Building a stronger, fairer region – Devon Cuimara’s Pilbara story

In our latest content feature, we look at the people behind RDA Pilbara – their connection to our region, what they love about the Pilbara and what they hope to achieve through our organisation’s advocacy.

We continue our series with RDA Pilbara Committee Member and Aboriginal Males Healing Centre Founder and CEO, Devon Cuimara. Devon has a strong passion for justice reinvestment and community empowerment that will help develop a more inclusive and equitable Pilbara.

Please tell us a little about your connection to the Pilbara?

I am the Great-Great-Grandson of Mary Anne McQuay (1868-1952) and Joseph (Jobie) Headland (1864-1895). Their daughter, my great-grandmother, Elizabeth Daisy Headland (1881-1957), was taken away with her brother in 1894 and sent to the New Norcia Mission. Jobie was the third son of Captain Peter Headland (1829-1881) and Ellen Adams (1840-1908). Captain Peter Headland was the skipper of the Mystery, a single-masted cutter, only 43.5 feet (13.3m) long, on the way back from Breaker Inlet when they discovered Mangrove Harbour- “a beautiful little harbour, quite landlocked, 30 miles west of the entrance of the DeGrey.” Ridley writes that the harbour “……was named Port Hedland in honour of the Master of the Mystery, who first perceived it. (Nemeth and Hedland-Thomas, 1980). Currently, I am a guest on Nyiyaparli Parna (Land) in the Pilbara region of WA, representing and advocating for the Martu yirna (Aboriginal men) who use violence. I have the yuwajula (permission) from the yatilykata (elders) of Pitjikala and Manyjilyjarra, Martu (Aboriginal people), to carry out healing and well-being work with Martu yirna.

What’s your favourite thing about living in the Pilbara?

The picturesque remoteness of the country, coupled with its stunning coastline and rich Indigenous history, paints a captivating picture. The Martu people, among the last of Australia’s Indigenous communities to encounter European settlers, began migrating from their desert homelands to nearby pastoral stations and missions during the 1950s and 1960s. A significant milestone in Australia’s Indigenous history is the Pilbara strike of 1946-49, where Aboriginal people boldly stood up to the owners of pastoral stations in North-West Western Australia, demanding improved wages and working conditions. This movement was not just about better treatment; it was also a quest for independence from colonial authorities. As a result, the community gained substantial freedom and autonomy, leading to the establishment of co-operative mining ventures and other initiatives.

What’s something you’d like to see change or improve in the Pilbara?

The Pilbara stands at a pivotal moment to turn its economic strength into enduring social and cultural dividends.

By expanding justice reinvestment and healing-informed initiatives such as the Martu Justice Reinvestment Tribal Council, we can reduce incarceration, strengthen reintegration, and empower communities through culturally grounded governance. Coupling this with transparent decision-making that centres Aboriginal voices, we can align economic growth with self-determination. Investing in sustainable local industries, job readiness programs, and targeted digital and infrastructure upgrades will not only enhance service access and liveability across towns and remote communities but also ensure that prosperity remains rooted in the region. Together, these actions form a practical, evidence-based roadmap to a stronger, fairer, and more connected Pilbara.

What made you decide to join the RDA Pilbara Committee, and what do you see as the key things RDA Pilbara can achieve?

I chose to join the RDA Pilbara Committee to contribute my experience in culturally grounded governance, justice reinvestment, and community empowerment to a strategic regional forum. The Committee’s role in shaping sustainable development, diversifying the economy, and ensuring Aboriginal voices are embedded in decision-making aligns closely with my lifelong commitment to systemic reform and equity across the Pilbara.

Key Opportunities for RDA Pilbara:

• Champion Inclusive Growth – Drive policies and partnerships that balance economic strength with social and cultural dividends for all communities.

• Address Critical Regional Challenges – Influence solutions to housing shortages, workforce capacity, and infrastructure gaps that directly affect liveability.

• Catalyse Economic Diversification – Support emerging industries, innovation, and enterprise pathways that keep wealth and opportunities in the region.

• Embed Cultural Leadership – Ensure Aboriginal knowledge, priorities, and governance are central to planning and implementation.

• Strengthen Regional Resilience – Advance strategies that prepare the Pilbara for environmental, market, and geopolitical volatility.

Away from RDA Pilbara and work, what do you like to do with your time?

Time with my family is precious. Being a well-respected husband of 30 years, father of five, and grandfather to four gorgeous granddaughters is the most precious, incredible honour I have.