Building Pathways, Not Just Roads
“It’s not just about giving someone a job. It’s about giving them a future they can be proud of.” – Lionel Dukakis, Managing Director, First Nations Traffic Management
Lionel Dukakis is a proud Gunditjmara man, with deep family ties to Framlingham Mission and Lake Condah Mission. A father of 4 and grandfather to 6, Lionel’s journey is one of resilience, leadership, and community impact.
After more than 30 years in the Indigenous corporate sector and 2 decades in civil construction, Lionel saw a gap, not just in employment, but in meaningful career pathways for First Nations people. That’s why he founded First Nations Traffic Management; a business built on cultural integrity and social purpose.
“I wanted to create something that didn’t just tick boxes. I wanted to build a business that gave people real skills, real pride, and a real future,” Lionel says.
Supported through Australian Government social procurement frameworks, Lionel’s business has grown into a model for inclusive employment. His team includes people from marginalised backgrounds, many of whom are entering the workforce for the first time.
“We’ve had young people come in with no experience, no confidence, and now they’re leading teams, mentoring others, and supporting their families. That’s the power of opportunity,” he says.
Lionel is a strong advocate for social procurement, which he sees as a responsibility, not a trend. He works closely with government and industry to ensure procurement delivers real, measurable outcomes for communities.
“Social procurement isn’t just policy — it’s people. It’s about making sure the work we do uplifts communities, not just economies,” he says.
As the Australian Ambassador for the World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) in both 2024 and 2025, Lionel continues to share his story on the global stage. At WIBF 2025, he will speak about how Indigenous businesses can break cycles of disadvantage and build inclusive futures through employment, enterprise, and community-led leadership.
The World Indigenous Business Forum 2025 will be held in Melbourne from October 28 - 30 and is supported by the Australian Government and Supply Nation’s Export Network. The program contributes to Closing the Gap Outcome 8 – Strong economic participation and development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
Find out more about the World Indigenous Business Forum.
