As Workforce Development and Industry Participation Manager on the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport (SSTOM) project, Celeste Dargan is focused on delivering practical, community-driven outcomes. With more than six years of experience in the construction industry, Celeste has led workforce programs that create meaningful employment pathways and build local capability. 

A proud Gumbaynggirr woman, Celeste’s work is underpinned by cultural understanding, relationship building, and a passion for driving change. On SSTOM, Celeste leads the development and delivery of capability-building programs with a strong focus on Aboriginal participation and industry collaboration.

A career highlight was establishing the Buraga Gul Skilling and Employment Hub on the Liverpool Hospital Redevelopment, where she worked closely with community to develop a culturally meaningful name and brand identity. That work earned her a Lendlease Global Employee Excellence Award in Diversity and Inclusion in 2022. 

“This is my first non-identified role, and it allows me to influence and educate across the business, not just in the Indigenous space. Using my experience and passion for culture to create opportunities that change people’s lives.” 

Celeste’s work is a clear reflection of this year’s NAIDOC Week theme: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. 

“The commitment to Aboriginal employment through this outcome-driven program has already changed lives. That’s what legacy looks like, long-term impact driven by strength and vision.” 

Celeste encourages everyone to get involved in NAIDOC Week by attending a local event or joining the SSTOM team at the Penrith NAIDOC event on Friday 11 July. Looking ahead, she hopes Indigenous participation becomes a standard part of business, not something driven by targets but embedded in how projects operate. 

Her advice to others in workforce development? “Build relationships and know your audience. Our KPIs are people. Learn the funding landscape, build your networks and bring people along with you. That’s how we make lasting change.” 

Stay tuned to learn more about the next person under the SSTOM Spotlight.