Brissie tech boss a helping hand for Ukrainian workers
Local tech boss Jordan Millar is providing much needed work for Ukrainian software developers attempting to survive the brutal invasion of their country by Russia.
Business
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KUDOS to local tech boss Jordan Millar who is doing his bit to support colleagues in war-torn Ukraine.
Millar, the founder of digital firm Chekrite, is providing work for eight Ukrainian software developers and quality assurance contractors trying to survive the brutal Russian invasion of their country.
“Many Ukrainians have lost everything, yet their spirit and work ethic still remains incredibly high,” says Millar, whose blue chip clients include Cross River Rail and Black & White Cabs.
“Infrastructure and local businesses have been wiped out by the invasion, but with a highly skilled workforce, Ukraine is an ideal choice for most jobs that can be done remotely where the skills are hard to find locally.”
He says some of his workers have had to work from bomb shelters during heavy shelling or travel across the country to escape the Russian invaders. “I have had some apologizing to me because they could not work and requested that I cut their pay,” says Millar.
“But I have refused because it so important they continue to get support. If they wanted to do 40 hours a week, I will pay them for that 40 hours.”
Millar says he is amazed software developers have been able to continue working at all in the country that is facing constant bombardment.
Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnycenko says he welcomes Australian tech companies like Chekrite stepping up to support Ukraine businesses.
There are an estimated 285,00 software engineers in Ukraine generating 4 per cent of the country’s GDP. The IT industry growing by 25-30 per cent annually and has become an essential pillar of the local economy.
“Australian businesses can and are supporting the people of Ukraine by contracting skilled labour, with the tech industry leading the charge,” says Myroshnycenko
“One of the best ways Australian businesses can support Ukraine is to keep working with Ukrainian businesses or seek out experts and professionals to work with where it can’t be sourced locally. This support will be a lifeline for families still operating in Ukraine.”
NO HASSELL
AFTER 26 years with architects Hassell, Kirsti Simpson has resigned to pursue a “very exciting new role”.
Having smashed the glass ceiling time and time again she signed off as global sector leader of commercial architecture and workplace housed in Hassell’s long-term studio in Fortitude Valley.
“It’s been a wonderful journey with Hassell, where I was the first female partner, managing partner and board member,” Simpson said.
Simpson has overseen the success of several major projects including GSK Asia House, Singapore, Sky Central, London, KPMG, Brisbane, and Ashurst Australia, Sydney.
“I am proud of what we have achieved at Hassell over the past quarter century. I am rejuvenated after a short break and excited about the future.“ Stay tuned.
WHAT A GAS
FORMER Foreign Minister Julie Bishop will be among the keynote speakers at the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) conference in Brisbane later this month.
Other high-profile attendees will include Senex chief executive Ian Davies, Santos boss Kevin Gallagher and Chevron’s Kory Judd who will discuss a number of topics including challenges of economic recovery, the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, decarbonisation and net zero by 2050 emissions reduction targets.
Delegates are from all sides of the debate including industry leaders, expert analysts and commentators, innovators, policy makers, energy professionals and financiers.
Executives from ExxonMobil Australia, INPEX, Origin Energy, Shell Australia and Woodside Energy also are expected to attend. The event will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 16 to 19.
Originally published as Brissie tech boss a helping hand for Ukrainian workers
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