Education & Schools Infrastructure
Koori Constructions delivers carpentry, security upgrades, and minor works packages for Schools Infrastructure NSW, Department of Education facilities, and youth justice centres across NSW — building safe, functional learning environments as a 100% Aboriginal-owned subcontractor to tier-1 head contractors and direct to government agencies.
Our Education Sector Experience
We work with Schools Infrastructure NSW, the NSW Department of Education delivery arm, and Communities & Justice NSW (formerly Department of Justice) to deliver construction and maintenance scopes for public schools, TAFE facilities, and youth justice centres. Our work ranges from carpentry and cladding to security hardening and WHS-compliant site modifications — scopes typically valued between $20,000 and $150,000, delivered as subcontracted packages to tier-1 head contractors or via direct minor works panel arrangements.
Typical Scopes
- Security upgrades: hardened doors, access control framing, perimeter fencing carpentry, lock box installation
- Internal fit-outs: classroom joinery, partition framing, ceiling upgrades, flooring preparation
- External works: cladding replacement, weatherboard repair, exterior door and window frames, verandah and covered walkway structures
- Maintenance & cyclical works: termite damage remediation, rot repair, fire door compliance upgrades, accessibility ramps and handrails
- Youth justice facility works: CCTV-compliant carpentry (no tool shadows, pre-approved materials), secure furniture installation, anti-ligature joinery
Client & Procurement Pathways
- Schools Infrastructure NSW: relationship established via tier-1 subcontracts and minor works panels; targeting direct inclusion on SI NSW Aboriginal Procurement Register for future RFQs
- Communities & Justice NSW: delivered $20k carpentry scope at Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre (Kariong, Central Coast) via Dotbuild as head contractor (2024)
- TAFE NSW: capability aligned with Newcastle and Hunter TAFE facility maintenance and upgrade scopes; no delivered projects yet but active in tender watch
- Tier-1 head contractors: subcontract pathway via Built, ADCO, Kane, Dotbuild for school construction and refurbishment projects where Indigenous participation targets apply
Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) Compliance
Koori Constructions is a 100% Aboriginal-owned business (Director Brad Robinson, Dunghutti and Wiradjuri man), certified by Supply Nation and registered with NSWICC. Under the federal Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) and NSW Government Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP), head contractors and government agencies can claim our subcontract value toward their Indigenous participation targets. From 1 July 2026, only businesses with 51% or greater Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ownership are eligible under IPP — we meet this requirement at 100%, providing tier-1 contractors and Schools Infrastructure NSW with a compliant, capable subcontractor for carpentry and minor works scopes.
How We Work on Education Projects
Education and youth justice facilities demand high WHS compliance, strict site access protocols, and zero disruption to students and staff. We adapt our site methodology to meet these requirements:
1. RFQ Response & Capability Alignment
Head contractor or Schools Infrastructure NSW issues RFQ with scope, programme, and IPP participation targets. We respond within 48 hours with capability statement, insurance certificates, and references from similar scopes (youth justice, community facilities, secure environments).
2. Site Access & Security Clearance
For youth justice and secure school sites, all personnel undergo Working With Children Checks (WWCC), National Police Checks, and site-specific inductions (e.g. Frank Baxter required Dotbuild-led induction covering CCTV zones, tool control, and contraband protocols). We maintain a pool of pre-cleared trades to ensure rapid mobilisation.
3. Programme & Staging
Works are staged to minimise disruption: out-of-hours (evenings, weekends, school holidays) for noisy or high-dust scopes; term-time for low-impact internal fit-outs. We coordinate with school principals and head contractors to align delivery windows with operational requirements (e.g. no construction during HSC exam periods).
4. WHS & Environmental Compliance
SWMS submitted for every scope; asbestos awareness and lead paint protocols applied on older school buildings (common in NSW regional schools built pre-1990); dust suppression and noise monitoring per head contractor's site environmental management plan. Daily toolbox talks and JSAs for all personnel.
5. Quality Assurance & Handover
Schools Infrastructure NSW and Communities & Justice NSW require photographic progress records, material compliance certificates (e.g. fire-rated materials for door upgrades, anti-ligature screws for youth justice joinery), and final defect inspections. We deliver full handover packs including as-built documentation and O&M manuals where required.
6. Defects Period & Warranty
Standard 12-month defects liability period; 7-year structural warranty under NSW Home Building Act where applicable. We provide a single point of contact (Director Brad Robinson, 0448 368 354) for any post-handover issues — critical for schools and youth justice facilities where defects can create safety or operational risks.
Delivered Project: Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre
Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre — Secure Carpentry Works
Client: Communities & Justice NSW (via Dotbuild as head contractor)
Location: Kariong, Central Coast NSW (Darkinjung Country)
Value: $20,000 ex GST
Delivery: 2024
Scope: Carpentry works within a secure youth justice facility, including internal door frame upgrades, anti-ligature joinery installation, and CCTV-compliant framing (no tool shadows, pre-approved materials list). All works delivered under strict security protocols: tool control logs, daily searches, CCTV monitoring, and contraband-free material certification.
Outcome: Zero safety incidents, zero contraband findings, delivered within programme and budget. Demonstrates capability to work in secure government facilities with high WHS and security compliance requirements — directly transferable to school security upgrades and other sensitive education environments.
Why Procurement Officers Choose Koori for Education Projects
IPP Compliance Certainty
100% Aboriginal-owned (not 51%, not 20% — 100%). Supply Nation certified, NSWICC registered. From 1 July 2026, IPP requires 51%+ Indigenous ownership — we exceed this threshold, giving Schools Infrastructure NSW and tier-1 head contractors compliance certainty without ongoing ownership verification audits.
