Our People
Tom De Garis
Tom is the General Manager of NACP Projects, with overall responsibility for business performance, strategy, governance and people leadership across the organisation. He brings more than 15 years of experience delivering Defence and infrastructure projects nationally, including in highly secure and operational environments.
Tom was key in establishing and maintaining DISP accreditation for NACP Projects and its shareholder partners. He ensures strong security, compliance and risk management frameworks are embedded and maintained across the business. He provides executive oversight across business development, procurement and delivery systems, supporting consistent, high-quality outcomes for clients.
With experience across a wide range of project delivery and leadership roles, Tom brings a practical and collaborative leadership style, with a strong commitment to building capable teams and trusted client relationships. He works closely with clients and industry partners to deliver sustainable, long-term value for all stakeholders.
Simone James
Simone is a respected industry leader with deep experience delivering complex project programs across major contracting and PPP social infrastructure environments, including rail, defence, education and health sectors. She is known for her ability to strategically “think big” during early planning and at a portfolio level while maintaining a strong focus on operational excellence and long-term asset performance.
Her career spans high-value national delivery programs, strategic acquisitions, and major contractor preconstruction management. Delivering projects up to $500 million and tender pipelines exceeding $1.2 billion. With a background in architecture, project management, government and asset management sectors, Simone brings a balanced understanding of stakeholder priorities, risk allocation and delivery models.
A highly organised and people-focused leader, Simone values strong team culture, adaptability and clear decision-making in complex and sensitive environments.
Greg Lamb
Greg brings over 30 years of national experience in construction and infrastructure delivery across the health, defence, aviation, justice, education and commercial sectors. He has worked across both contractor and client organisations, providing strong leadership across all stages of the project lifecycle, from early planning and procurement through to delivery and handover.
Greg is known for his practical, people-focused leadership style and his ability to build trusted, long-term relationships with clients, delivery partners and project teams. He brings a calm, solutions-driven approach to complex and operational environments, underpinned by sound commercial judgement and disciplined project governance.
With a trade background in carpentry and formal qualifications in building, Greg combines hands-on technical understanding with strategic oversight to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes for clients.
Keeta Welch
With 18 years of industry experience, Keeta is a highly accomplished construction professional with a proven track record in the successful delivery of complex projects across the Northern Territory.
She is recognised for achieving high-quality outcomes through strong safety leadership, disciplined programme management, and a consistent focus on client objectives. Keeta brings extensive knowledge of the local market, supply chains, and regulatory frameworks, enabling informed and pragmatic decision-making at every stage of the project lifecycle.
Her collaborative and solutions-driven approach fosters strong relationships with clients, consultants, and subcontractors, and instils confidence in her teams’ ability to deliver reliable and consistent results. Keeta is widely respected for her leadership capability, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering projects that achieve both commercial outcomes and positive community impact across the N.T.
Dickie Bedford
Eric (Dickie) Bedford, a proud Bunuba man from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, has dedicated his career to advancing Indigenous communities. He is a former Chair and Commissioner of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee (ATSIC) and served on the Board of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS). He has also held leadership roles as Chair and CEO of Marra Worra Worra and contributed to numerous state representative boards, bringing decades of experience in governance and advocacy.
Kevin Cairns
Kevin Cairns is Director of the Waanyi Aboriginal Corporation. Kevin has more than 30 years of directorship experience and is currently Director of Lawn Hill & Riversleigh Pastoral Holding Company, Aboriginal Development Benefits Trust, and numerous subsidiaries of Waanyi Aboriginal Corporation.
Martin Sibosado
Martin Sibosado has more than 30 years of management experience and operates out of the West Kimberley and Pilbara region of Western Australia. He is currently Director of the Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation and also holds directorships with the organisation’s various divisions and partners including Djaringo and Broome Electrical Services. Martin has a BA App Science from Curtin University in WA.
Jim Whiting OAM
Jim Whiting founded BADGE in Adelaide in 1983 and, as former Managing Director and Executive Chair, guided the company to become one of Australia’s largest privately owned commercial construction firms.
A Fellow of the Australian Institute of Building, Jim is a Past President of the Master Builders Association (SA) and former Chair of its Industrial Relations Committee. He currently serves as Chairman of the BADGE Board and MRS Harmony Property Group and is actively involved in community initiatives as Patron of the Hutt St Centre.
In 2019, Jim was inducted to the Australia Day Honours List by receiving an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for service to the building and construction industry.
Nick Abley
Nick brings over three decades of experience in the building and property development sectors, spanning both private and public projects. Since joining the BADGE Group in 2009, Nick has played a pivotal role in driving organisational growth and nurturing talent within the company.
