The hub of the resource ‘boom’ in Australia is found in the seemingly endless iron red of the Pilbara. This context is a case study within Desert Knowledge Core Project 5 Desert Services that Work. Research methods involve training Martu people to undertake participatory analysis and also working with existing ‘boundary brokers’. Key findings and conclusions are focused upon mechanisms to improve Martu people’s representation and participation towards better service outcomes. This meets a need felt by government and industry who seek improved Martu representation within existing organisational complexity.