Owen Hedge - Kicking Goals and Building a Career

“I was born in Darwin on Larrakia land, grew up in Brisbane on Jagera and Turrbal land and now live in Melbourne on Wurundjeri land. My Aboriginality comes from mum’s side and my mob is up from Yarrabah and they’re called the Gunggandji tribe.

I am an AFL fanatic and have always loved it since I was a baby. I guess this is why I love working at BMD so much because it has plenty of connecting factors to football. It’s not a one-person job, you have people doing their role, working together in unison to achieve a common goal whether that be completing a project or winning a tender.

Attending the Clontarf Foundation hadn’t been on the agenda for me however there’s a saying that the best things happen when you least expect them and that was certainly true of my journey with Clontarf. I made memories, friends that will last a lifetime and great connections. I can’t imagine how different my life might be had I not joined Clontarf or attended Ambrose Treacy College in Brisbane.

I met BMD’s Employee Engagement and Retention Manager, Craig Lambert at a Clontarf Employment Forum and after chatting for a bit found out that he was an All-Australian, 200 AFL game player and Best and Fairest winner. And that’s how I kickstarted my journey with BMD.

I relocated to Melbourne with BMD to chase by dream of one day playing AFL and it’s been great having the support of BMD who have provided me the flexibility to train and allow me to focus on my recovery from injury – all while working full time.

While I have had my fair share of sporing related injuries, I remain hopeful and confident that my luck will turn around. I don’t believe in giving up, so I am focused on staying on the field, enjoying my football, and getting a kick with the mighty Springvale Districts all while having the safety net of Australia’s largest privately owned civil construction company, BMD behind me.

My role at BMD is Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Trainee and my work has been all about creating healthy relationships with stakeholders and residents near our projects. This role is great for me as I love meeting all the people involved in the construction industry. My older brother calls me a yapper because I love to talk to, and learn, about all different people from all walks of life. It allows you to understand what life is like for others, whether that’s your business partners, colleagues, or stakeholders.

The best advice I’ve been given is “if you’re five minutes early, you’re 10 minutes late”, but also ensure you arrive safely and are not rushing. Be organised and take every opportunity you’ve been given!”

– Owen Hedge, proud Gunggandji man, Clontarf Foundation Alumni, and Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Trainee, BMD Constructions