Talking leadership, bush medicine by the beach and a local winner for a major art prize

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 September 3 to September 20.

Talking leadership to Pilbara visitors  RDA Pilbara's acting Deputy Chair Peter Long was delighted to have the opportunity recently to chat to a visiting cohort from Leadership WA as part of their 2024 Signature Pilbara Field Trip.

Peter outlined some key learnings from his own career (including his stint as Mayor of Karratha), as well as providing a snapshot of the significant opportunities (and challenges) in front of the Pilbara.

It's always great to see visitors taking an active interest in our region and we appreciate the chance to provide an update on what's keeping RDA Pilbara (and other organisations) busy.

Bush medicine learnings on the Burrup

RDA Pilbara Regional Development Officer Natalie Drabble and Contract and Program Manager Debbie Johnson had the privilege to be part of the recent Warridahs of the Ngurra Bush Medicine Workshop on the Burrup Peninsula.

It was an extremely informative event, with some excellent insights into ancient knowledge of plants, how to care for Country and on-Country learning about harvesting protocols.

RDA Pilbara is grateful for the opportunity to have attended and appreciative of the effort by a number of partners and parties to making the event possible.

Local artist takes out major national portrait prize

A great feelgood story from ABC Pilbara this week, with news that local artist Jenna Pickering had won two awards at the annual Lester Prize for portraiture.

In what was her first time painting on paperwork, Jenna was awarded for her depiction of local Yinhawangka elder Brendon Cook "[staring] out into the dark, carrying the future of his community with him", as the judges described it.

The Tom Price resident, who is a community development officer with the Shire of Ashburton, outlined her love of capturing the essence of people in an interview with the ABC.

Read the story: https://ab.co/3Tw8Tmz

Dr Tracy Westerman to launch memoir in the Pilbara Dr Tracy Western will be in Karratha on Saturday October 5 to launch her memoir in the region where it all began her for.

Tracy's inspiring journey involves rising from humble beginnings in the Pilbara to become the first Aboriginal person in Australia to complete a PhD in Clinical Psychology, and then emerging as one of the country’s foremost psychologists.

It's a real treat for Pilbara audiences to have the opportunity to hear Tracy tell some of her story live.

Copies of Jilya will be available for purchase on the night and Tracy will be happy to sign them. The event is free but registration is essential via the following link: https://bit.ly/4ey0ibd

World-first ammonia ship transfer off the Pilbara

After more than two years of collaboration, Yara Clean Ammonia and Pilbara Ports have announced a successful, world-first ship-to-ship transfer of ammonia using vessels at anchorage in a working port environment at Port Dampier.

International shipping accounts for 3 per cent of global greenhouse emissions and ports in the Pilbara are at the heart of Australia's export activity, including most of the country's iron ore trade.

Ammonia, which does not produce CO2 when combusted, has shown great potential as an alternative shipping fuel.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4gu3iqP

WACOSS and Pilbara for Purpose want to hear from you

If anyone has 10 minutes spare over the weekend, please give some consideration to completing the Pilbara Community Services Survey being undertaken by the Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS) and Pilbara For Purpose.

The survey, which is open until COB Tuesday 24 September, aims to capture the experiences, needs and priorities of the Pilbara community and social services sector. Responses will help to guide the work of both organisations in their advocacy and activities. 

The survey can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/3XFca4q

Rural Women's Award open for entries

Applications are now open for the 2025 AgriFutures Australia Rural Women's Award, which celebrates inclusive and courageous leadership from women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities.

It's an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of 2024 winner Tanya Egerton, whose The Remote Opshop Project is supporting the establishment of a network of opshops in remote First Nations communities, providing access to affordable essential items and small business training while generating independent funding that supports culturally focused projects. 

To learn more about eligibility and enter, please visit the Award website: https://bit.ly/4dfdJvF

Don’t forget about the RDA Pilbara Grants Hub 

A reminder that RDA Pilbara’s Grants Hub remains open and ready to act as a one-stop shop for all local businesses, community groups, not-for-profits and individuals who are considering applying for a grant.  

You can see what grants are available, register to receive alerts when new opportunities arise and access tips to help you apply for grants.  

If you are interested, please visit the Hub here: https://bit.ly/3QB9oei