After joining MinRes to work in the Yilgarn in 2022, Bobby moved to Ken’s Bore in November that year, just as the project was in its early stages and construction was ramping-up.
For Bobby, the transformation has been remarkable, with each flight back to site revealing visible progress as the project took shape.
“I’ve been here since the very beginning when there was just exploration and construction and I’ve seen everything come to life,” Bobby said.
“When I came here, there was only caravans for the construction workers and exploration and then they started building the Avery camp and after that, the resort and the airport.
“Each swing, you'd fly in and see something new – there was always more progress in the construction.”
Utility Bobby Vyapooree talking about his time with MinRes
Bobby’s Utility title is true in every sense of the word. He's worked in most areas of village operations – from housekeeping to the bar to the kitchen – helping create a home away from home for the 1000-strong Onslow Iron workforce at Mungala Resort.
As part of MinRes’ commitment to setting new standards for facilities, food and flights in the Western Australian resources sector, Mungala Resort features 500 rooms, each measuring three times the size of traditional FIFO accommodation.
Located opposite Ken’s Bore Airport – which is serviced by in-house airline MinRes Air – the facility features an extensive list of amenities and industry-leading dining options.
Residents enjoy à la carte menus, rotating specials, themed events and a different buffet menu each day, with the entire menu changed out every five weeks thanks to a catalogue of more than 1,000 recipes.
Bobby is one of more than 30 Utilities based at Mungala Resort and helping redefine the FIFO experience for those supporting one of Australia’s most innovative iron ore operations.
With an innovative pit-to-ship supply chain and a workforce committed to excellence, Onslow Iron is set to remain a cornerstone of MinRes’ success for decades.
“The difference is our facilities, our kitchen and our food and we have a great team working together here that’s like a family,” Bobby explained.
“We have people from different backgrounds and we all work well together, we understand each other and help each other.
“The best part of my job is working with my team in the kitchen – we always welcome new starters and make them feel like they’re at home when working with us.”
For Bobby, being part of Ken’s Bore from the beginning has meant more than watching a major project grow – it has been about helping shape the experience of the people who call it home each swing.
