From the RDA Pilbara Chair - April 2025

As many of you might have seen, RDA Pilbara is seeking to employ a new Director of Regional Development.

This is an exciting opportunity for both the successful applicant and the evolution of our organisation.

I might be biased but I think it’s a great job! Whoever gets it will contribute directly to the development of one of Australia’s most important regions, advocating not only for industries and businesses that drive prosperity but also critical social outcomes for our communities.

The Pilbara of the future needs to be a more equitable one, particularly for our Indigenous and remote communities.

This appointment also comes at an important inflection point for RDA Pilbara. Our outgoing CEO Tony Simpson has done an outstanding job over the past five years in establishing RDA Pilbara’s credentials and growing our reputation.

We now regularly have a seat at the table for planning workshops and sessions undertaken by key stakeholders and we have been recognised on the national stage for our work on the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub.

This is a reflection of the tireless work of Tony and his excellent team.

Change brings the opportunity to reflect, reassess and, where necessary, reset – and this is where I see an opportunity for RDA Pilbara as we look to appoint the new Director of Regional Development.

You can read more details on the application form but the person we are looking for will be able to demonstrate strong track records in:

·       Strategic thinking

·       Analytical ability

·       Working with governments and diverse communities

·       Communicating and engaging with stakeholders

·       Professional business skills

·       Leadership and change.

If you think you fit the bill, please apply. And if you know somebody else who would be well-suited to the job, please send them the link. Applications are open until April 13, so there are still a few days left to register interest.

I look forward to updating our stakeholders and followers with news of an appointment in due course.

In signing off on this newsletter column for April, I’d like to touch on a couple of very pleasing recent pieces of recognition for local businesses.

It was great to see Impact Digi and Tamara Bin Amat announced as Best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Business at the recent statewide Regional Business Awards. It’s a fantastic testament to the hard work of Tamara and her team over the past 12 years.

Similarly, it was hugely exciting to have Arthur Ramirez and Winyama Contracting Group take out the coveted Supplier of the Year Award at the Supplier Recognition Gala Event. It’s another great piece of recognition for an Aboriginal-owned business that is doing excellent things in the Pilbara community.

Along with Tony and RDA Pilbara Deputy Chair Peter Long, I had the privilege of attending the Rio Tinto event. It was a wonderful night and a terrific opportunity to catch up with a wide range of stakeholders.

But nothing made the three of us more excited than the win of Arthur and Winyama!