PRM Partners with Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation Ltd to Empower Local Community

Karratha-based Pilbara Rail Maintenance (PRM) is proud to announce the signing of a Sponsorship Agreement with the Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation Ltd (NYFL). The partnership marks a collaborative effort between PRM and NYFL aimed at fostering social and economic empowerment for the local Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi People, and the Roebourne community.

The Sponsorship Agreement was formalised on Country, with PRM co-founders Chris and Chelsea attending the signing ceremony at the historic townsite of Cossack, known as Bajinhurrba in Ngarluma language.

NYFL, the Traditional Owner organisation representing the Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi People, is dedicated to realising positive outcomes for the Ngarda Ngarli (Traditional Owners). NYFL’s initiatives are guided by senior men and women, referred to as Juju-ngarli and Jarda-ngarli.

Highlighting the collaboration’s significance, PRM Co-Founder and Director Chris Prior stated: “We are honoured to partner with the NYFL in their vital work.

“This partnership goes beyond just financial support; it’s about coming together as neighbours and allies, leveraging our proximity to NYFL’s initiatives for a meaningful and sustainable impact.

“As a local business operating on Ngarluma Ngurra (Country), we recognise our responsibility to contribute positively to the community that has welcomed us.

“We firmly believe in the importance of ensuring that the Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi People share in the economic and social prosperity that the mining industry and broader community enjoy. We acknowledge their resilience and rich cultural heritage and we are dedicated to working together to overcome challenges and embrace opportunities.”

Among NYFL’s noteworthy initiatives are the successful Ieramagadu Store Maya in Ieramagadu (Roebourne) which is a ‘social supermarket’ solution to local food insecurity; and the Ieramugadu Employment and Training, which includes the Warrgamugardi Yirdiyabura (WY) Program providing tailored employment and training opportunities for Roebourne Aboriginal People.

PRM will work with NYFL to help further the Bajinhurrba (Cossack) project which involves transferring the heritage Cossack land area from the Government back to the local Aboriginal Community. The land will ultimately be owned and maintained by the Aboriginal community with a focus on increasing Aboriginal employment through education and training opportunities, e.g. art and cultural events, tourism, maintaining the land, and hospitality pathways through the Cossack café.

“We are excited to embark on this journey with NYFL. We believe that our shared vision for community advancement aligns perfectly with the Foundation’s goals. Together, we are committed to fostering a brighter future for the Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi People,” Mr Prior said.

NYFL CEO Sean-Paul Stephens said the partnership is about empowering the Traditional Owner community.

“We are proud to enter a partnership with PRM because their commitment to empowering the Ngarda-ngarli (Traditional Owner) community is genuine. It’s not about patronage, it’s about partnership, and working together to deliver real social and economic outcomes.

“We see this agreement as the start of a long-term relationship between the Traditional Owner community and PRM. We want to grow the partnership together,” Mr Stephens said.

NYFL’s Ngarluma Deputy Chairperson Josie Samson said the Sponsorship Agreement was important to the community as it showed local businesses were making real commitments to the First Nations community.

“It’s about the people at the heart of it all. Us Ngarda (Aboriginal people) we’re not worried about the logo on your shirt, or your salary, we’re interested about what’s in your heart. And we are happy to partner with people who are genuine in wanting to empower our mob,” Ms Samson said.

About Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation Ltd (NYFL)

The Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi Foundation Ltd (NYFL) is a Traditional Owner organisation that delivers social and economic outcomes for its members and the broader community of Ieramagardu (Roebourne) and beyond. The Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi lands in the Pilbara area of WA comprise of over 11,000km², stretching from the coast to the Millstream-Chichester National Park to the south, from around Whim Creek in the east to just west of Pannawonica. This commitment is realised through the facilitation of employment and training opportunities, as well as the delivery of positive outcomes through its social enterprises, investment initiatives and partnerships