From a childhood on sand floors to partnering with mining giants, Wajarri-Nanda entrepreneur Robby Mallard is forging opportunities for his people while honouring those who came before him.

Mallard Contracting is a 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned construction and maintenance and demolition company founded by Mr Mallard in 2011. Based in Western Australia's Pilbara, Midwest and Gascoyne regions, the company delivers turnkey projects across mining, community housing, demolition and infrastructure - from wastewater plants and training centers to remote camp facilities.

What truly sets Mallard Contracting apart is its purpose-driven mission. As Robby puts it: "The core of our ethos is helping improve the lives of Indigenous people through training, development opportunities, and sustainable employment."

The business acts as a springboard for Aboriginal talent.

"We are focused on using our company as an incubator for young people to commence and complete apprenticeships, while enabling them to access mentoring opportunities with highly-skilled and experienced trade personnel. We support our team at all ours."

The journey

Mr Mallard's journey begins in humble circumstances. Born in 1971 in Carnarvon, he grew up in a tiny tin house with sand floors, crowded with extended family. "We didn't have much at all," Robby recalls.

Robby gained his respect and etiquette from attending the local PCYC, and his father was his inspiration. At just 14 years old, his dad began working as a cattle musterer and eventually earned a job with Main Roads WA, rising from a labourer to supervisor.

"Dad was referred to as a leader rather than a boss," Robby says proudly. "And I've tried to adopt that trait myself every day."

In his twenties, Robby launched a one-man plumbing and gas business with $2,500 in startup capital from Indigenous Business Australia. For five years, he worked across Western Australia, servicing Aboriginal communities. That experience planted the seed of a bigger idea: he could be not just a tradesman, but an employer of his people.

The turning point came in 2010 when Rio Tinto began encouraging Indigenous entrepreneurship. Robby attended a workshop in Roeburne and immediately sensed an opportunity. "Rio Tinto basically said: there's work out there, why shouldn't Aboriginal businesses be doing it?" Inspired, he founded Mallard Contracting in 2011.

From there, Robby expanded into three more companies, including Widi Ngaruwa Pty Ltd - meaning "Black Duck" in Wajarri - a nod to his surname and cultural totem. "We've now got our fingers in a few pies," he smiles. "What ties all these ventures together is our commitment to uplifting Aboriginal people."

Impact

Mallard Contracting has grown into a thriving enterprise that employs dozens of Indigenous workers and subcontracts many Indigenous-owned suppliers. A landmark moment came with an $11 million contract with Fortescue Metals Group to build facilities at the Eliwana iron ore mine. The project created over 100 jobs for people in the Pilbara, Carnarvon, and Perth

Closer to home, the company's Inclusion and Diversity Program provides culturally responsive onboarding, mentoring, and flexible work arrangements.

"Some of our fellows just need someone to believe in them," Robby says. "When I hire a young Aboriginal apprentice and a few years later he's running a crew, providing for his family - that's everything." Robby turns mine closures into opportunities to give bac, redirecting fridges, mattresses, and TVs to Aboriginal communities. He speaks with Elders and delivers what's needed himself. "Giving back to the communities is a big part of what we are about," he says.

Challenges and lessons

Breaking into the mining construction sector as an Aboriginal contractor wasn't easy. Early on, Mallard Contracting had to prove itself to skeptical clients. "There were people who doubted an Aboriginal company could deliver on major contracts," Robby says. "We had to prove ourselves by delivering on our promises and letting our work speak for itself."

Robby credits the Indigenous procurement teams at Rio Tinto, BHP, and Fortescue for creating critical opportunities. "Those procurement folks, they're unsung heroes. They created critical opportunities for businesses like mine."

He also highlights Tier 1 contractors who supported Mallard Contracting's journey, Whitten's and Delta Group. "They didn't have to help us, but they did. They took us under their wing and shared their standards."

The support of suppliers has also been critical with support from Galvins Plumbing, Europcar, Direct Trades Supply and freight company's MJK and Northfleet. "The people behind these companies have supported all the way."

His family, particularly his wife, has been a foundation throughout. "My wife has been there from day one, keeping me grounded. Behind every one of my achievements, there's my family, my team, and my community. I never forget that."

Looking forward

Robby remains ambitious for the future. He dreams of making Mallard Contracting the largest employer of Aboriginal apprentices in the country. He also wants to mentor the next generation of Indigenous business leaders, just as he was inspired by pioneers like Peter Hicks and Barry Taylor.

"We all started around the same time in 2011, business owners like Freddy Springs, Michael Hayden, and Tammy O'Connor and now they are thriving in our industry showing what is possible"

"Barry Taylor showed us what was possible. He paved the way so guys like me could run through."

His vision is to multiply opportunity, extend the path further, and one day see an Aboriginal business not just subcontracting on a mine expansion, but leading one.

Robby Mallard is still building: his business, his people, and a legacy rooted in community, culture, and courage. And the best, it seems, is yet to come.