SIXT Australia has announced an exciting new franchise partnership with Waru Vehicle Hire, marking a strategic expansion into Western Australia’s Pilbara region. The partnership will see new SIXT branches open in Karratha, Port Hedland and Newman from June 2025, with vehicle bookings already available in the lead-up to the launch.
Waru Vehicle Hire is a proudly majority Aboriginal-owned business based in the Pilbara, specialising in commercial and passenger vehicle rentals. The company is led by Shakira Grasso, a traditional owner with deep roots in the region. Waru services clients across the mining, defence, government and private sectors, and was recognised as the ‘New Indigenous Business of the Year’ at the 2024 AEMEE Awards.
SIXT Australia CEO Matthew Beattie said Waru was the first franchise partner welcomed since the brand launched in Australia in 2021, describing the partnership as a milestone for both businesses.
“This exciting new partnership unlocks opportunities to significantly expand our reach and strengthen our ability to better serve our local and international customers,” Mr Beattie said. “My team and I are delighted to have Waru join Team Orange.”
Ms Grasso said the partnership was a transformative milestone for Waru, noting the alignment between the two businesses was evident from the very first meeting.
“I knew right away that our values and visions aligned, both with a drive to succeed and create sustainable opportunities for our community and future generations,” she said.
“SIXT’s global reputation and dedication to premium customer service, combined with Waru’s deep local roots and commitment to community impact in the Pilbara, is a strong partnership. It opens up possibilities for us to grow our business, enhance our capabilities and better serve our customers.”
Waru’s name is derived from a word meaning ‘the fire that burns small scrubland to help regenerate the land’—a powerful metaphor for the business’s commitment to local development and long-term sustainability.
SIXT Australia is owned by the NRMA and operates more than 160 locations nationally with a fleet of over 16,000 vehicles. The partnership with Waru aligns with SIXT’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and building strong local relationships in regional areas.
With this new chapter, SIXT and Waru are not only expanding vehicle access across regional WA—they’re setting a strong example of how industry and community partnerships can drive meaningful impact.
