything we set out to achieve.”

FDC’s interest in AWM Amaroo’s day-to-day really matters too,” says Daniel. “Every time I talk to someone from FDC about what we’re up to, or if I mention we’re bringing on another Indigenous apprentice, they’re always interested in hearing about it,” he says. “It’s nice to have a company back us and want the same outcomes around Indigenous employment.” And Amaroo’s connection with FDC means these efforts are never one way. The AWM team also supports FDC’s community initiatives, including their cornerstone fundraiser, Ride to Give, which has raised over $4 million for youth-focused charities including Boys to the Bush and BackTrack Youth Works. “When you have strong partners like FDC, it keeps all this going,” Anthony says. “It makes a genuine impact.”

Culture in Action

For Pat, the partnership with AWM Amaroo is a clear example of how FDC’s approach goes far beyond contracts, with commitment to reconciliation that shows up on projects, big and small. FDC’s teams put this into practice through cultural awareness training with Corporate Culture, working with traditional owners, and making space for ongoing learning, whether that’s through NAIDOC Week initiatives or site-based activities that keep respect front and centre. “It’s become business as usual for us,” says Pat. “That’s how you know it’s working, when it’s part of how you deliver every day.”

Celebrating 35 Years + Counting