2026 Local Hero Australian of the Year & Indigenous Construction Leader – Frank Mitchell is a proud Whadjuk-Yued Noongar man, co-director of Wilco Electrical and co-founder/director, of Kardan, Baldja and Bilyaa in the trades and construction industry.
2026 Local Hero Australian of the Year & Indigenous Construction Leader – Frank Mitchell is a proud Whadjuk-Yued Noongar man, co-director of Wilco Electrical and co-founder/director, of Kardan, Baldja and Bilyaa in the trades and construction industry.
Frank’s commitment to change was shaped by early lived experiences of suicide and the loss of best friends. As a young single father, being offered an electrical apprenticeship felt like a profound opportunity. When Frank Mitchell became a business owner in 2015, he pledged to create the same opportunities for Mob.
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. His story embodies a vision that integrates cultural values with business leadership, strengthening his ties to community while reshaping the construction industry and creating lasting impact and social justice.
