Warrikal founding CEO Amanda Healy has transitioned to chair of the Indigenous-owned, Western Australian-based company as it continues to grow and evolve within the resources sector.

The businesswoman from Wonnarua – Traditional Owners of the Hunter Valley in NSW – has led the multidisciplinary maintenance and shutdown services company for eight years, her legacy now deeply woven into the fabric of Warrikal.

Her passion for creating Indigenous opportunity and unwavering leadership has shaped the company from humble beginnings to a respected and values-driven industry partner, consistently delivering excellence to tier-one clients such as Roy Hill, BHP and Fortescue across the Pilbara and beyond.

"We have been discussing this for a few years now, that I'd move on to the board and become a more strategic part of the business, rather than operating the day to day," she told National Indigenous Times.

"I am 67 in a couple of weeks' time, and I was ready for a change. It's been a hectic eight years getting to that level."

Through this journey, Warrikal has helped forge pathways for other Indigenous businesses and inspired female leaders to embrace the opportunities of business ownership.

The Warrikal story began in 2016, with Ms Healy and two others brainstorming around a kitchen table.

The company now employs between 1500 and 2000 people, with the pivotal moment coming a few years later when Warrikal won its first major contract, with FMG, worth $350 million.

"It was probably the largest contract ever given to a majority-owned Aboriginal business," Ms Healy said.

"We were expecting a contract, but we didn't expect it to be that big."

Money aside, the contract stabilised the business, with Ms Healy and her team knowing they had work for at least the next five years.

"We were at that point three years old," she said.

"Not many businesses that young can feel confident they will remain sustainable."

Ms Healy said there had been many remarkable moments and highlights over the years.

"The biggest highlight for me has been my business partners, we work really well together," she said.

"We've all worked really hard to develop the business, and I guess the rewards are starting to be shown for the business."

To honour Ms Healy's enduring impact and commitment to advancing women in the resources sector, Warrikal has launched the Healy Female Leadership Program – a new initiative focused on identifying, developing, and fast-tracking emerging female leaders across the organisation, with the new Warrikal chair personally contributing to the program as part of her ongoing leadership role.

"The Foundation is all about building female leaders in our business," she said.

"We'll be encouraging females, particularly Aboriginal females, to work in the business and develop their skills into a leadership role."

David Williamson has been appointed Warrikal's new CEO, bringing a sharp focus on safe service delivery, operational excellence, transformational growth, and a values-led workplace culture after more than 20 years of operational and leadership experience.

Over its eight-year history, Warrikal has invested more than $20 million in partnerships, direct engagement of Indigenous businesses and contributions to social causes, a strategy this will continue to grow under Mr Williamson's leadership.

Since its inception, Warrikal has remained steadfast in its commitment to create meaningful Indigenous opportunities, through initiatives such as its Tingali employment program, apprenticeships, and traineeships.

Through a valued partnership with MADALAH, Warrikal has supported the education of many Indigenous students, creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders through scholarships and ongoing support.

Ms Healy's elevation to chair of the board will see her work alongside fellow directors Roy Messer and David Flett.