Aboriginal-led repairs, maintenance and construction company Warrama-li is having a positive impact on Indigenous people's lives in the northern New South Wales town of Moree.

Launched in 2023 and now operating as an independent charity, Warrama-li provides property maintenance and construction services across the region, with all profits made invested back into youth development.

However despite its success, the company continues to experience challenges in filling senior positions and leadership roles.

Warrama-li chief executive officer Darrel Smith said the program is working, however there's a catch.

"We've got jobs ready to go. We've got young people turning up every day, building skills and showing leadership," Mr Smith said.

"What we don't have is experienced staff willing to come to Moree to help guide them."

The initiative is creating real jobs for Aboriginal youth – pairing hands-on training with mentorship and support to break cycles of unemployment and disconnection.  

The program has already seen a lift in skills, confidence, and routine among its team of young Aboriginal workers, but to reach its next stage of growth, Warrama-li needs a passionate enterprise director to lead the way.  

Although advertising multiple senior positions in recent months, the tight job market is making recruitment difficult – even for roles that offer more than a career: a chance to shape lives, build something lasting, and be at the forefront of engagement with government. 

"For the right person, this is an opportunity of a lifetime," Mr Smith said.

"You'd be mentoring the next generation of Aboriginal tradies, passing on knowledge that could change the course of their lives."  

Stanley Smith, a proud Moree local and father of two, says joining Warrama-li has given him a renewed sense of purpose.

"It feels good to wake up knowing I'm going to work in my own community, helping Elders and setting an example for the young ones," Stanley said.

Six months into the job, the 26-year-old is already giving back by mentoring local youth who have shown interest in the work.

"We had some boys come down and we showed them how to fix windows, patch doors, use the ride-on mowers. They were keen. If we can get them a bit of paid work, that might keep them out of trouble," he said.

Warrama-li says Stanley is just one example of the positive impact the organisation is having, but without experienced leaders on the ground to support workers like him, the program's long-term success is at risk.

Member for the Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan said Warrama-li is having a positive impact on the broader Moree community.

"Warrama-li is exactly the kind of grassroots initiative we need more of in regional NSW," Mr Moylan said.

"These organisations are making a real difference, but they can't do it alone.

"We need people to step up – experienced tradies and leaders who want to be part of something meaningful. If you're looking for purpose, you'll find it in Moree." 

Despite its recruitment challenges Warrama-li, led by its parent company Miyay Birray Youth Service - an Aboriginal organisation with more than 30 years of local leadership - continues to deliver real jobs for Indigenous youth, alongside mentoring, accredited training, and personal development support.