Left to Right: Kira Edwards (Yurringa Employee) and Brad Boon (Relationship Manager, Yurringa)
Role: Traffic Controller
Employer: Yurringa
On-hired to: ICON
Project: Port Melbourne Social Housing Project
Kira Edwards is a proud Aboriginal woman with strong cultural connections to the Gunnai/Kurnai, Gunditjmara, Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta and Boonwurrung peoples. Her life journey reflects deep ties to Country and community across Victoria.
Kira was born and raised in Melbourne until the age of nine, before moving to Lake Tyers Trust (Bung Yarnda), where she lived until she was fourteen. Her family later relocated to Echuca, where she spent her teenage years, before returning to Melbourne to pursue employment opportunities. These experiences have shaped Kira’s resilience, adaptability, and strong sense of identity.
Kira is employed full-time by Yurringa Energy and on-hired to ICON as a Traffic Controller on the Port Melbourne Social Housing Project. Through this role, she has found not only meaningful employment, but a workplace where she feels respected, supported, and genuinely included.
“I thoroughly enjoy working for Yurringa. The organisation has given me stability and made me feel genuinely welcome. Through Yurringa, I’ve built strong friendships and a real sense of belonging with the wider Yurringa family.”
One of the most significant outcomes of Kira’s secure, full-time employment has been her ability to achieve major personal milestones. Recently, Kira purchased a brand new car, the first in her life, a powerful symbol of independence, financial stability, and self-belief.
For Kira, this achievement represents far more than a vehicle; it reflects the confidence that comes from steady work, consistent income, and a supportive employment environment. It has improved her day-to-day mobility, strengthened her independence, and enhanced her ability to support herself and remain connected to family and community.
“For me, full-time employment represents stability, consistency and fulfilment. It allows me to feel grounded, valued and genuinely happy in my work.”
Kira’s presence on site and her personal achievements make her a strong role model for other Aboriginal women and young people. She demonstrates what is possible when First Nations workers are supported through culturally safe employment pathways that prioritise retention, wellbeing, and long-term opportunity. Her journey helps challenge barriers to participation and encourages others to see construction as a viable, rewarding career.
Alignment with ICON RAP Outcomes
Kira’s employment and progression align strongly with ICON’s Reconciliation Action Plan commitments by:
- Supporting meaningful and sustained First Nations employment, particularly for Aboriginal women
- Enabling economic independence and life milestones, such as first-time asset ownership
- Creating culturally safe and inclusive site environments where Aboriginal employees feel valued and supported
- Strengthening partnerships with Indigenous-owned businesses, including Yurringa
- Delivering positive social value outcomes that extend beyond the workplace to families and communities
Kira’s story highlights the tangible impact of secure employment, strong partnerships, and inclusive workplace practices. Through ICON’s commitment to reconciliation and Yurringa’s Indigenous-led employment model, Kira is building a stable future, one marked by confidence, independence, and pride, while inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.
