The Core Values Awards honour outstanding projects and practitioners that embody the principles of meaningful, inclusive and effective engagement. Held annually, the awards showcase innovation, integrity and impact – highlighting the individuals, teams and organisations setting the standard in community and stakeholder engagement.

The Boorloo Bridge project was delivered by the Causeway Link Alliance, comprising Civmec, Seymour Whyte, WSP and Main Roads Western Australia.

Highlights that contributed to the win included:

• Collaboration with Noongar Elders was integral, with numerous in-person engagements over a five-year period facilitating opportunities for Aboriginal empowerment and self-determination.
• Involving Traditional Owners from the outset (pre-feasibility stage) ensured meaningful input in shaping strategic project outcomes. Elders shared site-specific stories, passed from generation to generation, informing the project’s cultural narrative, underpinning all elements of design, construction and engagement.
• The Alliance’s engagement approach fostered strong, trust-based relationships between Elders and the project team and built Elder capacity to seek and participate in other consultation processes. Independent evaluation demonstrated a high level of shared ownership and satisfaction from Elders in final project outcomes.
• The project has created an iconic legacy delivering visionary aspirations showcasing Whadjuk Noongar Culture to the world. Whilst the project delivers transport infrastructure, it has initiated a healing and reconciliation process within the community, in building bridges between the Aboriginal community and other residents and visitors to Perth.