Barpa / Thales Jennings Defence Site
$79,000 Defence infrastructure project in Tenterfield, NSW — SCEC-approved hardening works and access panel installs for Thales Australia, sub-contracted via Barpa.
The Challenge
Thales Australia required Defence-grade infrastructure hardening at the Jennings site near Tenterfield — a remote location requiring SCEC (Security Construction and Equipment Committee) compliance for all access panel installs and structural modifications. The works had to be completed without disrupting site operations, and all trades needed current AGSVA security clearances. Barpa, as the tier-2 Aboriginal-owned head contractor, sub-contracted the carpentry and structural hardening to Koori Constructions.
Our Approach
Director Brad Robinson obtained AGSVA baseline clearance for the project (valid March–September 2025). We delivered all works to SCEC standards, including tamper-evident access panel installs, structural reinforcement to withstand forced-entry testing, and compliance documentation at every stage. The remote Tenterfield location required careful logistics — all materials were pre-staged to avoid site delays. We coordinated daily with Barpa and Thales security officers to maintain operational security throughout.
The Outcome
All works were completed on time, passed Defence audit, and met SCEC physical security standards. Thales Australia and Barpa have both confirmed interest in future projects. This project demonstrated Koori Constructions' capability to deliver Defence-grade work in remote locations — a key differentiator for future tier-3 Aboriginal business opportunities in the Defence supply chain.
Defence Capabilities Demonstrated
- AGSVA Security Clearance: Director holds baseline clearance (valid to September 2025, renewable)
- SCEC Compliance: Physical security hardening to SCEC standards, including forced-entry rated access panels
- Remote Site Logistics: Successfully delivered complex works in Tenterfield (5+ hours from Newcastle)
- Aboriginal Supply Chain: Sub-contracted via Barpa (tier-2 Aboriginal business), supporting Indigenous participation targets
- Documentation & Audit: Full compliance documentation, passed Defence audit first time