Established in 2024
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
At PALANU, we’re doing more than managing waste — we’re building connections to help shape a sustainable future.
Driving Cultural Inclusion
Strengthening Communities Through Real Partnerships
Cultural inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. As a First Nations-owned business, we are committed to fostering a workplace that respects, values, and amplifies First Nations perspectives. We believe that true inclusion goes beyond employment, it requires active engagement, education, and meaningful collaboration with Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities.
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Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS): Health and Wellbeing
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Willan Foundation: Training, Upskilling and Housing
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Fitzroy Stars Football & Netball Club: Community and Leadership
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Koorie Youth Will Shake Spears: Culture, Language, and Expression
At Palanu, we believe business success should walk hand in hand with community strength. As a proudly Blak-owned company, we use our work on major infrastructure projects to drive meaningful change, connecting government investment to grassroots outcomes that help Close the Gap across health, training, culture, and community wellbeing.
At the heart of our company are our values: connection to country, community empowerment, cultural integrity, and sustainability. We strive to foster meaningful partnerships, support local employment opportunities, and contribute positively to the social, economic, and environmental wellbeing of the communities we serve.
Through our partnerships with the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS), Willan Foundation, Fitzroy Stars Football Netball Club, and Koorie Youth Will Shake Spears, Palanu ensures that every project we deliver contributes to something much bigger than the job itself. Together, these partnerships create a social return on investment that can be seen and measured in stronger, healthier, and more connected Aboriginal communities.
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS): Health and Wellbeing
Palanu proudly supports VAHS in promoting health, wellbeing, and preventive care for Aboriginal families across Victoria. Our partnership ensures our workforce and networks are regularly engaged in VAHS-led programs, including health checks and community events. By supporting VAHS, we help keep culture strong and communities healthy — ensuring that every project involving Palanu delivers a legacy of wellbeing alongside physical infrastructure.
Impact:
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Improved workforce health outcomes
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Increased participation in community health initiatives
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Reduced barriers to accessing culturally safe health services
Fitzroy Stars Football & Netball Club: Community and Leadership
The Fitzroy Stars have long been a heartbeat of the Aboriginal community, driving unity, pride, and positive role modelling. Palanu’s partnership supports the Club’s community engagement, helping sustain programs that encourage youth participation, healthy lifestyles, and leadership development — the same values we bring to our own workplace culture.
Impact:
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Community-led engagement and youth mentoring
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Stronger links between sport, health, and employment pathways
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Increased visibility of Aboriginal leadership in community spaces
Social Return and Measuring Impact
Palanu integrates social return on investment (SROI) principles into every partnership. We measure our impact not only by dollars spent, but by outcomes achieved — such as jobs created, training completed, community programs supported, and wellbeing improved. By tracking these indicators, government partners can clearly see how investing in Palanu delivers measurable, long-lasting social outcomes that align with Closing the Gap targets and Aboriginal procurement frameworks.
Willan Foundation: Training, Upskilling, and Housing
Through our connection with the Willan Foundation, Palanu contributes to pathways that empower Aboriginal people through training, employment, and housing stability. We collaborate to identify opportunities within our projects for skill development and on-the-job learning — building long-term capability and financial independence for community members.
Impact:
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Training-to-employment pathways created through Palanu projects
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Increased Aboriginal participation in construction and civil sectors
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Measurable workforce development outcomes
Koorie Youth Will Shake Spears: Culture, Language, and Expression
Palanu’s support of the Koorie Youth Will Shake Spears program keeps language, culture, and creative expression alive for the next generation. This partnership allows young people to connect deeply with identity through performing arts, storytelling, and language — reinforcing cultural pride both on and off Country.
Impact:
- Increased youth participation in cultural and creative programs
- Strengthened connection to language and identity
- Visible cultural representation within mainstream spaces
In Summary
By partnering with Palanu, government and industry are not just procuring a service — they are investing in real community outcomes. Together, we’re building stronger foundations for the next generation — healthier, more skilled, and more connected Aboriginal communities across Victoria.
INVESTING IN FIRST NATIONS TALENT
CULTURAL AWARENESS & INCLUSION
CREATING LONG-TERM CAREER PATHS
POSITIVE IMPACT IN THE COMMUNITY
STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS
A VISION FOR SHARED PROSPERITY
