Newly formed GJK Indigenous Solutions is aiming to not only making a difference in the commercial cleaning sector but in the wider Indigenous business community. Managing director Jasmine Groves caught up with INCLEAN editor Claire Hibbit to talk about the new business.

In October Melbourne-based GJK Facility Services entered into a joint venture agreement with Jasmine Groves to form GJK Indigenous Solutions, with the aim to become one of the largest employees of Aboriginal people in the facilities industry. 

Groves, whose great grandfather was Aboriginal activist Herbert (Bert) Stanley Groves, has extensive experience with the Indigenous business sector, corporate and government entities across a range of industries including recruitment, education and training and supplier diversity practices.

“My background is with grassroots Indigenous organisations, and creating a strong Indigenous business sector is something I have always been passionate about,” Groves told INCLEAN.

“During my previous roles it has been an amazing opportunity to learn about the facilities industry, but I had my own story to tell, and sitting behind the scenes and working for someone else is a lot different to being at the forefront and doing it yourself. My story is to continue the legacy of my great grandfather.”

GJK Facility Services, one of the largest privately-owned providers of cleaning and related property services in Australia, headed by George Stamas, entered a joint venture agreement with Groves in October 2017 to form the business. GJK Indigenous Solutions’ core services include cleaning, hygiene and waste services.

“I want GJK Indigenous Solutions to be one of the largest employees of Aboriginal people in the facilities industry. Cleaning isn’t a sexy industry, but if we can provide as many opportunities as possible for sustainable employment for Indigenous people, and not only just in cleaning, but throughout the supply chain, then we can collectively make a difference.”

Based in Sydney, Groves says the company is growing organically having recently expanded its local team, appointing an executive general manager. More operational roles are expected to be introduced next year. GJK Indigenous Solutions has also begun tendering and working with the Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP).

This article first appeared in the January/February issue of INCLEAN magazine. Click here to continue reading.