Peter Hicks- Hicks Civil and Mining
Peter Hicks, founder of Hicks Civil and Mining in Western Australia, specializes in civil construction and earth-moving. His personal journey from a challenging upbringing in Port Hedland to a business leader has shaped his company’s mission. His commitment to empowering the local Indigenous community and focus on inclusive practices led to him winning the 34th Annual Indigenous Business Award.
Q: What was Peter Hicks’s early life like?
A: Peter Hicks's early life was marked by significant adversity, including growing up in a large family in Port Hedland with limited financial resources. Despite facing these challenges, he showed resilience from a young age, working from an early age to support his family. This foundation of hard work and responsibility laid the groundwork for his future business endeavours.
Q: What was Peter’s journey leading up to starting his business?
A: Peter’s path to founding Hicks Civil and Mining was fraught with personal and professional challenges, driven by a determination to succeed beyond the limited opportunities of his upbringing. Initially working in various roles within the civil and mining sectors, Peter gained crucial industry experience before starting his own business. His journey from an apprentice to a business owner reflects his tenacity and ambition.
Q: What is unique about Hicks Civil and Mining?
A: Hicks Civil and Mining stands out for its specialized focus on earthworks and civil construction, primarily catering to major resource companies and government sectors in Western Australia. Its unique edge lies in its commitment to supporting the local Indigenous community and providing opportunities for Aboriginal workers, which aligns with Peter’s cultural values and his personal experiences.
Q: What kind of difficulties did the business face?
A: Establishing Hicks Civil and Mining involved overcoming several significant challenges, including navigating a competitive market dominated by larger, non-Indigenous companies and overcoming stereotypes about Aboriginal businesses. Peter’s strategic foresight and his personal commitment to his values and community helped his company navigate these challenges successfully, positioning it as a leader in its field.
Peter and Lisa Hicks pictured with Joseph Assaf AO, Founder and Chairman of the EBA
Q: What growth has the business experienced?
A: Under Peter’s leadership, Hicks Civil and Mining has witnessed remarkable growth, evolving from a small operation into a significant enterprise known across Western Australia. This growth trajectory includes expanding its project scope and scale, with the company now handling multi-million-dollar contracts. The business’s ability to adapt and thrive showcases the successful realization of Peter’s vision for Hicks Civil and Mining.
