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Ngarliya Contracting Pty Ltd (Ngarliya) is one of the first majority aboriginal owned fire suppression services businesses in Western Australia that operates as a joint venture between Robe River Kuruma Traditional Owner Kelly Slattery and her partner Arran Henry (Jajiwarda), and PWR.
Fire symbolizes a profound connection between aboriginal people and their land, embodying both cultural heritage and spiritual significance.
Ngarliya has the meaning of “You and I”, a genuine reflection of the relationship between PWR and Jajiwarda coming together to form the enterprise.
The Robe River Kuruma people are embracing self-determination and embarking on projects that see them involved in the care of their Country, establish an independent economic base through alternate sources of revenue, create solid pathways to develop and mentor youth leaders, and continue to advocate for better services for the vulnerable in their community. Ngarliya is aiming to play its part in helping to achieve these outcomes.
In February 2025, Mineral Resources awarded Ngarliya a five year contract for the provision of fire suppression maintenance and pest control services. Services will commence initially at the MRL Onslow Iron Project, inclusive of the Ken’s Bore Resort and Minesite, MinRes Haul Road and Onslow Port. Ngarliya will expand its operations to other sites as it expands, utilising the new training facilities at PWR’s facility to educate, train and upskill its workforce, providing opportunities for aboriginal people to work on Country.
Ngarliya has the capability to offer a complete suite of services and products to our clients to meet their safety, emergency and rescue needs.
By supporting diverse roles, providing required services for businesses and pursuing growth opportunities across other areas, Ngarliya will be well positioned to grow sustainably.
Kelly Slattery
Founding Chairperson and Director Kelly Slattery is a recognized Traditional Owner of the Robe River Kuruma language group, located in the Pilbara and Ashburton region of Western Australia.
Kelly brings over 15 years of experience in Community and Industry engagement aimed at Indigenous Employment and Economic Development. Her role in the business is to oversee the governance and ensure effective engagement with Clients and Community stakeholders.
Kelly has a background in Community Engagement and Employment Services including Mentoring, Development and Support and is committed to recognizing opportunities for recruitment, retention and development that can be achieved through the employment processes.
Arran Henry
Founding Director Arran Henry is an Aboriginal man from Western Australia. Arran has strong skin group connection ties to the Whadjuk and Ballardong Noongar dialectic group of WA. Arran has over 20 years’ experience in the mining and resources sector. Starting in 1992 working in the mines in WA operating earthmoving equipment, Arran worked his way up to Mining Supervisor/Superintendent roles with blue chip companies such as Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals Group.
Arran has worked on large scale construction projects such as Roy Hill Rail Project in the Pilbara, the Sawyers Valley Great Eastern Highway Road Project in Perth and large scale mine dewatering projects throughout Western Australia. Arran has been a Trainer and Assessor in gold mining, iron ore operations and civil construction.
PWR
PWR (Paull & Warner Resources) offer a completely integrated suite of services and products focused on their client’s safety, emergency and rescue needs.
Established in 2008 – and still a proudly Western Australian family-owned business, PWR provides the resource and construction industry with a professional and complete service encapsulating all aspects of risk management including fire suppression system installation and servicing, provision of emergency management personnel, emergency vehicles and equipment.
With branches in Perth, Bunbury, Collie, Kalgoorlie, Newman, Tom Price, Karratha, Onslow, Geraldton and Port Hedland.