Loving life after football

Adam Sarota is in a beautiful place - in fact, as managing director of Amaroo Landscaping Group, he owns it.

Amaroo is the Aboriginal word for ‘beautiful place’ and the name of the company launched by Adam in Brendale.

As we celebrate Indigenous Business Month, Amaroo’s creations can be seen around the region and beyond … and Adam’s aim is to continue that growth.

The ex-professional footballer with Australia, Brisbane Roar and Utrecht, says Amaroo works with clients on landscaping concepts that suit their needs and are sustainable.

Teamwork

Amaroo takes on jobs big and small, civil works and maintenance. Its landscapers, designers and horticulturalists help with everything from construction and earthworks to tree positions.

“We ask clients what they want and what they want to get out of the project,” says Adam, 31, who also played for Pine Rivers, Caboolture and Brisbane Strikers.

He says his business is respectful of the land and wants to create pathways for Indigenous youngsters so they can see landscaping as a viable career option.

Doing well

“There’s a lot of synergies between us and landscaping,” he says. “It’s very important to show there are indigenous businesses out there, doing well.

“I’m proud of being an Aboriginal person and that I own this company and I’m doing well. This month is about showcasing this.”

“Being Aboriginal, it feels good to be working with the earth and getting my hands dirty. I’m very proud of what we’ve created at Amaroo and the things that we’ve done.”

Life after football

Adam grew up in Far North Queensland and his football career included playing at Anfield, home of current English Premier League, European and World Club champions Liverpool.

“I used to play football, back in the day, had a career-ending injuring and started thinking about life after football,” he says.

“I was working in an office but wanted to be outside. I always wanted to do landscaping so thought I’d give it a go. I love it.”

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