RDA Pilbara regularly compiles a wrap of news that's important to industries and communities in the region and also the highlights of our activities on the ground.
Read on for what's been happening from March 15 to March 28.
Universities boost for the Pilbara
Pilbara Kimberley University Centre has been a great addition to the educational offerings in our region – and it was exciting to learn this week its impact would grow with the establishment of an Ashburton Study Hub, following a funding announcement by the Federal Government.
It's important that as many people as possible in the Pilbara are able to access high-quality tertiary education, not only furthering their studies but also their careers.
The Study Hub expansion will provide increased opportunities for people throughout the Shire of Ashburton, including in Tom Price and Onslow.
As Assistant Minister for Education, Senator Anthony Chisholm, said:
“I want more young people to get a crack at going to university and we know that postcode is a massive barrier for young people getting that chance.
“Bringing university closer to where you live will encourage more people who otherwise might decide not to go to university at all to give it a crack.”
Read more: https://bit.ly/4a8Zck5
In addition to the Study Hub, Tom Price is set to benefit from $10 million in funding from Rio Tinto to support the Minna Oval Development Project.
The project includes the development of a clubhouse, undercover sports viewing areas, changerooms and toilets, a commercial kitchen and kiosk, and a new shaded playground.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3ITrQKa
Pilbara flavour to Women In Resources Awards
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia hosted its annual Women In Resources Awards last week and it was great to see the Pilbara reflected among the winners.
Dianne Deegan received the Outstanding Operator / Technician / Trade Award. Dianne, who works for INPEX Australia, was raised in Port Hedland and started her mining and resources career there, eventually becoming Australia's first Aboriginal woman open crane operator.
Meanwhile, Monadelphous won the Outstanding Company Initiative Award for its Crane Operations Pathway Traineeship Program, which involves Solomon, Eliwana and Port Hedland operations.
Many of the finalists and winners have worked in the Pilbara at stages of their career, a pointer towards how our region remains at the core of WA’s mining and resources sector.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3TR6oMc
Showcasing our newest RDA Pilbara Committee members We’ve been delighted to add two new RDA Pilbara Committee members over the past few months – Peter Long and Chris Osborn.
Neither are likely to require an introduction to our stakeholders, with Peter being the long-standing former Mayor of Karratha and Chris being General Manager of Rio Tinto's Tom Price and Marandoo operations.
Judging by the response to our recent social media posts on the appointment of Chris, it’s been a popular move!
Recycling delivers new opportunities CITIC Pacific Mining’s Community Support Fund (CCSF) is a fantastic initiative on a couple of fronts – it not only encourages recycling through the Container for Change WA initiative but it ensures the proceeds are invested back into community projects.
The CCSF recently announced the recipients for its first round of funding for 2024, with the Gurlu Gurlu Maya Children’s Service and CareFlight both receiving grants for important projects.
Gurlu Gurlu Maya Children’s Service in Roebourne, operated by One Tree Community Services, has received $2500 to establish a vertical wall garden to teach children about plant growth, sustainability and caring for the environment.
Meanwhile, CareFlight, a provider of aeromedical services, will deliver a Trauma Care Workshop to boost the emergency management skills of Karratha locals with its CCSF grant of $5000.
A total of 14 Pilbara-based projects have benefited from the CCSF so far.
Pardoo Roadhouse & Tavern back open for business Some great news for an iconic Pilbara establishment over the past fortnight, with the Pardoo Roadhouse & Tavern back open for business.
The venue was hammered last year by Cyclone Ilsa and for a while there were fears that a rebuild may not be possible.
But with the support of the community and local businesses, not to mention an all-mighty effort from the Pardoo team, the much-loved roadhouse and tavern has now reopened.
As these photos shared in the lead-up to the reopening suggest, it’s been quite the journey!