Where did the year go? I often end up asking this question headed into the Christmas and holiday period, so I thought my last newsletter column for the year might be well spent reflecting on 2024 for RDA Pilbara.
It’s been a busy, wide-ranging and very rewarding 12 months for both our staff and committee.
We’ve continued to progress the expansion and refinement of the region’s Designated Area Migration Agreement and support the delivery of important services through the West Pilbara Communities for Children Initiative. The Pilbara Hydrogen Hub now has finalised commitments from the State and Federal Governments, while the Visitation and Catchment Study we released earlier in the year was something new for RDA Pilbara that we hope will lead to improved flight connectivity to other regions and states and perhaps even overseas locations.
From a people perspective, we have been delighted to welcome Peter Long and Chris Osborn onto our committee, joining last year’s new appointees Sean-Paul Stephens and Ryley Heap. We have a very well-rounded, diverse and skilled committee that I’m confident puts us in the best place to promote and drive equitable development outcomes for communities in the Pilbara.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of our role at RDA Pilbara is having the opportunity to support and celebrate major milestones in our region’s developments.
In 2024, this has included:
the openings of Mardie Salt, Australia’s first major salt project for more than 20 years, and the recently completed Spoilbank Marina
the launch of educational initiatives like the Ashburton Study Hub, new workshops at North West Regional TAFE’s Pundulmurra campus and the Rail Collaboration Centre
important community-focussed developments such as Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation’s news offices, Mayaarrinyjbangu Aboriginal Corporation’s Buwarri Hub and the Roebourne Remote Health and Social Care Training Hub.
Participation in events – around the Pilbara and beyond – is another core activity for RDA Pilbara, one that allows us to engage with key stakeholders on opportunities and challenges for our region. In 2024 these events have included the Pilbara Summit, the Northern Development Australia conference (hosted this year by Karratha), the Hedland Economic Forum, a WA Community Cabinet visit to the Pilbara, the Communities for Children National Forum, the RDA National Awards and the National Economic Development Conference.
One of the events that we were proudest to help make possible was the launch of Dr Tracy Westerman’s memoir Jilya in Karratha. Tracy’s journey from humble beginnings in the Pilbara is truly inspiring and we are committed to working to ensure more people from our Aboriginal communities have opportunities to follow in her footsteps and pursue their passions.
Going into the holiday season, there is a strong resolve among the RDA Pilbara team that next year will be bigger and better than 2024. We will take a brief chance to recharge our batteries and then power into 2025, with a focus on advocacy that ensures communities in the Pilbara have access to the same essential services and facilities enjoyed by other parts of WA.
In signing off from this column for 2024, I extend thanks to my fellow committee members, RDA Pilbara CEO Tony Simpson and his excellent team and the many stakeholders we have engaged with throughout this year. Through meaningful conversations and a collaborative approach, I believe we can help make the Pilbara’s future even brighter.
Finally, I’d like to encourage everyone reading this column to give some thought over the next few weeks to those who may be doing it tough and perhaps feeling isolated at a time when families and friends usually gather. Cost-of-living challenges will make Christmas even more testing for many people in our communities.
If there’s anything you can do to support those less fortunate – whether it’s a donation of food or goods or simply your time - please give it some consideration. Your local council or charitable organisation will likely have ideas and advice about options available to help others.
Stronger communities make for a stronger Pilbara.
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