From the RDA Pilbara Chair - December 2025

Once again we’ve reached that time of the year when I scratch my head and say “where did the past 12 months go?”

I suspect I’m not the only one! The busier things are, the faster the year seems to go – it feels like only a few months ago that I was writing a year-ending column for 2024.

2025 has been a big year for both RDA Pilbara and the region we represent. From a regional perspective, we’ve seen significant investment in major projects, progress on clean energy initiatives and, very pleasingly, World Heritage status awarded to the Murujuga Cultural Landscape.

We also had Cyclone Zelia, which served as a reminder of both the challenges presented by our remote location and the wonderful sense of community and resilience the Pilbara is famous for.

RDA Pilbara has undergone significant change since this time last year. We’ve expanded and diversified our Committee, which is already having a positive influence on conversations that are shaping our future direction and work.

We farewelled Tony Simpson after a successful five-year stint, and we welcomed Daiva Gillam as our new CEO in June. Daiva made an immediate impact, and I look forward to seeing our organisation continue to evolve under her leadership through 2026 and beyond.

One of the first major events that Daiva oversaw was the Pilbara to Parliament event in Perth, undertaken in partnership with the Pilbara Chambers Alliance. It was an enormous success and a testament to the hard work and passion of everyone involved.

It’s critical that key decision makers understand our region’s unique opportunities and challenges and Pilbara to Parliament was an ideal vehicle to achieve this. The value of collective advocacy is very clear and an even bigger and better Pilbara to Parliament is being planned for next year.

Throughout 2025, RDA Pilbara participated in a range of events locally, around WA and across Australia to support our advocacy activities. Highlights included the Developing Northern Australia conference, RDA National Forum, National Economic Development Conference, the AICD Governance Summit, Pilbara Summit, Hedland Economic Forum and the inaugural Women of the Pilbara Forum.

Many challenges faced by the Pilbara are also being experienced elsewhere. These events are valuable forums for spending time with peer organisations, exchanging ideas and observations, as well as staying up to date with emerging trends and issues.

Events also provide a pathway for developing connections and partnerships.

January will mark five years for me as RDA Pilbara Chair and a key learning has been that we are most definitely “stronger together.” Pilbara to Parliament is a great example of the power of collective voice and we continue to explore fresh opportunities for collaboration.

I look forward to writing again in the new year with an update on some of RDA Pilbara’s priorities for 2026. Our team will spend some time over the next few weeks recharging but we are making exciting and impactful plans for the year ahead.

In signing off for 2025, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank my fellow Committee members, Daiva and her excellent staff and all the stakeholders we have engaged with over the course of the year.

Regional development is rarely an easy task but I’m proud of RDA Pilbara’s ongoing contributions to our wonderful region. We couldn’t do this without the support of a wide range of partner organisations and we are very grateful for their assistance.

As I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, I’d encourage everyone reading to give some thought to those who may be doing it tough over the holiday period. Cost-of-living pressures are particularly strong in the Pilbara and there will be people who are separated from family and friends and feeling isolated.

If there’s anything you can do to support those less fortunate – a donation of food or goods or your time – please do it. Your local council or charitable organisation should have information and advice about how you can help others in need.

Community spirit is one of my favourite things about the Pilbara and it’s particularly important at this time of year.