As Chief Executive of BADGE Constructions, Nick oversees strategic planning and operational excellence, ensuring the delivery of high-quality outcomes for clients and stakeholders. His leadership has been instrumental in steering BADGE through periods of significant development and success.
In his role as Director at NACP Projects, Nick leverages his extensive industry expertise to support the organisation’s vision and commitment to delivering exceptional results across diverse and often complex projects.
Our Journey
BADGE Constructions partnered with Indigenous-owned NUDJ Plumbing on the successful Broome Senior High School’s $15m expansion, inspiring a joint venture with a local Aboriginal Corporation. This inspired a collaboration dedicated to sustainable construction and creating pathways for Indigenous Australians. The partnership focuses on boosting Indigenous participation in construction with project profits supporting Indigenous community business development, education, and employment.
Secured first project with construction sites across QLD, NSW and NT: J0091 Replacement Aviation Fire Truck Facilities Project.
Awarded further projects in SA and VIC including second largest project since commencing operations, J0069 Woomera Range Safety and Control System Remediation Project.
Commenced work in the Defence Estate Works Program where projects focus on addressing safety and compliance requirements on the Defence estate.
Commenced working in WA and established office presence in NT. Awarded first non-Defence project: Tullawon Health Clinic Extension and Refurbishment project.
Relocated to a larger office space in Winnellie, Darwin NT.
Upgraded to a larger office space in Darwin CBD. Secured largest project to date: J0109 Other Ranks (OR) Mess and Gymnasium Redevelopment.
Awarded third non-Defence project: Providence Town Centre – Childcare Centre (commercial).
Key personnel including two Operations Managers (Greg Lamb and Keeta Welch) and National Bid Manager (Simone James) joined the team.
Simone James
Simone is a respected industry leader with deep experience delivering complex project programs across major contracting and PPP social infrastructure environments, including rail, defence, education and health sectors. She is known for her ability to strategically “think big” during early planning and at a portfolio level while maintaining a strong focus on operational excellence and long-term asset performance.
Her career spans high-value national delivery programs, strategic acquisitions, and major contractor preconstruction management. Delivering projects up to $500 million and tender pipelines exceeding $1.2 billion. With a background in architecture, project management, government and asset management sectors, Simone brings a balanced understanding of stakeholder priorities, risk allocation and delivery models.
A highly organised and people-focused leader, Simone values strong team culture, adaptability and clear decision-making in complex and sensitive environments.
Our Shareholders
NACP Projects originated as a partnership between National Aboriginal Construction Partners and BADGE Constructions.
National Aboriginal Construction Partners consists of three not-for-profit Indigenous community corporations: Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation, Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation and Waanyi Aboriginal Corporation.
In 2019 the original shareholders signed a new agreement to become NACP Projects Australia Pty Ltd, an incorporated entity.

Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation
Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation (MWW) is the oldest and largest Aboriginal Resource Agency in the Kimberley, having served the region and its people for over 41 years. MWW focus during the past four decades has remained consistent and strong – working with Bunuba, Gooniyandi, Nyikina, Walmajarri and Wangkatjungka to strengthen culture, support community, and create sustainable solutions for the Fitzroy Valley. MWW’s reach spans 44 communities and approximately 1,200 people across the region.

Waanyi Aboriginal Corporation
Guided by a commitment to the Waanyi people of north-west Queensland, this organisation works to relieve disadvantage and restore opportunity. By providing housing, education, healthcare, and pathways into business and training, Waanyi Aboriginal Corporation strengthens cultural resilience and opens doors for future generations.

Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation
Rooted in Broome and the Kimberley region, Nirrumbuk is driven by its Aboriginal membership to build capacity and self-sufficiency. Its mission is to break cycles of hardship by equipping people with the skills, support, and confidence to thrive.

BADGE Group
BADGE is a privately owned construction group delivering commercial projects across Australia from offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Maroochydore, Gold Coast, Perth and Melbourne. From our humble beginnings in Adelaide in 1983, the BADGE Group of Companies now generates an annual turnover of over $450 million. BADGE is a major commercial construction company with integrity woven into all we do.
Our Impact
Building Futures, Strengthening Communities
We measure success not in buildings alone, but in the opportunities, careers, and communities strengthened beyond the build.
Creating Indigenous Enterprise Opportunities
We understand that engagement of an Indigenous Business Enterprise goes beyond just engaging a Indigenous head contractor. Since 2015 we have issued over $20 million in contracts to Indigenous Business Enterprise through subcontractor and supplier engagement. This provides the wider Indigenous community to grow their skills and business to assist in closing the gap.
Pathways for People
NACP Projects invests in our people to ensure they are practical construction experts who provide a reliable contribution to every project.
National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC)
NACP Projects is an organisational member of NAWIC. We promote diversity among our staff and celebrate women in construction.
