Wilco Electrical

27/03/2026

For 20 years, Wilco has been delivering complex electrical projects across government, defence, and commercial sectors.

Committing in 2016 to the ambitious goal of creating “20 Aboriginal electrical apprenticeships by 2020” Wilco has gone on to create over 30 Aboriginal apprenticeships and contributed to over 70 Aboriginal upskilling positions.

Over the coming months, Director and proud Whadjuk-Yued man Frank Mitchell will be sharing some of the success stories, and where we’re heading next.

20 years is just the beginning.

26/02/2026

This week Frank X Mitchell sat down and had a yarn with Premier Roger Cook and Simone McGurk at Fremantle Prison, a place that carries a dark history and has impacted the lives of many Western Australians.

In 2020, Wilco Electrical and Kardan Construction were awarded a contract to refurbish the prison and it was a significant moment for our team. We began the job with a Welcome to Country and a smoking ceremony that allowed the space to be transformed.

For Wilco and Kardan, the project also enabled the creation of a number of upskilling positions, including an electrical apprenticeship. This employee is now a year away from completing their apprenticeship and becoming a fully qualified tradesperson.

Each job is another door open and another step forward, and we are proud to look back at the good work that was done there.

19/02/2026

We are incredibly proud to be celebrating 20 years of Wilco Electrical in 2026.

Founded in 2006 by Russell Wilson and proudly continued from 2015 under the leadership of Directors Frank X Mitchell and Tim Bidstrup, Wilco has grown from a small local team into a multi award-winning electrical company - and a recognised leader in socially responsible contracting.

The change in ownership in 2015 marked a defining chapter in our story. It catalysed our bold commitment to support 20 Aboriginal apprentices by 2020. What began as a target quickly became a movement. Through strong partnerships with organisations such as Kardan Construction, Baldja, Bilyaa, and with the support of clients who believe in meaningful procurement, we have since created 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentice positions, building real career pathways, long-term employment outcomes and generational impact.

This milestone isn’t just about numbers. It represents families strengthened, qualifications achieved, confidence built, and leaders emerging within our industry. Many of our Alumni have progressed into advanced trade roles, leadership positions and ongoing careers that extend well beyond their apprenticeship years.

As we celebrate 20 years, we’ll be shining a spotlight on some of these Alumni, sharing their stories, achievements and the impact of opportunity backed by commitment.

Thank you for being part of our journey. The past two decades have shaped who we are and the next chapter is about expanding opportunity even further.

14/02/2026

After Frank Mitchell was recognised as the 2026 Auspire Local Hero of the Year, he was welcomed back to Government House by Governor Chris Dawson.

Starting with just eight staff and $1.5 million turnover, Frank and his partners have created over 70 Aboriginal upskilling positions in the electrical and construction industry, including 30 electrical apprenticeships and awarding over $11 million to Aboriginal subcontractors.

Today, all four companies collectively employ over 200 full-time staff.

Governor Dawson invited Frank to Government House to congratulate him on his nationwide recognition and to discuss the year ahead.

https://loom.ly/dP-4z98

12/02/2026

Today we were deeply honoured to be referenced in the Prime Minister’s Closing the Gap address at Parliament.

To have the work of these businesses mentioned in this national address is a significant moment for all of us. It reinforces the responsibility we have as an employer within the electrical and construction industry, not only to deliver quality work, but to have a broader social impact.

We recognise that simply providing an apprenticeship is only half the story and we are learning ways to embed culturally safe systems, remove structural barriers, and ensure pathways to long-term employment, leadership, influence, and generational change.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the remarkable journey of Wilco Electrical, Kardan Construction, Baldja and Bilyaa Director Frank X Mitchell, a Whadjuk-Yued Nyoongar man whose electrical apprenticeship became the foundation for business ownership, leadership, and reciprocity with community.

We are proud to stand alongside leaders who recognise that employment and education are powerful determinants of health and drivers of social and economic progress.

Thank you Frank, for your leadership and example. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that create sustainable employment outcomes and strengthen our communities.



⬇️You can listen to the edit from the Prime Minister's address below

House of Representatives live proceedings.► 🔔 *Subscribe:* *https://bit.ly/AUSPARL*► 📚 *Read* *more* *here: https://www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Re...

27/01/2026

We are incredibly proud to share that Frank Mitchell has been announced as the winner of Local Hero 2026 at the Australian of the Year Awards in Canberra on Sunday night.

Frank’s acceptance speech was a powerful reflection on what’s possible when opportunity is matched with cultural safety, trust, and genuine partnership. He spoke of his journey as an Aboriginal man, apprentice, leader and mentor, and of the belief that employment and education are more than jobs, they are foundations for health, dignity, connection and strong communities.

For Frank it’s not just about this award, but the opportunity to raise awareness that business and social impact should go hand-in-hand - and that the results can be life changing.

Over more than a decade Wilco Electrical, along with Kardan Construction, Baldja and Bilyaa, have worked to demonstrate how culturally safe workplaces and intentional investment can create real pathways for Aboriginal people to grow, lead and thrive. This approach is grounded in responsibility and reciprocity - values that guide how we work, every day.

Of course, none of these outcomes are possible without the ongoing effort and support of our team, our clients and our partners. We sincerely thank all of our clients, big and small, who have chosen to engage with Indigenous business, aligning with our values, and investing in long-term outcomes. Your support enables meaningful employment, apprenticeships, leadership pathways and lasting impact for Aboriginal peoples and their communities.

Frank’s commitment to working alongside Aboriginal Communities, championing culture, capability and self-determination is deeply inspiring. We are incredibly proud to work with a leader whose impact is real, human, and felt well beyond the workplace.

Congratulations, Frank. A truly deserved honour and we are so profoundly proud.

Responsibility and reciprocity - a vision and a purpose lived everyday.

25/01/2026

25/01/2026

🔨🏗 Meet Frank Mitchell, Australia's Local Hero for 2026!

Frank has been recognised at the Australian of the Year Awards for his leadership in trade and construction industry employment pathways for First Nations people.

He has created over 70 Aboriginal upskilling positions, including 30 electrical apprenticeships and awarded over $11 million to Aboriginal subcontractors.

Congrats, Frank, on being a very worthy winner! 👏

oftheYear2026

25/01/2026

So proud of you Frank Mitchell!