Each week, RDA Pilbara 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 October 20 to October 27.
A busy week for RDA Pilbara From barefoot bowls to awards nights and business after hours events – there’s been plenty happening over the past week for RDA Pilbara.
RDA Pilbara CEO Tony Simpson and Regional Development Officer Natalie Drabble attended a very enjoyable Women In Business Lunch organised by the Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce (PHCCI) last Friday, before Tony busted out the bow tie over the weekend for the Karratha & Districts Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Excellence Awards (more on that a little later in the blog).
Tony’s week also included a Business After Hours Expo with the PHCCI at the Tradie Hub, before trying his hand at barefoot bowls for a very important cause, at an event in Karratha with Lifeline WA and its ambassador Leon Ruri.
Among all that there was also the launch of Karratha’s new fast EV charger, as part of the Pilbara’s entry into the WA EV Network (again, more on that later in the blog).
A high-flying milestone for Marble Bar Some very exciting and pleasing news in Marble Bar over the past week, with the arrival of the first ever passenger jet at the town’s airport.
The ability for Marble Bar Airport to cater for jets carrying up to 180 passengers is a major boost for tourism, industry and residents of the town.
Prior to the expansion, the airport was only able to accommodate planes up to 12-seaters and the landing of the direct flight from Perth – carrying workers for Calidus Resources’ Warrawoona gold project – is hopefully just the start.
Congratulations to the Shire of East Pilbara on this significant milestone.
Read more: https://bit.ly/46KlTtd
EV Network charges into the Pilbara, more to come The world is going to be seeing a whole lot more electric cars on its roads and the Pilbara is going to be part of that.
Not only is our region producing materials that go into EVs and their batteries but this week the WA EV Network officially arrived in Karratha. RDA Pilbara CEO Tony Simpson joined Member for the Pilbara Kevin Michel and Jason Gore from Red Dog Rentals at the launch of Karratha's EV fast charger at Karratha City Shopping Centre.
The Horizon Power charging site has a 150 kilowatt (kW) fast charger that allows drivers to top up their EVs in as little as 20 minutes.
The EV Network is set to expand to Fortescue River, Whim Creek, Port Hedland, Pardoo and Sandfire by August 2024.
More details: https://bit.ly/405KuGC
KDCCI Business Excellence Awards celebrated in style The Karratha Districts Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Excellence Awards offered a great chance to dress up and celebrate what local businesses deliver to the community.
Congratulations to all the winners (details in the Facebook post below) and finalists and the KDCCI for putting on such an excellent event, along with the sponsors who helped make it possible.
Don’t forget about the RDA Pilbara Grants Hub
A reminder that RDA Pilbara’s Grants Hub is now 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.
The Hub is live and ready to go, so please visit it here: https://bit.ly/3QB9oei
New Playspace, dog area coming to South Hedland A piece of news from the WA Government this week which will likely be well-received in South Hedland - with two lots in Kennedy Street being transferred to the Town of Port Hedland for a new Playspace precinct and dog activity space.
The types of facilities are really important for growing cohesion in communities and we look forward to them taking shape.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3Qxw3XB