Woodside helps connect Cherratta to Country

Rebekka, our Villages Coordinator, is describing an historic $35 million contract between Woodside and a Traditional Owner business in Karratha that she'd worked on for nearly two years. Her words are heartfelt and prompt us to pause and reflect: at Woodside, we deliver so much more than oil and gas.

Here's the background to Rebekka’s journey.

Western Australia’s North West has several major industrial projects underway and accommodation remains a challenge for workers. Woodside has Bay Village and Kingfisher which support our base business operations, and Bechtel manages the Pluto Train 2 camp. But with the commencement of the Pluto Train 1 modifications project, we needed additional accommodation.

Anticipating a surge in workforce numbers, Woodside initiated discussions with long-standing partner Cherratta Lodge, based in Karratha’s bustling Industrial Estate. It was then that Cherratta owner Malcolm, raised the prospect of a new partnership that could transition the site into a village owned and operated by a Traditional Owner – someone with traditional connections to the area.

Malcolm’s vision was twofold: to give back to the community in which the business operates and for the site to become a leading facility providing career opportunities for Indigenous people.

“Not everyone wants to or can work on a mine site or a gas plant,” he reasons. “A place like Cherratta not only provides jobs like gardening, cleaning, catering, access to trades and apprenticeships, it will deliver mentorship and empowerment programs for fledgling Indigenous businesses."

Malcolm and his business partner Aaron invited Traditional Owner and Ngarluma Elder Harry Mowarin to join them in the ownership of Cherratta, after building a trusting friendship and agreeing on solutions to challenges together.

“As part of Cherratta’s new energy projects, the company awarded a $1 million contract to Harry’s contracting business,” Malcom explains. “Harry is a Ngarluma Elder who is well respected in the community and during the successful execution of this contract we realised Harry was the perfect fit for Cherratta. Through our programs he could help guide Indigenous people to learn, grow, develop skills and increase their confidence in an environment that is culturally safe, and on their own country.”

Rebekka and Woodside's Manager Contracts Local Content Julie both realised the potential significance of the agreement and the value it could provide to the local Indigenous community where we operate.

Rebekka says: "It made sense: Woodside's contract would provide Cherratta with the confidence and security to support their transition to become a Traditional Owner village by securing a fixed number of rooms over three years, for the Pluto Train 1 modifications workforce."

On 1 January this year, a $35 million contract was approved by Woodside and Cherratta Lodge. The agreement marks the first time Woodside has awarded a village accommodation contract to a business owned by a Traditional Owner. “By coming together to work towards a common goal, we had the opportunity to create a significant impact that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come,” says Rebekka.

Malcolm adds: "The accommodation contract with Woodside presented the best opportunity we thought possible – perhaps the only real opportunity – so we grabbed this little miracle and ran with it." And Harry is overwhelmed by the opportunities this landmark agreement will create for both his family and his people. “This connection with Cherratta is life changing for me and my family,” he points out.

“It’s something that I never thought would be possible in my lifetime. For me, it’s generational healing. I want to leave something behind for the emerging generation, for them to set themselves up and have a chance at a decent life.” He adds: “It also helps to heal the broken connection to my Ngurra, Ngarluma Ngurra.”

It’s a win for Rebekka and Woodside, too – and shows it’s not all about oil and gas.