Qualified carpenter Tom Falck and his Larrakia wife Jodie “got to talking one day” about how they could build a business that helped Indigenous Territorians to work in the construction industry. 

After many weeks of brainstorming, North Australia Projects and Services – better known simply as NAPAS – was born. 

The company, which was founded in 2023, provides project management, construction, and maintenance, mostly in remote communities. 

It is based in Darwin but has just bought land in Daly River, which will be the heart of its regional operations. 

“This location allows us to provide specialised services to remote communities with a focus on local engagement and rapid mobilisation,” says Jodie. 

“We want to create long-term local employment and apprenticeship opportunities for Indigenous people.” 

The new Daly River base is beneficial in many ways because it will: 

• cut costs by not having all its operations working out of Darwin 

• enable the company to deploy to communities throughout the region more swiftly 

• create local employment and training 

• provide secure storage for plant, equipment and materials, which will improve logistical efficiency 

• build stronger community partnerships through more consistent on-the-ground presence. 

The establishment of the Daly River base holds deep personal significance for Jodie. As the birthplace of her great-grandfather, Charlie Snape, the development will allow her to connect with the community while shaping the region’s future. 

Tom and Jodie have plans to move even further into the West Daly and Victoria Daly regions. 

Indigenous Business Australia, which supports Indigenous people start or grow a business, provided NAPAS with a Start-up Finance Package in the early days. 

TOM FALCK AND CEDRIC, WHO WAS RECRUITED THROUGH A GRASS-ROOTS PALMERSTON PROGRAM 

“IBA was hugely important to the growth of our company,” says Jodie. “With their support, we’ve been able to steer our company into its next growth phase by establishing the Daly River base. 

“The business support we’ve received from their team has helped us bring our business ideas to life.” 

IBA has helped more than 5000 Indigenous businesses over the past five years and is responsible for a nearly 20 percent growth in Aboriginal-owned business. 

NAPAS, which maintains an Aboriginal employment rate of about 80 percent, is striving to help more Indigenous people get into trade, project administration and support roles in the construction industry. 

“Some may need extra support to succeed in our industry, whether that’s pick up and drop off every day, providing meals, helping with personal budget goals or assisting with obtaining driver’s licences,” says Jodie. 

“We want to be a company that takes the time to invest in our people.” 

NAPAS wants to upskill people in Aboriginal communities through Certificates II in Construction or apprenticeships. 

“We want them to gain the skills and knowledge to be employment ready for when the next project starts in their home communities.” 

The company has formed a partnership with Grassroots Action Palmerston, an Aboriginal-led community organisation that supports disengaged youth. 

“Through this partnership, we provide employment pathways that combine hands-on training, mentoring and cultural connection,” says Jodie. 

“This helps young people build skills and transition into meaningful roles within the construction industry.” 

The first worker to come through the employment partnership, Cedric, still works for the company. 

“During his time with us we have been so proud to see him develop as a tradesman and, more importantly, as an individual.” 

NAPAS services include commercial construction; commercial fit-outs; roofing and cladding; and repairs and maintenance. 

The company offers after-hours work, which is often needed to minimise operational impact. 

Recent NAPAS projects include the installation of fascia, roofing, and soffits to staff accommodation at health clinics in Yarralin, Lajamanu, and Kalkarindji; supply and installation of a roof access system and flashings at Bradshaw military training ground; and construction of homes in the Arnhem Land community of Gunbalanya. TQ 

LAZARUS IS DELIGHTED TO RECEIVE A PAIR OF BOOTS FROM NAPAS