Getting Back Home

The Pilbara is big. Really big. At over half a million square kilometres, it’s hard to grasp just how outrageously vast the region really is. Unless you’re in one of the towns, nothing is just ‘up the road’, as ‘up the road’ could mean a full day of travel. 

At the southern edge of the region sits Newman, a town of around 6,000 people on Nyiyaparli Country. Though relatively small, Newman serves as a crucial service hub for many surrounding remote communities.

For the Martu living in remote communities, getting to Newman and, more importantly, getting back home can be challenging.  Without reliable transport people can often be stranded for days waiting for a return lift home after travelling in for essential services.

That’s why the Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa’s Ngurra Karti, or the ‘Getting Back Home’ program was created.

Ngurra Karti provides a culturally safe, coordinated transport service to help Martu return home after accessing services in Newman they aren’t available in in community – such as specialist healthcare, banking, or large-scale shopping.

The program is run by Martu for Martu.  Around 25 Martu drivers are employed, building strong community connections and ensuring that the passengers' needs and customs are understood and respected.  These aren’t short trips – they often span hundreds of kilometres over remote dirt roads. Vehicles are equipped with radio systems, satellite phones, and water supplies as well as swags, as some trips need to be broken up over a couple of days.

A key feature of the program is its partnership with the justice system. For Martu, needing to meet bail conditions or attend court requires travelling to Newman. Without transport people can get stranded in town - increasing their risk of breaching conditions and facing incarceration. Ngurra Karti helps people meet their obligations and return home quickly -  keeping families together and offering practical and culturally appropriate support. 

As Lingani, one of Ngurra Karti’s coordinators explains “It’s been so rewarding being able to reunite Martu with their families back home. And also knowing that Martu are back out to community where it’s safer  and can engage in work on country as well with their families around.” 

The strength of Ngurra Karti lies in its foundation: Martu leadership, cultural respect, and community control . With financial backing from BHP, the Ngurra Karti program has the resources it needs to keep Martu communities connected and safe.