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 August 18 to August 25.
National Economic Development Conference comes to the Pilbara
It’s been a fantastic week in Karratha, which played host to the National Economic Development Conference – drawing attendees and insights from right around the country.
RDA Pilbara is delighted to have had the opportunity to sponsor an event that not only puts the spotlight on everything the Pilbara has to offer but which also allows local organisations and businesses to learn from experiences in other regions.
Beyond the conference itself, it was great to see participants actively engaging in tours of the Karratha surrounds, including Dampier Port and Murujuga’s Rock Art.
Thanks to Economic Development Australia Limited and the City of Karratha for all the work they've done in making this event happen.
First stage of Onslow Community Boating Precinct opens A nice piece of news this week with the official opening of the first stage of the Onslow Community Boating Precinct.
The $14 million project included included dredging of a new basin, construction of a two-lane boat ramp with central floating jetty, a car park and drainage, solar lighting, public amenities, and landscaping – and it will be a boost for the community and economy.
Congratulations to all involved, including Shire of Ashburton, Transport WA, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and Chevron.
We look forward to updates on further stages of work.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3svOT8P
Sports fishers get a welcome boost On the topic of boating, there was some well-received news for local fishers with the deployment of four fish aggregating devices off Dampier and Point Samson.
The initiative, a collaboration between Recfishwest and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, is expected to attract large pelagic species such as dolphin fish, tuna, and mackerel.
Read more: https://ab.co/44nqVKs
Child mental health survey now open Mental health is such an important part of all of our lives - and that journey starts in childhood.
RDA Pilbara is happy to support the 2023 National Workforce Survey for Child, Parent and Family Mental Health, which will help shape Australia's child mental health policy. Good mental health outcomes will be essential to the young people of the Pilbara reaching their potential.
The team at Emerging Minds Australia want to hear from anyone working in health, social or community services to better understand workforce needs and practice challenges. Please consider taking the survey at the link below - it is open until November 15 and there is a chance to win one of five iPads.
Take the survey: https://bit.ly/45NdWTv
Advance your childcare career and help our region
Expressions of interest are now open for the Early Education and Care Job Ready Program. If you're interested in helping young people in the Pilbara build a foundation to realise their potential - this could be the opportunity you are looking for.
It also addresses one of the key challenges in our region, around supply of childcare resources.
The program:
▪ is based in Karratha
▪ is completed in 10 weeks
▪ includes industry placement and real-life experience
▪ is flexible around school hours.
Register your interest at the following link by September 30: https://bit.ly/458pMaM
Pilbara emergency services volunteers get new kit It's been really pleasing to learn of a couple of recent additions to emergency response capabilities in the Pilbara - Marine Rescue Dampier's Dampier Angel and the Hedland Bushfire Brigade's new light tanker. Volunteer emergency personnel provide services that are particularly essential in regional areas and it's great to see Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson MLC in the Pilbara engaging with our local volunteers.
Another data centre headed to the Pilbara Last week we were marking the arrival of the Pilbara’s first data centre in Port Hedland – now it’s been revealed that another will follow.
Data giant NextDC has bought land in Newman, where it plans to develop a new data centre known as NE1. Construction is set to start on the project later this year with support from BHP, Microsoft and telecommunications company Vocus.
Read more: https://bit.ly/45paoqv
Another great PHCCI event Timing meant it missed out on last week's blog but we just wanted to give a shout out to the Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce for having RDA Pilbara CEO Tony Simpson at last Friday's Men In Business Luncheon.
It was another excellent event by the PHCCI and it was good to hear from Isaac Hottes, owner of South Hedland's Hijacked Barbers, and also Terry Hill, CEO of the Pilbara Development Commission.
