Darwin-based Wurrba, which specialises in project management and construction, has won multiple Defence contracts over the past three years.

It is now keen to take on more Defence work and expand into private and other government work, including remote residential building and maintenance.

Raphael, who played 85 games for St Kilda from 2004-12, set up Wurrba with born-and-bred Territorian David Lih three years ago.

“Going into business is hard work,” Raphael says. “A lot of people think all you have to do is open a business and the contracts will come in.

“That’s not how it works. We didn’t get a contract for our first six months.”

But Wurrba began a careful, sustained growth after completing its first contract in an efficient and professional way. Its competitive advantages include:

• Full project management and construction capacity under one roof

• Design, coordination, and management services

• A strong network of building partners

• Strong experience with Defence building requirements.

• ISO accreditation

Raphael, whose brother Xavier also played for St Kilda, was at the height of his AFL career when he began seriously considering life after football.

He decided to train as a carpenter, which meant juggling his time between learning on building sites across Melbourne and the commitment of a professional sportsman.

After retiring from AFL and returning home to Darwin, he worked for a few companies before deciding to go out on his own.

Raphael is a proud Marri Amu, Marri Tjevin and Larrakia man and has named his company Wurrba after the skin name given to him by the Marri Amu and Marri Tjevin clans of the Moyle River floodplains.

He always uses Territory subcontractors, particularly if they are Indigenous owned. “I want to help all Territorians including my people, to get good jobs or start their own businesses and live good lives”

CONTACT

Wurrba 

76 Pruen Road, Berrimah NT 0828 

commercial@wurrba.com.au 

0488 740 055