Kany Bidi and Laing O'Rourke: creating one clear path for traffic management safety and Indigenous employment

While many know Michael Johnson for his successful AFL career, playing 224 games with the Fremantle Dockers, Michael’s greatest legacy may be the opportunities he is creating off the field.

A proud Whadjuk, Ballardong, Noongar man from the Perth region, Michael founded Kany Bidi (One Path) in 2019 building a proudly Indigenous-owned traffic management business focused on safety, employment and creating long-term career pathways for Aboriginal pathways for Aboriginal people across Western Australia.

The business has achieved an industry leading 65% and above Aboriginal employment average.

Kany Bidi first contracted with Laing O’Rourke, an international engineering and construction company, and Supply Nation member, in 2020 on an important transport infrastructure project in Perth, the Armadale Road to North Lake Road Bridge project.

Since the successful delivery of this project, Kany Bidi has worked across six major projects for Laing O’Rourke with procurement contracts today worth $14.5 million.

Amanda Inman, Senior Indigenous Affairs and Social Inclusion Adviser at Laing O’Rourke said that since 2020 Michael and Kany Bidi have demonstrated not only high capability but also shown dedication and support related to genuine Indigenous employment particularly on the Swan River Crossings Project in Fremantle where his team have delivered over 40,000 hours of traffic management at an impressive average of 65% Indigenous employment.

“Michael is a strong leader consistently supporting his team and our projects to be delivered safely. We in turn are proud to support Kany Bidi’s business growth and development,” said Amanda.

“While offering high-quality traffic services, we are serious about creating sustainable employment, developing skills and improving social inclusion for our clients,” said Michael Johnson.