Making a digital impact in northern WA

Recognising a gap in the market makes for a solid start to a new business.

Founder and owner of Impact Digi, Tamara Bin Amat did that nine years ago. While working as editor of a Pilbara newspaper, several people asked her to do some freelance work, so she decided to quit her job.

‘Fast forward to 2021, and Impact Digi has worked with a vast range of clients, from sole traders to tier 1 mining companies, Aboriginal organisations and government departments around the country,’ Yawuru woman Tamara said.

‘I also wanted to fulfil my personal goal of using my skills and experience to help the local community.’

Impact Digi, formerly known as Impact Media, is an award-winning creative agency based in Karratha that offers a complete range of graphic design and marketing services throughout north-western WA and across Australia.

‘The new name, Impact Digi, is meaningful in more ways than one,’ Tamara said.

‘Firstly, ‘Digi’ is a play on the word ‘Indigenous’. As a 100% Aboriginal-owned business, we are proud of our cultural heritage. Secondly, ‘Digi’ is also short for digital, which is one of our key services, alongside design and communications.’

‘Thirdly, the acronym ‘ID’ is a reference to identity. We are passionate about helping Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses to grow and strengthen their brands. The response to our rebrand from new and existing clients has been enthusiastic and we are excited about the future!’

Starting a business is one thing; making it successful and sustainable is another.

Tamara’s mission is to grow her clients and her people. She believes in upskilling, networking, and looking after her team. Considered a local expert on all things marketing, she is a member of several committees and professional groups, and she freely shares her expertise with others.

Impact Digi has helped hundreds of new and existing businesses and has contributed to social and economic improvements in the local community.

The business is Supply Nation certified and has worked with Indigenous Business Australia’s clients as a marketing services supplier for WA and the NT.

‘Being certified is a great opportunity to be seen by major procurement professionals, and Impact Digi regularly receives quotation invitations from Supply Nation’s MOB (Member Opportunity Board) portal,’ Tamara said.

Importantly, she works with Wirra Hub as a supplier and also as a client.

‘I jumped on board in the early days of Wirra Hub and continue to work with the coaches regularly,’ Tamara said.

‘I have been supported by the coaches with casual and formal business advice, and also with a major tender submission to one of the biggest iron ore companies in Australia.’

Over the past 20 months, Impact Digi has proved its worth and its resilience.

‘When COVID-19 first hit in early 2020, some major clients ended their contracts due to uncertainty and hardship in their own businesses, particularly in the tourism industry,’ Tamara said.

‘There were also fewer enquiries from new clients. We worked hard to help our remaining clients survive the downturn. We checked in with them early and facilitated e-commerce stores for clients who could no longer sell their products to customers, face-to-face.’

‘Due to our proactive and innovative responses, the initial challenges were quickly overcome and the business’s turnover increased when compared with its pre-COVID performance.’

The future looks bright for Impact Digi as it trains and upskills its young marketing team in regional WA.

‘We know our region deserves the best and that’s why we’re here. We’re local, and we want to have even more experts in our local team.’

‘Karratha is our home and we are passionate about supporting and promoting our region, and creating opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses to thrive.’