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 through November.
WA Governor tours Karratha
It’s been great to have Governor of Western Australia Chris Dawson and his wife Darrilyn in the Pilbara over the past week, engaging with members of the community and local businesses and projects.
Governor and Mrs Dawson had an extremely busy schedule during their visit, meeting staff and students from the Pilbara Kimberley University Centres, catching up with the Pilbara Development Commission and Pilbara Aboriginal businesses, viewing rock art at Murujuga, getting facility tours from Woodside and Yara, and hearing about the future plans for Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation. Amidst all that, there was a reception hosted by the City of Karratha at Red Earth Arts Precinct.
We very much appreciated the keen interest Governor and Mrs Dawson took in both the opportunities and challenges being faced by communities, industries and businesses in the Pilbara and we look forward to seeing them back in the region in the future.
A big boost for local tertiary education
Speaking of Pilbara Kimberley University Centres, it was a thrill to see the Tom Price Study Hub officially opened during November.
RDA Pilbara is committed to working to ensure that communities in our region have access to the same opportunities and services as other parts of the state and education is a key part of that.
The Tom Price facility is a significant boost to education and training in the Shire of Ashburton and its opening marks a true milestone.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3CLUDkf
Pilbara’s bright future in the spotlight
Another major Pilbara event this month was the Hedland Economic Forum.
Expertly organised by the Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce, the Forum brought together a wide range of stakeholders to talk about Hedland’s incredibly bright future. There was a strong focus on what has to happen to turn potential into reality and ensure exciting projects have a positive impact throughout our communities.
RDA Pilbara CEO Tony Simpson touched on this in an op-ed leading into the Forum, which we were grateful to have published in the North West Telegraph.
RDA Pilbara Chair position open for applications
Applications have now opened for the next term of Chair of RDA Pilbara, starting 1 April, 2025.
If you have a passion for facilitating development in the Pilbara and the requisite leadership and stakeholder engagement experience, please give consideration to applying.
For more details about the selection criteria and process, visit: https://bit.ly/4i5ljfL
Annual Pilbara DAMA Survey open for feedback
RDA Pilbara is very proud of the contributions the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) has made to businesses, industries and communities in our region.
But we are also strongly committed to continuing to review the DAMA to ensure it is fit-for-purpose and meeting the evolving needs of employers.
This year’s annual DAMA survey focuses on key questions about labour shortages and the experiences of Pilbara businesses in trying to fill them. If you have a few minutes spare, please give some consideration to filling it out.
The DAMA has been of great benefit for our region and its economies and communities -and the more we know about labour challenges, the better we can tailor and expand it.
Access the survey: https://bit.ly/4eJOsKC
Good news for Shire of Ashburton Hospital projects
Communities in the Shire of Ashburton received good news earlier in the month with the announcement that Cooper & Oxley had been selected under the Early Contractor Involvement process for the Tom Price and Paraburdoo hospital projects.
This means the company can participate in the design phase for the main works of both projects while simultaneously progressing forward works on the Tom Price site.
Fast-tracking these projects will help deliver much-needed facilities in the Shire of Ashburton, which ran a strong campaign aimed at achieving greater healthcare access.
It's essential that communities in the Pilbara have access to the same health services that are enjoyed by other regions in WA. This is an issue that RDA Pilbara is strongly committed to advocating on, at both State and Federal levels.
More details on the Tom Price and Paraburdoo projects: https://bit.ly/4eegwpd
Senior Roebourne elder remembered as the community’s ‘Queen’
RDA Pilbara joins communities around the region in paying respects following the passing of Senior Yindjibarndi Elder Mrs. T Daniel.
Mrs Daniel is being remembered for her enormous contribution to and tireless advocacy on behalf of the community of Roebourne.
As RDA Pilbara Committee Member Sean-Paul Stephens said: “I truly believe that First Nations rights in this part of the world wouldn't have advanced to the place they are without her.”
Read more: https://ab.co/4g8JOqD
A different approach to aged care pays off in the Pilbara
Another Roebourne story from the ABC that got our attention this week focused on the the award-winning Yaandina aged care centre.
Aged care facilities are in short supply in the Pilbara. But not-for-profit Yaandina is showing things can be done both differently and successfully, with an approach that centres on keeping Indigenous people connected to Country, culture and their heritage.
Read more: https://ab.co/4g8JOqD
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