WACG Consulting launches to support First Nations communities

First Nations social enterprise WISE Aboriginal Corporation Group has launched a new communities-focused advisory WACG Consulting, led by Eben Nickerson and Jayson Sandiford.

Proud Wiradjuri men, the brothers previously worked with Ernst & Young out of Perth prior to establishing WISE in 2020 with the aim of supporting First Nations communities achieve greater social and economic empowerment.

WACG Consulting will provide a range of services to all levels of government along with local businesses and industry, and sits alongside other WISE subsidiaries focused on employment & training, healthcare, and the net zero economy.

“We believe that lasting change begins at the community level,” stated Nickerson, who serves as WISE chairperson. “By working hand-in-hand with First Nations communities, we create pathways for economic, social, and cultural empowerment. Our approach ensures that the opportunities we help create are not just accessible, but also sustainable for future generations.”

A Supply Nation business, WACG Consulting’s service offerings include research, policy development, program delivery, engagement, and evaluation for national, state, and local government bodies, along with business advisory and development and cultural capacity building for both First Nations and non-First Nations organisations, rooted in community engagement and social impact.

“It is exciting to build on the work done by our team across multiple domains over the past twelve months,” said Sandiford, WISE deputy chair. “This next step strongly aligns with our team’s vision around the ‘Triangle of Change’ – government, industry, and community – three critical elements that support greater access to new and diverse opportunities for First Nations communities.”

Sandiford and Nickerson previously spent time as the Western Australia regional and Northern Territory lead coordinators for the Federal Government’s ‘Boosting the Local Care Workforce Program’, a $33 million initiative aimed at supporting remote area job creation in the disability and aged care sector which was administered by a consortium led by Ernst & Young.

“WACG Consulting builds upon WISE’s commitment to ‘Partnering for Success,’” the firm stated. “This new initiative focuses on expanding our existing work particularly in the care and support sector, while our team’s collective cultural and industry knowledge empowers us to collaborate effectively with all stakeholders whether it’s a local community project or a large-scale national program.”