How Eather Group built a sustainable business in construction

A business beginning with passion, pride and purpose

Eather Group is a family-run First Nations business that provides sustainable solutions in the civil, construction and waste-to-resource industries. Eather Group is the 2024 Telstra Best of Business Awards National Indigenous Excellence Winner.

Peter Eather has worked in the earthmoving industry from a young age. However, he noticed significant issues with conventional construction methods, especially the waste of resources, which inspired him to explore better solutions.
 

“I worked in construction, but it felt more like destruction. There wasn’t enough emphasis on the circular economy or repurposing materials.”

- Peter Eather, Co-founder of Eather Group
 

Peter and his wife Sally-ann wanted to create a family business that embraced a responsible approach, prioritising family and the circular economy at its core. In 2010, Eather Group was founded with a vision, a credit card, and an old pink Mac truck. Today, the business has grown significantly, boasting 22 trucks, 20 pieces of earthmoving equipment, and a team of over 40 employees.

How Eather’s Caring for Country practices are changing industry habits

As a First Nations business, Eather Group instils cultural values into every aspect of its operations. One of the most important is Caring for Country.
 

“When we talk about Caring for Country, we’re talking about the land. Essentially, Country is the soil we stand on — and that’s what we handle in our business every day.”

- Peter Eather, Co-founder of Eather Group
 

Eathers' Caring for Country practice is embedded in every aspect of their operations. They practise selective excavation to preserve and repurpose natural materials while preventing contamination. Over the past 15 years, the company has salvaged 9 million tonnes of material, with 4 million tonnes repurposed into bricks - enough to build 250,000 homes! They also use various techniques for water management in dust suppression, aiming to preserve this precious natural resource as much as possible.
 

Overcoming construction industry perceptions of sustainability

Changing the construction industry's mindset was a challenge for Eather Group. Many customers thought sustainable practices were costly and time-consuming.
 

“Sustainability doesn't need to cost money or time. It can actually save time and money when implemented throughout the program.”

- Sally-ann Eather, Co-founder of Eather Group
 

The importance of customer education

The team put a lot of effort into educating their customers about the benefits of their approach. In one project, Eather Group saved a client up to $1,000,000 in tip fees. They did this by repurposing 200,000 tonnes of material for bricks. Diverting the material from landfill was good for the customer and the environment.

Eather Group also received a grant from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), which enabled them to spend more time connecting with potential customers. This project was a NSW Environment Protection Authority, Waste Less Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy.

Gradually, their efforts paid off. After years of cold-calling, Eather Group started attracting more customers. Since then, the business has grown more than 60%.
 

A vision for growth supported by technology

As the business expanded, Eather Group transformed its processes and embraced technology to achieve its vision.

A significant turning point for Eather Group was the 2019 bushfires, which marked the first time the company introduced remote work. This challenging period provided the impetus for Eather Group to reimagine its operations.
 

“We did a full end-to-end analysis of our business. We saw the opportunities technology offers. Now we are working towards the end-to-end digitisation of our business.”

- Sally-ann Eather, Co-founder of Eather Group
 

The tech that powers Eather’s business operations

The team has since embraced technology to streamline operations and improve efficiency. The business uses technology in several ways:

• Cloud storage to enable remote access data and systems
• Data collection and analysis
• Telematics in trucks for real-time tracking and connectivity.
• Asset and people management systems to improve efficiency, safety and reliability

Underpinning this transformation has been reliable connectivity. 
 

How Eather champions diversity in business

Eather Group is proud to be a First Nations business and has broadened its approach to diversity and inclusion. In an industry that is generally male-dominated, Eather Group stands out by doing things differently. As of November 2024, the Eather workforce is:

• 36% women
• 27% First Nations
• 12% under 25 years
• 27% in training or upskilling programs
• 9% live with a disability

Diversity’s positive impact on culture

Eather’s focus on diversity has made it an employer of choice for women and First Nations people. It has also had important consequences on the business’ culture. 

“We’ve found that diversity in our business has a positive impact on our culture. It affects how our people interact, and creates a safe, welcoming environment. It even affects how they look after the trucks and machines.”

- Divinia Eather, Marketing Manager Eather Group
 

A role model for First Nations business success

The Eathers’ say successful First Nations businesses are vital to improving outcomes for the community. Peter notes First Nations businesses are significantly more likely to employ First Nations people.

“It’s true that ‘you can't be what you can't see’. So we’re proud to be an example of a successful and proud Indigenous business. Hopefully we inspire others to pursue their dreams.”

- Sally-ann Eather, Co-founder of Eather Group
 

Community to Community

The Eathers’ family values extend to their staff and community. Peter and Sally-ann are most proud of the opportunities they have provided to their employees. They have many success stories, including team members buying their first homes, taking their kids on their first holiday, or starting their own businesses. It is these achievements that motivate Peter and Sally-ann the most.

Eather Group’s commitment to this cause has not gone unnoticed, it was these achievements that helped land them the prestigious title of 2024 Telstra Best of Business Awards National Indigenous Excellence Winner.
 

Advice for First Nations Entrepreneurs

Peter and Sally-ann have built a successful business based on their culture and values. Their advice for aspiring First Nations entrepreneurs includes:

• Know your why: Be clear on your purpose and commit to it.
• Tap into support: Use resources like The Yarpa Hub and networks for training and mentorship.
• Collaborate: Build relationships with other First Nations businesses to strengthen the community.
• Have a crack: Take risks and seize opportunities. Don’t be afraid to nominate yourself for awards to gain recognition. Learn more about the Indigenous Excellence Award.

Creating a legacy

Peter and Sally-ann's vision for the business remains unchanged since day one: to provide sustainable and stable work for their family, community, and industry.

The Eathers' understand that growth brings challenges, but they are committed to preserving the family values that have driven their success.
 

“The original vision hasn’t changed. It’s great to see the impact we've been able to have in our local community, industry and for our family. As we grow, I want to keep that focus on a family culture and Caring for Country.”

- Peter Eather, Co-founder of Eather Group
 

Building a values-driven, sustainable and inclusive business

Eather Group's journey is a testament to the impact the principles of values-driven practices, sustainability, technology and diversity can have on business success and community well-being.
 

Prioritising family values and Caring for Country principles

By prioritising family values and Caring for Country principles, Eather Group has become a beacon for First Nations business success. Their commitment to sustainable practices, such as selective excavation and water management, has preserved natural resources and demonstrated that sustainability can be cost-effective and beneficial for both customers and the environment.
 

Embracing the power of technology in business

Embracing technology has been a game-changer for Eather Group. From cloud storage and data analysis to telematics and asset management systems, technology has streamlined their operations and improved efficiency. Reliable connectivity through Telstra mobile services and business-grade fibre internet has ensured seamless communication and connection across their growing footprint.
 

Diversity and inclusion at the core of business culture 

Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of Eather Group's success. By fostering a diverse workforce, they have created a positive and welcoming culture that drives innovation and excellence. Their focus on diversity has made them an employer of choice for women and First Nations people, setting an example for other businesses to follow.
 

A multi-faceted and meaningful journey to success

Embracing your values, committing to sustainable practices, leveraging technology, and championing diversity, can build a resilient and thriving business that achieves remarkable growth and also makes a meaningful impact on your community and industry.

The journey to success is not just about financial gains but also about creating a legacy that inspires and empowers others. Take the first step today and be the change you want to see in the world.

Learn more about sustainability business trends.