MentorAPM and UNGANCO bring asset management to First Nations

One year after more than $4 million of Australian Government funding was announced, software solutions company MentorAPM and engineering consulting firm UNGANCO have reached the halfway mark of an ambitious asset management plan aimed at building resilience among indigenous communities in Cape York. With a total of nine participating councils, four have successfully begun implementation of the technology, ushering First Nations into a digitized era that will help reduce the risk and minimize the impact of cyclones and other large scale natural disasters.

“At UNGANCO, our guiding principle is to bridge the gap between all levels of government,” said Alex Ung, founder of UNGANCO. “Keeping our loved ones safe at all times is something we all value as a community, and through our partnership with MentorAPM, we’re providing the tools to do just that. We look forward to continuing our critical work in year two and showcasing our successes firsthand as the team visits for Ozwater this week.”

MentorAPM is a US-based company providing software solutions that simplify complex operations and optimize performance across both machine and human assets, cutting costs and avoiding preventable catastrophes. The partnership between MentorAPM and UNGANCO was launched last year to establish a digitally supported asset management program for First Nations communities located in remote coastal regions across Far North Queensland – an area historically marked by severe flooding associated with tropical cyclones. By taking systems online, the partners will help secure community services and infrastructure before disaster strikes, reducing the amount of time indigenous communities can recover from natural disasters and being better prepared for tropical cyclones.

Tacoma Zach, founder and CEO of MentorAPM adds, “By introducing these communities to asset management technology, we’re ultimately hoping to enhance disaster preparedness. Most do not have access to resources available in more densely populated areas, so it’s important these types of programs are continuously supported by the government. We are grateful for their trust and support.” 

UNGANCO is an indigenous-owned engineering consulting firm committed to working with organizations facing short-term resourcing constraints or seeking support with strategy or operational efficiency. Its primary focus is within the government and utilities sector, specializing in the Asset Management and SCADA fields. The company became the first MentorAPM representative in Australia and New Zealand in 2021, offering comprehensive software implementation, integration and support services.

This week, the partners will attend Ozwater – Australia’s premier water exhibition and conference held in Sydney – celebrating two years of working together, as well as a safe close to this year’s official cyclone season.