History

In 2010 as an initiative of Rio Tinto, workshops were held in various locations throughout WA to encourage Aboriginal people to form contracting companies to promote and take advantage of the development and growth in the mining sector. From this indicative by Rio Tinto, Mallard Contracting was formed and through encouragement from the EPCM companies engaged by Rio Tinto, Mallard Contracting commenced contract works at the beginning of 2011.

Pilbara News: Locals Benefit from work camp gear

Beds from decommissioned temporary workers’ camps are being given a second life helping to provide basic comforts to households in a partnership between Pilbara businesses.

CMA Contracting and Mallard Contracting have been busy stripping down Birra Birra A and B near Cape Lambert.  Instead of throwing everything away, about 1000 beds and 45 TVs have been handed over to Naanda Enterprises to put back into the community.

Naanda managing director Jane Tittums said providing beds for those in need was an “amazing” experience.

“We just recently took 12 beds around to one lady’s house,” she said.  “She has children but is also a foster parent who just moved from Kununurra with no beds and very minimal furniture. Her sister who lives in Wickham was in the same situation so we were able to give her five beds.”

“Awesome plumbing, REFAP, Tyrepower, they have all been awesome in terms of how we have collaborated in getting the beds out to people.”

CMA Contracting project manager Shane Botha said recycling goods from work camps was rewarding.

“We are a throwaway society and it is pretty sad to do that” he said.

“It is just a pleasure to be able to help where you can,that is really what we are trying to do.

“Mallard has a strong relationship with the local community so we were able to contact (Naanda) through them.”

He said several local sports clubs were also likely to benefit from the decommissioning project.