Who we are
18FiFTY3 Group prides itself on its diverse group of team members. Our Aboriginal director and leaders drive the group to develop great products, world class training and deliver on our targets. 18FiFTY3 Group is an equal opportunity employer, and strive to provide work opportunities and job outcomes to Indigenous Australians.
John Sayers is desendent from the Bundawang (Yuin) Mob. Yuin is the name referred to for the Aboriginal Tribal group occupying the coastal area between Jervis Bay and Twofold Bay.The Budawang tribe were the Aboriginals to be sighted by Captain Cook in 1770, on Koorbrua beach at Murramarang. The tribal area of Budawang is from Conjola in the north, Lake George in the West and the Moruya (Deua) River in the south. John is a passionate and successful businessman having previously owned such businesses as Rex Airlines and Ocean Earth, developed major parcels of land in Eastern Australia and John brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership and mentoring to the 18FiFTY3 Group team.He is passionate about indigenous employment and training, creating jobs for those in remote areas across Australia. John wants to join modern technology and Aboriginal culture and land management skills to drive solutions for training and employment through remote Australia.
Peter Chia Community & Project lead
Peter Chia has working within the construction, civil and landscape sector over a 32 year career, working across NSW. Key projects include the Sydney Olympics, Eastern Distributor Upgrade, Sydney Airport Domestic Terminal Upgrade, Sydney Ports Corporation, Garden Island remediation, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, Sydney Zoo Construction, Western Sydney Parklands, National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Dept Education Building Education Revolution (BER) Program, Penrith Lakes Development Corporation mine closure amongst others. Peter advised on the Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP) with Office of Prime and Cabinet in 2012 to 2013 and launched the policy with Prime Minister’s Office, as CEO from Muru Mittigar Western Sydney resulting in over 75 FTE jobs for local Aboriginal community over a 9 year tenure.
Richard Baker is a Northern Territory indigenous man from Borroloola. He is a trained Northern Territory National Park Ranger and Commercial Helicopter Pilot with over 5000 hours of flight time. In 2008/9 Richard expressed that he would like to train as a commercial pilot. 18FiFTY3 Group now commercial manager owner, Ben Surawski assisted Richard to seek funding and created a management plan for training. This was approved and over the next 14 months Richard completed his Cert IV (Commercial Helicopter Pilot) and was awarded the Northern Territory Aboriginal Trainee of the year. 18FiFTY3 Group owner Richard Baker now has over 5000 hours of flight time and utilises his skills to helicopter muster in Aboriginal Cattle properties in Far North Queensland and the Northern Territory. As well as being involved with 18FiFTY3 Group, over the next 12 months Richard is aiming to establish his own helicopter mustering company operating in Far North Queensland and the Northern Territory. Richard will contract to the large Aboriginal cattle stations in the area. Richard also supports environmental programmes on Aboriginal Lands such as sea turtle tagging programmes on Mornington Island. Since he was awarded a grant from the NT Government and MRM Mining, Richard’s contribution back to the govt and community includes earnings that have gone directly back into the Borroloola and Normanton communities. Richard has purchased private land and other assets. Richard has injected tax revenue back to the government whilst supporting the Aboriginal cattle community and Ranger programmes with his work. Richard is well placed to manage teams in the 18FiFTY3 Group Environmental Management ground operations, guide Aboriginal students through their careers, work with government on implementing Aboriginal training programmes thus closing the educational and employment gaps that exist.
Ben Surawski’s business and commercial management career have led him to learn the finer points of networking, stakeholder engagement and contract management in a range of areas throughout Australia and internationally. He is proficient in delivering value and operational efficiency through the design and implementation of comprehensive people practices, strategies that drives engagement and tools to keep costs in check. His background includes 5 years in the Australian Army, time as a commercial helicopter pilot, firefigthing and operating in high paced environments such as the Queensland floods of 2012, while also driving quality and safety as a lead auditor in company safety programmes.
Isobel Bender Senior Environmental Lead
Isobel Bender, a distinguished environmental specialist with a comprehensive background in policy analysis, science communication, and on-ground conservation. Educated at the Australian National University, Isobel holds a degree majoring in Environmental Studies and Biodiversity Conservation Management, complemented by a Certificate 3 in Conservation and Ecosystem Management. Her academic contributions, particularly in water policy and biodiversity offset policy, are well-regarded, with several published papers to her name. Isobel excels in translating complex scientific information into accessible knowledge, particularly in the water sector for government agencies, showcasing her prowess in science communication. Isobel’s practical experience is equally notable, with over four years dedicated to riparian restoration and regenerative agriculture projects. Her involvement in the carbon market from an industry perspective and her collaborative work with the Ngunnawal peoples underscore her commitment to inclusive and sustainable environmental practices. Passionate about climate change adaptation and conservation management, she brings a unique blend of academic research and field expertise to our team, driven by her belief in the power of connecting people with their environment to foster its care and preservation.
Our Latest Work
Team
18FiFTY3 Group consistently apply best practice methodologies and robust management systems for Quality, WH&S and Environment to our work, be it consultative or on-ground. We assure that our team works effectively, efficiently and safely.
Collaboration
Our aim is to build trusted relationships with our customers, provide sustainable outcomes on projects and build strategic partnerships providing better outcomes for our clients, team members and the community.
Results
The company operates across a range of fields including facilities and asset management, aviation/aerospace, marketing and education/training. We pride ourselves on giving back to communities, Indigenous youth in STEM education programs and inspiring indigenous youth to stay in education and technical jobs.