Meet new RDA Pilbara Chair Luke Blackbourn
Updated: 2 days ago
Luke Blackbourn is a familiar name and face throughout Pilbara communities – and in late August he was appointed as the new RDA Pilbara Chair.
As he enters his second full month in the role, we caught up with Luke to find out a little more about his Pilbara experiences and how he hopes RDA Pilbara can help drive equitable and sustainable development across our region.
Please tell us about your Pilbara story – how did you first became connected to the region? I first lived in the Pilbara a bit over 20 years ago when I moved for work with my wife and son (aged 2 at the time). We added a daughter while living here and faced many of the challenges with access to health services that are common to this day. We enjoyed our time here immensely, and I am still in touch with many community members from that time. We moved away after a few years, but within a short time I was in charge of the Social Impact Management Plan for the Gorgon Project, so I was working in Karratha, Onslow and Hedland on issues such as regional participation, local employment and Traditional Owner engagement. I then spent several years overseas but have always stayed in touch with the region and moved back again while working for Yara Pilbara.
What is your favourite thing about the Pilbara and its people?
Without a doubt, it is the sense of space that you feel up here. I think it changes people. No matter where you go, that memory of the vast landscape stays with you, and I think it’s shared by all those who have lived and worked in the region.
What’s one thing you’d like to change or improve about the Pilbara right now?
It’s a bit of a catch-all, but I’d like to improve the ‘liveability’ of the region for those who live and work here. That’s a broad topic and includes many elements, from housing access to services, education and transport. They are all challenging, but I do see great goodwill from so many people and organisations across the region - and elsewhere - to make improvements, to innovate, and to create opportunities.
What made you decide to take on the role of Chair, and what do you see as RDA Pilbara’s biggest focus going forward?
Given my long connection to the region and a similar period engaging with government, particularly in Canberra, I can build and strengthen connections between the people in the region and others whose decisions impact the Pilbara. Better connecting Canberra to the people in the region will lead to better outcomes. Connecting with our colleagues in state and local government will further assist.
Away from work – and RDA Pilbara duties – where can people find you?
I have a keen interest in politics and current affairs, so as soon as I have the chance, I can be found with my head in a book or online, reading about the challenges out there in the world.
