Each week, RDA Pilbara compiles a weekly 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 July 21 to July 28.
Major Pilbara Ports projects in the spotlight
Some very pleasing progress updates this week for a couple of key Pilbara maritime projects.
The Lumsden Point project, which links in with the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub, is now into its second stage of seawall construction. Meanwhile, the final stage of construction is underway at Spoilbank Marina. Lumsden Point is supported by the Commonwealth Government through a $565 million investment in common user port upgrades in the Pilbara, and will help unlock additional export capacity in the region.
We look forward to tracking further progress of both projects over the months ahead - truly exciting times for all involved including Pilbara Ports. More on Lumsden Point: https://bit.ly/3q3HyN0 More on Spoilbank Marina: https://bit.ly/3Oy8HRS
Recovery relief grants now available
A little reminder that eligible businesses in the Town of Port Hedland and Shire of East Pilbara are able to apply for reimbursement grants of up to $50,000 (small) and $75,000 (medium-sized) for clean-up and reinstatement costs directly associated with Tropical Cyclone Ilsa earlier this year.
It’s been nearly four months since Ilsa, which registered record wind speeds off the coast, caused significant damage in the Pilbara, including to Pardoo Roadhouse. Visit the Small Business Development Corporation website to learn more and apply - https://bit.ly/44XI3ad
Another successful Cossack Art Awards The Cossack Art Awards are always one of highlights of the cultural year in the Pilbara and this year’s event was no exception.
Congratulations to Tom Price resident and Shire of Ashburton Community Development Officer Jenna Pickering on taking out the $20,000 first prize with her piece Looking Belong (a portrait of Tom Price’s Aunty Joyce).
Pine Byrne won Best Painting by a Pilbara Artist, while Lyne Franke won Best Pilbara Landscape Painting.
The Cossack Art Awards Exhibition will be open for viewing until August 13
Read more: https://bit.ly/47a2bb1
From the local news
Looping back to Pardoo Roadhouse, it was both sad and uplifting to read about the ongoing impacts of Ilsa on the ABC Pilbara website this week.
Sad because it’s tough for any location to bounce back from such a destructive weather event. But also uplifting to hear that tourists are still keen to return to a much-loved part of the Pilbara.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3rMLdzi
On the topic of tourist attractions, exciting to read in the Pilbara News about new multi-million dollar upgrade to the Hedland Hotel.
Dubbed “Rays” the new look includes a Palm Springs-style theme, three additional bars, eight separate seating spaces and a Southern Californian food menu.
Read more: https://bit.ly/43Kt02H
On a completely different but vitally important topic, the WA Government’s The Challenge healthcare innovation had its first meeting at the Red Earth Arts Precinct on July 21.
We’re looking forward to seeing some high-tech healthcare solutions rolled out over the next 12 months.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3OeHGkK
Clock ticking for Growing Regions grants
There’s only a few days left to express your interest for the Growing Regions Program. The program will fund valuable projects that will help deliver community-led infrastructure projects and improve social benefits. Express your interest today to help make your community an even better place to live and work in. Expressions of interest for Round 1 of the program close on 1 August. Find out more and read about eligibility: https://lnkd.in/ggPuEcZq
Whoa, we’re well over half-way there Our weekly check-in with Guy Schweitzer and his mind-boggling running effort from Port Hedland to Brisbane.
It’s now two months since Guy left the aforementioned Spoilbank Marina – where MGN Civil, of which he is a director, was undertaking work – on a 4900km trek through some of Australia’s most beautiful but harshest landscapes.
As of Thursday night he was closing in on Quilpie in outback Queensland (population = 530) and only days out of Charleville (population = 3335), which might ordinarily be considered a remote location but probably feels like suburbia given some of the places Guy’s run has taken him.
Guy might only be 15 or 16 days out of Brisbane and we suspect the first beer on arrival will taste pretty good!
You can follow Guy’s journey on Home Run on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3OYzzLo
