Case studies

One of the aims of this community of practice is to learn from each other and to promote best practice. To this end, we are aiming to establish a repository of standardised case studies of social procurement initiatives that demonstrate best practice.

This will help clients, policy-makers and social impact investors differentiate those who are genuinely making an impact and helping the beneficiaries which social procurement policies are meant to help. 

Published case studies

Sydney Metro

This two-part case study published on The Fifth Estate explores how Carla Calkins and her team at Sydney Metro are working to ensure that this landmark project is having a positive impact on the many communities in which it is being built. 

Special Report Part 1: Social procurement in construction – a massive opportunity but also a challenge

Special Report Part 2: Social procurement in construction – Sydney Metro case study

The story of Barpa and key lessons shared

This is the story  and lessons learnt about how a majority Indigenous owned construction company called Barpa was formed through a unique collaboration between Icon and the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations. Barpa represents a unique partnership between the oldest construction company in Australia and the oldest continuous living culture in the world. Since 2014 Barpa has grown to become an exemplar of Indigenous entrepreneurship and empowerment. 

• HOW TO INCUBATE A SUCCESSFUL INDIGENOUS OWNED CONSTRUCTION COMPANY: THE STORY OF BARPA AND KEY LESSONS SHARED

Pushing the boundaries of Aboriginal employment on the Rozelle Interchange Project

This is the story of how the Rozelle Interchange Project in Sydney pushed the boundaries of Aboriginal social procurement, setting new benchmarks for inclusivity and impact. Led by a joint venture between John Holland and CPB Contractors, the project initially aimed to allocate 1.5% of its spend—$34 million—to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and workers. Through strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and accountability measures, the project far exceeded expectations, committing over $150 million and engaging 25 Indigenous-owned businesses while employing 566 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals. This initiative showcases how innovative procurement, cultural awareness, and collaborative efforts can drive meaningful change in the construction industry.

• Pushing the boundaries of Aboriginal social procurement on the Rozelle Interchange Project | Spinifex | The Fifth Estate

How to get published on The Fifth Estate

If of interest, we can work with you to publish these case studies on The Fifth Estate. The Fifth Estate is now Australia’s leading online newspaper for the sustainable built environment and is willing to help us publicise these case studies. 

The Fifth Estate’s plan is to start with the case studies and then turn these into engaging stories, podcasts and eventually small live discussion events that can be broadcast and recorded to help industry, community members and other stakeholders learn from your first-hand experience. 

The average readership for The Fifth Estate is 60,000 unique visitors each month, alongside a newsletter reaching 15,000 readers twice a week. The readership is influential and widespread in the built environment and within leadership in property and relevant government agencies.