Indigenous-owned fencing business Hardy Fencing is helping enhance safety and peace of mind for aged-care residents in one of Australia's most remote communities through the installation of a specialised snake-proof fence.

The fence protects a new aged care facility in Kaltukatjara (Docker River), located in the far south-west corner of the Northern Territory on the traditional lands of the Pitjantjatjara people in the Petermann Ranges.

Home to around 230 residents, the community maintains strong connections to Country, Tjukurpa (law and culture), and traditional land management practices.

Supporting Elders to age on Country while navigating the challenges of life in a remote desert environment requires practical and innovative infrastructure solutions. Recognising the need to create a safer environment for residents and staff, the new aged care facility incorporated a purpose-designed snake-proof fence to help reduce the risk posed by local wildlife.

The project was driven by the presence of the Mulga Snake, also known as the King Brown, one of Australia's most venomous snakes and a common inhabitant of the region.

Hardy Fencing, a Supply Nation certified Indigenous business based in Mparntwe / Alice Springs, partnered with Intract Australia — one of Australia's largest Indigenous-owned construction and maintenance companies — to design and deliver the specialised fencing solution.

The Kaltukatjara aged care project highlights how collaboration between Indigenous-owned businesses can deliver culturally appropriate, community-focused infrastructure that supports the wellbeing of some of Australia's most remote communities.

Hardy Fencing chief executive Mark Bruno noted that the Mulga Snake / King Brown, can grow to more than three metres in length.

"While it is not the most toxic snake in the country, it can deliver an exceptionally large venom yield in a single bite, making it a significant safety risk in remote communities," he said.

"The fencing solution required at Kaltukatjara involved specialised engineering and design considerations to prevent snakes and other reptiles from entering the facility grounds and potentially harming elderly residents and staff.

"It was a pleasure to work alongside Intract Australia to deliver this important project. Both businesses bring specialised expertise and a strong understanding of the unique challenges associated with delivering infrastructure in remote and often difficult environments."

Mr Bruno said that for Hardy Fencing, supporting communities across Central Australia is "part of what we do".

"Travelling more than a thousand kilometres from Alice Springs to deliver projects is simply part of our commitment to providing quality solutions wherever they are needed," he said.

Supply Nation chief executive Kate Russell described Hardy Fencing as "a great example of an Indigenous business growing through acquisition of existing non-Indigenous businesses, making them stronger, increasing capability and creating employment pathways".

"It's particularly encouraging to see two Supply Nation-certified businesses, Intract Australia and Hardy Fencing, working together to deliver critical infrastructure that directly benefits the community," she said.

"This project 1 will help provide a safer environment for Elders in Kaltukatjara, supporting them to age on Country with greater comfort, dignity and peace of mind.

"Partnerships like these demonstrate the value Indigenous businesses bring to communities across Australia, delivering high-quality outcomes while generating lasting social and economic benefits."

Hardy Fencing continues to strengthen its capacity to deliver complex projects across Central Australia and beyond. The recent acquisition of Ross Engineering, a specialist steel fabrication, structural and mechanical engineering company, has expanded the business's capabilities and enhanced its ability to provide integrated solutions across a diverse range of sectors.