Supporting the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders is a key focus of Downer’s Reconciliation Action Plan. In 2025, the Indigenous Talent Development initiative was created to help make that happen. 

The initiative provides four Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees with a $5,000 professional development grant to support training, courses, conferences or other opportunities to strengthen their careers and leadership pathways. 

By investing in professional growth, the program helps build capability, open new opportunities and support future Indigenous leaders across the business and the communities connected to our projects. 

For Rikki Regeling, a Local Content Graduate, the grant created an opportunity to strengthen her leadership journey and deepen the purpose behind her work. 

A proud Meriam and Kulkalgal woman from Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait), Rikki’s connection to the industry began long before joining Downer. Her parents ran a First Nations civil construction business, and growing up she saw both the opportunities and the challenges Indigenous businesses face. 

“I’d go to industry events with my parents and sit in the back corner playing games,” Rikki says. “But I was absorbing everything.” 

Watching her family navigate industry shaped her career path. 

“That experience is why I wanted to work in this space. I wanted to create change and have a positive impact on First Nations businesses and the communities they support.” 

Today, Rikki works in the QTMP local content team, helping strengthen engagement with Indigenous suppliers and identify opportunities for First Nations businesses to grow. 

“Owning a First Nations business is a massive thing,” she says. “Often those businesses are supporting their communities – employing apprentices, trainees and giving opportunities to other First Nations people.” 

In 2025, Rikki used her Indigenous Talent Development grant to attend the Indigenous Leadership Summit in Sydney.

The experience reinforced the importance of visible leadership, connecting her with emerging and established First Nations leaders from across industry. 

“Seeing people succeed matters. You can’t do what you can’t see.” 

For Rikki, initiatives that invest in people create a ripple effect, strengthening individuals and their communities, while supporting the future leaders. 

“By doing good things, you’re going to get better things out of people,” she says. “When you invest in someone, they invest right back.” 

For the next generation watching, including Rikki’s four nieces and new nephew, that visibility matters.  

Through initiatives like the Indigenous Talent Development program, more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders are being supported to step forward, build connections and open doors for those who follow.