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 27 to November 3.
Bullara Station a model for innovative drought management RDA Pilbara recently had the chance to attend a field day at Bullara Station, where we had managed an innovative water project as part of the Pilbara Drought Node.
The project, which involved the installation of a modulated water treatment plant, is now complete – with the exception of a reverse osmosis plant that is still to be delivered.
It was great to get back to the site, partly to see the range of ponds and equipment in operation, but mostly to hear from the station’s operators, the Shallcross family, about how the project will benefit their businesses going forward.
In addition to the long-running pastoral station, Bullara is home to a thriving and growing agri-tourism business and the water management project will help ensure future prosperity of both.
Drought resilience is a critical issue for communities and economies in the Pilbara and the work at Bullara Station can help inform other drought management activities in the region. It’s been a pleasure to support the Shallcross family with this project, a $100,000 funding commitment through the Northern Hub which will have real impact.
Another look at the Pilbara’s epic Diprotodon dig! There might not be a more captivating local story this year than the excavation efforts near Cape Preston to extract several skeletons of Diprotodon – an ancient relative of the wombat that weighed as much as three tonnes.
There has been some fantastic behind-the-scenes footage and photos emerging, including this video put together by the WA Museum.
Main Roads maintenance management returns to the Pilbara Some welcome news from the WA Government this week, with the announcement of 31 new positions within Main Road in the Pilbara, along with a new depot for Onslow.
The 31 positions are part of a statewide initiative to bring maintenance back in-house at Main Roads rather than outsourcing it, which should assist with not only job creation in the community but also response times to local road network issues.
Meanwhile, the new Onslow depot will be located on Beadon Creek Road and replace the existing Nanutarra depot, which is no longer serviceable due its remote location.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3MsFS7E
Pilbara organisations recognised in Horizon Power funding It was great to see 18 Pilbara organisations recognised with grants through the Horizon Power Community Partnerships Program – which are aimed at helping towns and organisations deliver events and initiatives for local communities.
You can read more about the program here: https://bit.ly/47fhuOL
The 18 Pilbara businesses (and projects) recognised are...
Care for Hedland Environmental Association Inc: Keeping Containers for Change depot staff and customers secure and safe
Hedland Well Women's Centre: Women on Wellness (WoW) Week
Julyardi Aboriginal Corporation: Hedland Aboriginal Strong Leaders - Their Stories
Pilbara Community Legal Service Inc: Harmony Week 2024 - Dances from Around the World
Port Hedland Horse and Pony Club: Pony Club Australia monthly rallies
SAFE Hedland: Sterilisation Drive
The Junction Co: Portside Twilight Christmas Festival
Treloar Child Care: Shade sails
Volunteer Marine Rescue Service Port Hedland: Facility replacement City of Karratha: Christmas Light Competition 2023
Karratha & Districts Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KDCCI): KDCCI Business Excellence Awards 2023
Karratha Community Garden Inc: Fruit trees
Karratha Gymnastics Club: Gymnastic equipment replacement
Karratha Squash Club: Training equipment for juniors
Karratha Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service: 2023 Christmas Lolly Run & Santa photos
Millars Well Primary School P & C Association Inc: Nature playground
St John WA Onslow: Corpuls defibrillator
The Scout Association of WA - Western Australian Branch: Personal Floatation Device replacement
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
Pilbara Inland Chamber of Commerce and Industry seeking committee members The Pilbara’s five Chambers of Commerce and Industry are vital organisations for not only the businesses they represent but the communities in which they operate.
The Pilbara Inland Chamber of Commerce and Industry is seeking committee members from the business community in Tom Price and Paraburdoo.
For more information about how to register your interest ahead of the AGM on November 13, please see the Facebook post below:
Wilson Street path in Hedland now complete
Great to see the new Wilson Street path connecting South and Port Hedland finished and open for both cyclists and pedestrians.
Get a bird’s-eye view in the video below: