A new generation of council-aligned contractors is helping shape a more inclusive future for local government works. Among them is Amarapave, whose Managing Director Jenika Stubelj will speak at Converge Expo 2025.
As local governments across Australia confront mounting workforce shortages, especially in skilled trades and civil works, the push for more inclusive employment pathways is gaining traction.
Amarapave – a social enterprise specialising in asphalt services – is actively breaking down barriers in one of the most traditionally male-dominated segments of the sector. It’s doing so not just by delivering quality paving jobs, but by changing perceptions of who belongs on a crew.
In local government, where procurement frameworks often carry social or community benefit clauses, contractors like Amarapave represent a practical avenue for aligning operational works with broader inclusion objectives.
“We can deliver an asphalt paving job just as well as every other company with regards to quality. But we’re also showcasing that there’s a different way of thinking,” said Amarapave Managing Director Jenika Stubelj.
“Ash (MacMahon, Field Director – Amarapave), who identifies as non-binary, runs our crew. I don’t think that’s been seen before in the asphalt industry.
“We’re very much about breaking stereotypes and empowering people. The best way to do that is to actually get out there and showcase our work.”
Stubelj is among five featured speakers at Converge Expo 2025, where she will present on the Championing Change panel. The session aims to help councils and contractors alike rethink how their workforces can better reflect the communities they serve.
While many local governments have inclusion policies in place, translating those values into on-ground delivery can be a challenge. Events like Converge are helping to close that gap by bringing together council officers, contractors, and civil construction leaders in one space.
Converge 2025 is a new national expo that merges the Municipal Works and Commercial and Civil Construction sectors for the first time. It promises to deliver a fresh look at the future of public works and infrastructure through the lens of innovation and social value.
“We work in a field where we’re always innovating, and we’re always looking for a better way to do things,” Stubelj said.
“At trade shows like Converge, you go along with the intention to learn and see what the rest of the industry is doing.
“They’re a great collection of innovations, whether that’s in human resources, technology or people, there’s usually something new to learn.”
Stubelj said her panel will explore practical strategies councils and service providers can adopt to foster inclusive employment – starting with who they choose to work with.
She believes these conversations are timely for local governments seeking to embed equity across both their internal teams and outsourced workforces.
“I think it’s really cool that there’s a whole selection of really inspirational, powerful female role models that are going to be talking at this event,” she said.
“When you have these opportunities and you can tell your story, quite often there’s going to be people in the audience that resonate. Ideally, it’s those people who can share our insights within their own organisations. Then, hopefully we’ll see more ripple effects.”
For council procurement teams and works managers, the panel offers insights into how diversity can drive not only social value but also performance and innovation. Stubelj said expectations from new workforce entrants – particularly younger generations – are shifting fast.
“People entering the workforce these days are looking at organisations through a cultural lens, and looking for workplaces that are serious about equality,” she said.
“Are there equitable opportunities for training and development? Do people feel like they can contribute their opinions? If they speak up about something, are they going to be heard, or are they going to be discriminated against for trying to go against maybe the status quo?
“People naturally are drawn to that feeling and sense of purpose at work. You want to go to work and feel like you’re valued and you’re contributing to something, regardless of the financial compensation.”
Stubelj said these cultural shifts should prompt local governments and their delivery partners to reflect on what kind of employer brand they project – especially when it comes to tenders and subcontracting.
She believes more people today are asking: ‘Do I belong here?’ rather than ‘How much does it pay?’
That mindset is reflected in Amarapave’s own hiring model, which prioritises capability, potential, and lived experience. The company is steadily building a reputation with local councils and state agencies alike for delivering professional-grade results with a strong social impact.
“I get a real buzz out of being able to create employment outcomes,” Stubelj said.
“It’s fantastic when we can bring someone in who’s been trying to get into construction industry and has had the doors shut on them. It’s great to give those people that opportunity, then to see them flourish and grow.
“We’re excited about continuing to build the next generation of asphalters.”
With councils under pressure to address workforce shortages while upholding social procurement goals, Amarapave offers a model for what’s possible when inclusivity is not an afterthought but a core business principle.
Converge Expo 2025 will take place on 17–18 September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
For more information on exhibiting and attending, visit convergeexpo.com.au to download the prospectus, or contact the event team directly on +61 3 9690 8766 or converge@primecreative.com.au.