Joby’s Story
Christopher-Joby Forrester joined NACP Projects in December 2022. Last week Joby was presented with our TICCA Award. He was recognised as someone who takes on new tasks regardless of experience as well as someone willing to go the extra mile to learn how to get a job done.
Now, Joby has announced he has another reason to celebrate; he’s landed himself a carpentry apprenticeship with CDH (Commercial Doors & Hardware NT).
We asked Joby a few questions about his journey and the part that NACP Projects played within that.
What attracted you to a carpentry apprenticeship with CDH?
I wanted to set an example to my son to show that you will get further in life if you apply yourself and get recognised qualifications. I witnessed many trades on site and originally was interested in a plumbing position, however, after seeing the multi-skills of the carpenters I decided that was what I wanted to do.
What NACP Projects training and development opportunities do you think helped enable you to get this apprenticeship?
NACP Projects helped me obtain qualifications in First Aid, Telehandler licence and helped me feel confident using power tools and teaching and showing me skills in building construction activities.
Can you name any people in particular within NACP Projects who you felt encouraged you on your path?
The entire NACP Projects team have been very encouraging and always willing to assist me.
Meg (Porteous) has been a great help with the academic side of things assisting with paperwork forms and things I don’t quite understand and setting up the training courses.
Nick (Yorston), has been very encouraging and has a great workplace relationship with the workers.
My fellow workers have all been very encouraging.
And Neil (Stoneman) is always willing to get on the tools to show and encourage me how to achieve the best results in anything on site.
What does starting this apprenticeship mean to you?
It means I will be able to set myself up for the future, to take pride in my own achievements and be a role model for my son and others, hopefully to show that you can achieve more if you apply yourself instead of being the knockabout larrikin I was in my younger years.
How have NACP Projects supported and encouraged you on your pathway to this apprenticeship?
NACP Projects have been very encouraging and supportive of me personally ever since I started work with them.
I am able to discuss personal issues with the site team and feel I have grown as a person since commencing work with them.
I met the CDH workers on the NACP Projects work site and decided to approach them to enquire if they would be interested in a mature-aged apprentice.
I am very happy with the outcome and wish to express my thanks to the entire NACP Projects organisation.
Congratulations to Joby on coming away with the TICCA award and landing his carpentry apprenticeship with CDH, well deserved.
Read more about Joby’s journey in his own words here.
Investing in Education
Yalari Pathways Scholarship
The pathway continues – NACP Projects recognise that Indigenous Australia’s make up a small percentage of Australia’s population. We have been delighted that two Yalari Alumi have commenced working in the Construction industry with our shareholder BADGE in Brisbane. It is exciting to provide employment opportunities to continue Yalari’s mission to bring a generational change and a brighter future for Indigenous Australians.
Celebrating Art & Culture
Yaga Corporation collaboration
In collaboration with Yaga Corporation and artist Sean Kinchela, we created a striking artwork for the outdoor lunch area of the Nulka project site. The piece, depicting a Darug Warrior protecting the people along the Yandhai (Nepean) and Dyarubbin (Hawkesbury) Rivers, honours Traditional Owners while also reflecting elements of Defence. By integrating Indigenous artistry into our built environments, we spark meaningful conversations about reconciliation, history, and cultural identity.
‘Ancestral Knowledge of Country’ at Joint Health Command
At the conclusion of a Defence project, we proudly gifted ‘Ancestral Knowledge of Country’, an artwork by Larrakia artist Trent Bundirrik Lee, to Joint Health Command. This work acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land and highlights the role of traditional medicine on Larrakia Country, reinforcing our commitment to cultural respect and Indigenous participation in the economy.
Our Credentials
NACP Projects has a decade of construction delivery experience throughout Australian. Our Indigenous shareholders are Aboriginal Corporations, not individuals. The profits from our business go back to shareholders that can directly influence community outcomes leading to generational prosperity.
NACP Projects undertakes all projects with a firm commitment to workplace and environmental safety. NACP Projects complies with stringent independent audit and as a result, was awarded Office of the Federal Safety Commission (OFSC) certification and ISO accreditation. We also hold the following Building Licences, certifications and memberships.
South Australian Builders Licence
SA BLD 297312
Queensland Builders Licence
QBCC 15157353
Northern Territory Builders Licence
NT BLD 19561
Construction Accreditation Limited (CAL)
Category 1, Registration No. 19561
PQC 4651
Level 3
ISO 9001:2015
(Quality)
ISO 45001:2018
(Safety)
ISO 14001:2015
(Environment)
OFSC
Supply Nation
Registered
DISP
Member
NAWIC
Member
NACP Projects is Supply Nation registered and is committed to a culturally safe workplace.