Secure Environment Experience
Delivered carpentry in a youth justice facility (Frank Baxter) — one of the most security-sensitive environments in NSW Government. Proven ability to manage tool control, CCTV protocols, contraband-free materials, and Working With Children clearances. This experience translates directly to school security upgrades and sensitive education sites.
Single Point of Contact
Director Brad Robinson (0448 368 354) is the primary contact for all quotes, site queries, and post-handover defects. No account managers, no handoffs — procurement officers and head contractors deal directly with the owner-builder who will be on site. Faster decision-making, clearer accountability.
Regional NSW Capability
Based on Darkinjung Country (Central Coast), we mobilise efficiently to Hunter, Newcastle, and regional NSW school sites. Lower mobilisation costs than Sydney-based trades; stronger local subcontractor networks for electrical, plumbing, and material supply; cultural connection to the Country many schools sit on (Darkinjung, Awabakal, Wonnarua).
Frequently Asked Questions — Schools Infrastructure & Education Procurement
Can Koori Constructions tender directly for Schools Infrastructure NSW projects, or do we work only as a subcontractor?
Currently subcontractor pathway; direct panel registration in progress. Our delivered education project (Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre) was via tier-1 head contractor Dotbuild. We are actively pursuing inclusion on Schools Infrastructure NSW's Aboriginal Procurement Register and minor works panels to enable direct RFQ responses for scopes under $150k. For larger projects (over $150k or complex multi-trade scopes), we work as a specialist carpentry subcontractor to tier-1 head contractors (Built, ADCO, Kane, Dotbuild) who hold Schools Infrastructure NSW head contract panels. Procurement officers seeking an IPP-compliant carpentry subcontractor for an existing school project can contact us directly for capability alignment — we respond within 48 hours.
What is the typical scope size Koori Constructions can deliver on education projects?
$20,000 to $150,000 per package. Our sweet spot is single-trade carpentry or small multi-trade packages (carpentry + painting, carpentry + security hardware) that sit within this range. Examples: classroom fit-out ($40k–$80k), external cladding replacement for a school building ($60k–$120k), security door and frame upgrades across multiple buildings ($30k–$70k). For larger scopes (over $150k or requiring trades outside our direct capability — electrical, hydraulic, HVAC), we work as a subcontractor within a tier-1 head contractor's delivery team rather than as principal contractor. This sizing aligns with Schools Infrastructure NSW's minor works and maintenance budgets, and with tier-1 contractors' Indigenous subcontractor participation targets (typically 3–5% of head contract value on education projects).
How does Koori Constructions manage Working With Children Checks and site access clearances for school sites?
All site personnel hold current Working With Children Checks (WWCC) and National Police Checks. Director Brad Robinson and core carpentry team maintain up-to-date clearances (renewed every 5 years for WWCC, annually for NPC). For additional trades (painters, plumbers, electricians) we verify clearances before site mobilisation and provide copies to Schools Infrastructure NSW or the head contractor as part of site access documentation. We also complete site-specific inductions for each school or youth justice facility (e.g. Frank Baxter required Dotbuild-led induction covering CCTV zones, tool control, contraband protocols, and emergency lockdown procedures). Clearance and induction records are maintained in our WHS management system and available for audit. Typical turnaround for a new team member to achieve site-ready status (WWCC + NPC + induction) is 4–6 weeks; we maintain a pre-cleared pool to avoid programme delays.
Can Koori Constructions work during school holidays or term time? What are the staging and access constraints?
We stage works to suit operational requirements — out-of-hours or school holidays for high-impact scopes; term-time for low-disruption works. Noisy or dusty scopes (e.g. demolition, external cladding with power tools, concrete cutting) are typically programmed for school holiday periods or weekends to avoid disrupting classes. Low-impact internal fit-outs (e.g. painting, joinery installation, floor prep) can be delivered during term time in unoccupied wings or after-hours (evenings, 4pm–10pm). We coordinate staging with school principals and head contractors during the tender/RFQ phase to align delivery windows with exam periods (no construction during HSC exams), major school events (athletics carnivals, NAIDOC Week), and operational constraints (e.g. no access to administration buildings during enrolment week). Flexible programme and out-of-hours capability is a key competitive advantage for education projects — many larger contractors cannot cost-effectively deliver small scopes outside standard working hours.
Does Koori Constructions hold insurance and licences adequate for Schools Infrastructure NSW and youth justice facility work?
Yes — NSW Builder Licence 477499C (Unrestricted), $20M public liability, $10M professional indemnity, workers compensation (if required). Our insurance coverage meets or exceeds Schools Infrastructure NSW and Communities & Justice NSW requirements for head contractors and subcontractors on government education and justice projects. NSW Licence 477499C is an Unrestricted licence (all classes of building work, no value limit) issued by NSW Fair Trading — this is the highest licence tier in NSW and permits us to contract as principal contractor or subcontractor on any building project in the state. Certificate of currency and licence verification available upon request (typically required at RFQ/tender stage). We also carry contract works insurance on a project-by-project basis where required by head contracts or client specifications (common on Schools Infrastructure NSW projects over $100k).
Partner With Koori on Your Next Education Project
Procurement officers and tier-1 head contractors seeking an IPP-compliant, security-cleared, regionally-based carpentry subcontractor for Schools Infrastructure NSW, Department of Education, or youth justice facility projects — contact Director Brad Robinson to discuss capability alignment, insurance, and programme.