In Northeast Victoria, Downer and GAME Traffic & Contracting prove that business success and social impact can go hand in hand. What began as a small engagement has grown into a multi-million-dollar partnership that not only delivers high-quality traffic management services and equipment hire but also creates life-changing opportunities for young people.

At its core, this partnership goes beyond contracts and revenue. It’s about breaking the cycle of generational unemployment, empowering regional youth, and strengthening communities.

Downer has been recognised as the big spender for FY24 - spending $12.5 million with certified social enterprises. Across Australia, businesses and governments are investing more in social enterprises than ever before. According to the Social Traders Impact Report, more than 20 organisations spent over $1 million each with certified social enterprises last financial year. Since 2017, Social Traders has tracked the steady rise of social procurement, with spending increasing annually- reaching a milestone of $1.1 billion over the past seven years.

Driving social impact

In 2014, GAME Traffic took on its first job for infrastructure group Downer- an initial engagement with enormous potential. Recognising the opportunity to drive real impact through social procurement, Downer expanded its collaboration.

By 2017, GAME had become a key traffic management and equipment hire provider, servicing Northeast Victoria under Downer’s Northeast Maintenance Alliance Contract (NEMA), now known as the Hume VRMC contract.

As the partnership grew, so did Downer’s investment:

• 2022: $4.8 million
• 2023: $3.8 million
• 2024: $5.8 million

Supporting regional youth

GAME Traffic is a regional certified social enterprise dedicated to empowering disadvantaged youth.

Through its employment programs, GAME Traffic supports over 1,800 young people across regional Victoria and southern NSW, helping them transition into further education and sustainable jobs. GAME Traffic funds its mission entirely through commercial business operations, making it both sustainable and impactful.

Every dollar of GAME Traffic’s operating surplus is reinvested into local communities, funding its employment programs for young people who might otherwise struggle to find opportunities or develop much needed skills and resilience.

One of GAME Traffic’s most impactful initiatives, Geared4Careers, is embedded in secondary schools, currently supporting 1,800 students across 21 campuses in regional Victoria and Southern NSW. Since its launch in 2011, the program has helped over 4,500 young people stay in school, access career guidance, and secure employment.

“Many students don’t have links to community and therefore local employers. We help bridge that gap by connecting them, providing essentials like tax file numbers, and even helping with driving lessons. It’s about giving them the tools to succeed on their own on their journey to financial independence.”- Josh Hudson, CEO, GAME Traffic & Contracting

Employment outcomes

• 60-70% of youth in GAME programs secure after-school jobs- well above the national average.
• 960 people employed by the group's commercial operations in the last financial year.
• 2,000 young people supported through the Downer partnership.
• GAME helps to prevent and reduce welfare dependency, which remains significantly higher in regional areas than in major cities.

“Our programs help support our regional communities to thrive and prosper. The kids stay or return, they’ve got jobs, and it also gives local and large employers like Downer access to much-needed labour in regional areas through generations.”- Josh Hudson

An integrated partnership

What makes this collaboration unique is its seamless integration. Unlike a typical contractor relationship, GAME Traffic has a full-time employee embedded in Downer’s Wangaratta office, ensuring direct communication and smooth operations.

“Being in the office allows me to work directly with Downer’s project engineers and managers to make sure everything runs smoothly- from compliance to scheduling traffic management. It makes problem-solving immediate and ensures we’re always on the same page.”- Kyle Anderson, Works Coordinator, Eastern Region, GAME Traffic & Contracting

“You're not doing things via the phone. They’re here, part of the team, helping us manage the work we deliver.”- Martin Kinski, State Manager Victoria
Transport & Infrastructure, Downer

This close collaboration boosts efficiency, strengthens relationships, and keeps projects running seamlessly.

Why this partnership works

The Downer-GAME Traffic partnership thrives because of four key success factors:

• ️Strong leadership and relationships– Trust and alignment between senior leaders foster long-term collaboration.
• Clear business and social objectives– GAME Traffic operates as a high-performing commercial business while staying true to its social mission.
• Seamless integration– GAME Traffic’s on-site presence within Downer improves efficiency and communication.
• Commitment to sustainability– The partnership is built on four pillars:
  • Safety– Prioritising safe workplaces.
  • KPI alignment– Ensuring performance meets expectations.
  • Commercial viability– Delivering cost-effective services.
  • Ongoing communication– Proactively addressing challenges.

And the partnership has had a great impact on Downer’s culture:

"It actually improves your culture. Our team sees the work they do having social impact, which builds a high-performing culture that’s connected to the community."- Martin Kinski

Ready to get started?

“Breaking the generational welfare cycle won’t take 10 or 20 years - it’ll take closer to 50. But partnerships like this bring us closer to that goal every day.”- Josh Hudson

If you’re considering integrating social enterprises into your supply chain, take inspiration from Downer and drive your social performance further. By choosing partners like GAME Traffic, you can achieve your business goals, create impact and strengthen your community.

It’s procurement with purpose- and the future of business.