Participants of the Martu Business Development Services program that supports First Nations-owned businesses on Martu Country in Western Australia, Jeremy Sammy and Morika Bijabu are forging a business they hope will empower future generations of Martu people.
Growing up in the remote community of Punma roughly 640km from the nearest regional town, Jeremy and Morika shared a vision for a business and land management operation that would be fully owned and led by Martu people - operating on their own Country
In development for over eight years, the business Warnapari Services is now based in the remote town of Punmu, successfully providing high-quality services to the significant mining and resource sector across the Western Desert and Pilbara.
Meaning ‘dingo’ in Martu Wangka language, Warnapari is an appropriate name for a company that represents resilience, adaptability and strength.
Through training, mentorship and on-the-job experiences, Warnapari works to build local capacity, confidence and leadership among Martu people, and offer culturally safe employment pathways to the resource and mining sector.
In 2023 Jeremy was partnered with ABV skilled business volunteer and ongoing mentor, Chris Maddock, to co-develop a comprehensive business plan and capability statement that brought Warnapari Services from a concept to reality.
With ongoing support from ABV, Greatland’s Social Performance Team and First Nations training and employment consultancy Red Dingo Contracting, Warnapari Services secured its first major contract with gold and copper producer, Greatland, in 2024.
Since then, the business has expanded its work to include a new Weeds and Seeds program, focused on environmental management for Telfer Village’s clean-up program, and supported the Greatland’s Social Performance Team.
Warnapari’s model reinvests in its people and community. “We want Martu people to see themselves not just as workers, but as leaders and owners of the work happening on their land,” said Jeremy.
The company is already engaging more local Martu workers and developing their skills as supervisors and mentors, many of whom are receiving positive feedback once on the job.
As Directors, Jeremy and Morika are setting an example for others to follow, as they work to ensure that employment within the mining and resource industry becomes a long-term empowering option, shaped by Martu values and voices.
Their journey is one of determination, partnership and purpose, and Warnapari Services is proof that, with the right support and a clear vision, First Nations businesses can not only thrive on Country but forge meaningful employment pathways for others.
