The History of Karratha Building

​Karratha Building was formed in 1987 by business partners Rex O'Leary and Charles Kirkham. This was a direct result of their employer at the time closing their Karratha operations and relocating to Perth. Rex and Charles were both in supervisory roles and along with 8 other workers would have found themselves out of a job. The decision was made that Rex and Charles would form Karratha Building ensuring the ongoing employment and livelihood of all 10 employees.

These were tough years, Karratha Building worked hard to forge their name in the marketplace with a strong focus in the building and maintenance markets. Through hard work they had successfully started building a client base in the residential and civil markets carrying out refurbishment, new build and renovation work.

​Two years on with Charles leaving, Rex and Judeth took over Karratha Building as sole owners. They continued to work hard increasing their clientele, securing Government, civil, mining infrastructure,  maintenance and refurbishments contracts embedding themselves as a contractor of choice in the civil, mining and resource industries. 

By the mid 90's Karratha Building was fast becoming a leading and diverse construction company in the area employing approximately 35 workers. The team worked across the residential market, civil and mining delivering high quality workmanship to key clients like Rio Tinto Iron Ore (formerly Hamersley Iron), Dampier Salt, Woodside, Coles/ K Mart Group, Health Department and many more.

Over this time Rex and Judeth had welcomed three sons to the Karratha Building family. All three sons have grown and have all taken up working within the family business in their chosen trades further adding to the diversity of Karratha Building. 30 years on Karratha Building are going strong, providing ongoing employment to about 40 employees. Continuing to grow strong business relationships having worked on and with ongoing work on key projects with Rio Tinto, BOC Gas, Water Corporation, Nickol Bay Hospital and many more. ​

Karratha Building are strong supporters of the community and community needs having been involved with many charitable projects donating trades and materials to provide much needed home renovation for local people in need including disability/ mobility modifications to homes.

Karratha Building are proud supporters of local Tee Ball, Junior Soccer, Netball, Make a Wish Foundation, Football Clubs, Speedway, Cricket, Arts and Crafts and Special Education Programs.