The company’s commitment to buyinglocal whenever possible was illustrated dramatically when 13-year Sitzler veteran Michael Zampa was appointed Indigenous Business Enterprise Operations Manager.

He says Managing Director Steve Margetic and Director Michael Sitzler have a “locals, locals, locals” policy. “Even when working in remote communities we do our best to use as much local business as possible,” says Mr Zampa. “If we know they can do the job and the price is right we’ll engage them.”

Apart from bringing in highly-skilled specialists from interstate, Sitzler prefers to award contracts to local companies that can do the job to the highest standards at a reasonable price.

Subcontractors relish working for Sitzler – and for every good reason. They are treated with honesty and transparency, and they are paid on time.

“We fully understand that small companies need to maintain a cash flow,” says Mr Zampa. “So we pay what is owed on time. Some companies want paying within 14 days, rather than the more usual 30, and we’re happy to oblige.

“We never have any disputes with subbies. And that’s because we treat them fairly.”

Sitzler has worked with some contractors for many years and they have become tried and trusted partners. But the company is always willing to consider other local businesses.

Contracts can range from erecting temporary fencing at the start of a project to $18 million Defence work awarded to an Indigenous-owned company.

Mathias Paul, who is managing a surveying subcontract for Fyfe on the Tiger Brennan overpass project, says working with Sitzler is a pleasure.

“Everything runs smoothly – we never have any problems,” he says.

Mr Zampa says some businesses have gone from being small firms to quite substantial companies on the back of proving themselves as Sitzler contractors.

“It’s impressive to see these companies grow and excel. We’ve declined a number of Defence jobs in favour of smaller companies that we knew could do the work.”

Sitzler often gives small firms with quality management and health, safety and environment support.

“We’ve got the right people on the ground to support subbies.”

Sitzler is also a popular place to work – many of its staff have been with the company for more than 20 years.

Plant operator Steven Hughson, who has worked for Sitzler for 21 years and is also working on the Tiger Brennan project, says: “I’ve been with the company for a long time now and really enjoy my job. “

Sitzler has a string of major projects underway, including:

• Tiger Brennan Drive Overpass, which is scheduled for completion by December

• Upgrades to four military training grounds – Robertson Barracks, Kangaroo Flats, Mt Bundey and Bradshaw

• The NT Art Gallery in Darwin • The National Indigenous Art Gallery in Alice Springs

• Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Unit

• Tindal RAAF Base hangar, which is twice the size of the hangar that Sitzler built a RAAF Base Darwin

• LAND19 – new facilities to support the short- range groundbased air defence in Edinburgh, South Australia

Sitzler, which employs over 300 staff, plus subcontractors, has offices in Darwin, Adelaide, Canberra, Exmouth, Perth and Maroochydore.