JSIP Bulletin – November 2025
Overview of Jobs, Skills, and Industry Participation
The Regional Rail project has led to the establishment of a new train maintenance facility in Dubbo, named Mindyarra, aimed at boosting the local economy and generating sustainable job and skill development opportunities, directly and through subcontractors.
Local businesses have been invited to bid for contracts with our primary contractors and their subcontractors for the construction of the maintenance center and subsequent maintenance operations.
The Jobs, Skills and Industry Participation (JSIP) program intends to enhance the capabilities of local small to medium enterprises, enabling them to submit competitive bids for this and future projects.
By strengthening the skills landscape in regional NSW, we aim to fulfill JSIP priorities, which include creating employment pathways for apprentices, trainees, graduates, and work experience opportunities.
Goals of JSIP
Since its inception in 2019, the Jobs, Skills and Industry Participation (JSIP) Program has significantly contributed to regional economic growth, skill enhancement, and inclusive employment in NSW. The Regional Rail project has generated meaningful opportunities for local residents and companies in Dubbo and the surrounding areas.
JSIP was initiated to:
- Create enduring job opportunities
- Enhance skills and training opportunities
- Encourage Aboriginal participation
- Engage local businesses
The program’s achievements are a collaborative effort involving Transport for NSW, project contractors, and a broad network of community and government stakeholders. Ongoing partnerships with advisory and working groups ensure continuous progress and representation of all stakeholders.
Future Directions: Skill Development
With the completion of the Mindyarra Maintenance Centre and its operation by UGL, the JSIP is dedicated to ensuring that the skills acquired during construction continue to benefit local communities. This includes:
- Facilitating transitions for workers into long-term roles in TCW and operations
- Assisting individuals in applying their newly acquired skills on various projects throughout regional NSW
- Maintaining close collaboration with educational institutions, training providers, and Aboriginal organizations to foster career pathways for local residents
The initiative has led to approximately 200 jobs during construction and 50 ongoing positions in the maintenance phase, providing opportunities for both enduring employment and skill enhancement.
JSIP Strategy
The JSIP Advisory Group, formed in 2018, brought together representatives from local councils, Aboriginal organizations, government agencies, and industry partners. This group played a key role in influencing the Regional Rail project and its community-centered programs.
An Aboriginal Working Group was also instrumental, offering guidance on aspects such as naming the maintenance center, connecting with local artists, and engaging schools in business initiatives. Their insights helped cultivate a united vision for reconciliation and inclusion.
Now that the Mindyarra Maintenance Centre is operational, both groups have concluded their efforts. Their contributions have made a lasting impact, enhancing the project’s scope and strengthening community connections.
Tender Preparation Workshops
Regional Rail collaborated with iclick2learn, a Dubbo-based social enterprise, to conduct workshops aimed at helping local businesses create successful tender proposals for significant projects.
These workshops covered essential aspects of the tender submission process, key terminology, and criteria addressal, equipping businesses not only for Mindyarra tenders but also for future NSW Government infrastructure opportunities, enhancing job prospects for the region.
iclick2learn also produced instructional videos to assist small businesses in navigating the tender writing process.
