BY Group is committed to closing the gap in employment between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians by creating pathways into construction through education, work placements and employment opportunities.
We recently caught up with James Widders-Leece, a proud Anaiwan man and Project Engineer at BY Group. Now seconded as a Project Manager within the BYCC Alliance, James is leading one of our major government builds.
He shares how his role has grown, what working for an Indigenous-led company means to him and why giving back to the community will always be part of his journey.
James, can you take us back to when you first joined BY Group? What drew you to the company?
I joined BY Group midway through 2023. At the time, I wasn’t actively seeking a new opportunity, but that quickly changed after an initial conversation with Mal.
What drew me in was BY Group’s clear vision to be a leading Indigenous-owned and managed business within the construction industry. As a proud Anaiwan man, this vision strongly resonated with me. The company’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and fostering career development for Indigenous people is something I genuinely connect with and believe in.
Just one week after that first meeting, I had made my decision. I knew I wanted to be part of this journey and contribute to the important work BY Group is doing across the industry.
How has your role evolved since joining BY Group and now with BYCC Alliance?
I began my journey with BY Group as a Project Engineer, working within our civil team to help deliver critical earthworks and infrastructure packages across the Data Centre sector in both Australia and New Zealand. Over the past three years, my role and experience have grown significantly. I’ve had the opportunity to lead and contribute to a diverse range of projects, from complex civil works through to major new building developments.
Currently, I am seconded to BYCC Alliance, a strategic partnership between BY Group and Construction Control, where I’ve stepped into the role of Project Manager. In this capacity, I am leading the delivery of a significant infrastructure project for the ACT Government, marking an exciting and rewarding next chapter in my professional journey.
What have been some of the biggest learning experiences or milestones in your career so far?
Stepping into my current role as a Project Manager has been the biggest milestone in my career so far. Leading our team through various phases of project delivery has provided me with invaluable opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
This role has enabled me to expand on my technical expertise while gaining critical experience in a client-facing capacity. Managing diverse stakeholder groups and navigating the complexities of project coordination has been both challenging and rewarding, further strengthening my leadership capabilities within the business.
I genuinely enjoy working with the team at BY Group. Our mobility and agility give us a unique edge - we’re able to respond quickly and deliver successful outcomes. I also value the strong support network provided by both the BY Group and BYCC teams, who are always available to assist when extra guidance is needed.
Could you tell us about your Indigenous background and connections?
I am a proud Anaiwan man, with my family originating from Armidale in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. Armidale is a small regional town known for its strong and interconnected Indigenous community.
My family maintains deep ties to communities across New South Wales, connections that I hold with immense pride. These roots are a core part of my identity, and I carry that with me in everything I do, both personally and professionally.
What has it meant to you to work with an Indigenous-led company like BY Group?
Working with BY Group has given me a meaningful platform to grow my own career, while also helping create pathways for other Indigenous people in the construction industry.
I believe we carry a broader responsibility to our communities. Growing up in Armidale, I’ve always felt a drive to support young people within my community. Especially those considering a trade or pursuing further education at university. Acting as a role model or simply being someone they can turn to is something I take seriously and hold close to my heart.
Being part of a company, whose values align so closely with my own has been incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. It’s empowering to work within an organisation that not only recognises the importance of Indigenous participation, but actively drives it through genuine action and commitment.
What is something that you’ve had a chance to explore and learn more about as a result of being at BY Group?
One of the key benefits of working with a company like BY Group is the opportunity to engage with multiple layers of the business. You're not siloed into a single stream - you're exposed to a broad range of responsibilities that accelerate professional development.
From my first project with BY Group to now progressing into BYCC, I’ve gained hands-on experience in contracts administration, estimating, client relationship management and the preparation of reports, invoices and financial statements. It’s a truly well-rounded environment.
I've also had the chance to deepen my understanding of project delivery, safety and quality through practical experience with ITPs, environmental management plans and more. That kind of exposure is something unique to a company like BY Group, where you’re empowered to work across the full spectrum of project responsibilities whilst contributing to high-profile government and defence projects.
Where do you see your career heading in the next few years? What are you hoping to achieve next in your career as a construction and project management professional?
I see myself continuing to grow within the business, building on my experience and further developing my capabilities as a Project Manager. I’m committed to expanding my leadership skills and contributing to the success of future projects, while also helping to strengthen BY Group’s presence and impact within the industry and Indigenous community.
What advice would you give to other Indigenous professionals looking to build a career in construction?
Find a company that aligns with your values.
I firmly believe that your values underpin everything you do, whether in business or in life. The closer you can align your personal values with the environment in which you work each day, the more purpose, motivation and satisfaction you’ll find in your career.
When your values and your workplace are in sync, it doesn’t just drive better performance, it creates a more meaningful and fulfilling professional journey.
That’s one of the things I value about working at BY Group - our commitment to community. Whether it’s supporting local events, backing grassroots organisations, or helping our communities and contractors build further capacity. The business is active in making a difference beyond the job site. And that’s something I’m proud to be a part of.
What do you usually find yourself doing on the weekends?
Outside of work, I used to be right into rugby, though not as much now. These days, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, especially with my daughter.
James Widders-Leece and his daughter (pictured bottom-right) posing with the BY Group Dingoes at the 2025 Ella 7s Rugby game.
And lastly, what would you like your legacy to be - not just now, but as you go through the next few years?
I’d like to be remembered as someone who helped others.
I believe there’s a responsibility within our community, especially for those who’ve been given opportunities, to make the most of them. Once you’ve made progress, there’s an even greater responsibility to give back.
For me, the goal is to use the opportunities I’ve been given to support others who are walking a similar path. If I can pass that forward and help others succeed, then I’ve done something meaningful.
Interested in working with BY Group? Reach out to learn more about our experience, approach, and how we can bring value to your next project.