Tania Stevens- Eastern Guruma
Managing Director and co‑owner of Eastern Guruma Pty Ltd, Tania Stevens is an Eastern Guruma Traditional Custodian from Western Australia’s Pilbara region. Since founding the company in 2004, she has grown it into a 100% female Aboriginal‑owned business delivering civil, mining and rehabilitation services across the Pilbara and Kimberley. Her commitment to cultural preservation and genuine employment pathways for Aboriginal people has earned her recognition as a Finalist in the 36th Annual Indigenous in Business Category.
Q: What inspired Tania to start Eastern Guruma?
A: Eastern Guruma was founded to ensure Traditional Owners had a genuine seat at the table — not just as stakeholders, but as business owners working on their own Country. Tania wanted to create a female Indigenous-led business that would generate long-term employment, build skills within the community, and create a legacy of economic independence for future generations.
Q: What challenges did Tania face in the early years?
A: Before the business could even begin, the Eastern Guruma people spent eight years fighting for Native Title recognition. In its early days, the company focused purely on survival — operating from a small office, onboarding staff from the kitchen and competing in a demanding industry. Through resilience and determination, Eastern Guruma steadily built its reputation and capability.
Q: What makes Eastern Guruma unique?
A: Eastern Guruma is a 100% female Aboriginal‑owned business built on cultural responsibility and environmental stewardship. The company champions a philosophy of providing a “hand up, not a hand out,” empowering Aboriginal people through meaningful employment, training and mentorship. Many who began their careers with Eastern Guruma have since progressed into leadership roles across the mining industry.
Q: How has the business grown since it started?
A: What began with just two employees in 2004 has grown to more than 450 staff. Eastern Guruma now works with major mining companies including Rio Tinto, BHP and Fortescue, delivering large-scale civil, earthworks and rehabilitation projects. The company has secured long-term contracts worth tens of millions of dollars and continues to expand its operations and capabilities.
Tania Stevens pictured with Joseph Assaf AO, Founder and Chairman of the EBA
Q: What impact has the business had on community?
A: Eastern Guruma invests more than $2 million each year into Indigenous businesses, community programs and sponsorships. Around 30% of its workforce identifies as Indigenous, with targeted training initiatives aimed at increasing this representation even further. By pairing commercial success with cultural integrity, the company creates meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal people while safeguarding Country for future generations.
Q: What achievement is Tania most proud of?
A: Winning the 2023 RISE Indigenous Business of the Year Award was a proud moment for Tania and the entire team. For Tania, the business is about the people — and the award recognised the hard work, resilience and dedication of every employee who helped build Eastern Guruma into what it is today.
Q: What’s next for Eastern Guruma?
A: The future is focused on growth, training and opportunity. With new facilities, expanding teams and investment in equipment and technology, Eastern Guruma aims to create even more employment pathways for Aboriginal people while continuing to lead the industry in culturally responsible and sustainable operations.
