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 September 8 to September 15.
Regional development industry comes together in Canberra This week Regional Development Australia Chair Nerida Kickett and CEO Tony Simpson had the great privilege of being in Canberra for the Regional Australia Institute Regions Rising Nation Summit.
It was an extremely rewarding two days in the nation’s capital, discussing common opportunities (and challenges) with other regional development professionals, hearing from a wide range of speakers and engaging with key stakeholders. The attendance of Ministers Catherine King and Kristy McBain and Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton speaks volumes about the esteem in which the event is held.
The summit included presentations on jobs and skills of the future, legacy infrastructure and community development, the health of regions, and cultivating innovation – all of which are extremely relevant for the Pilbara.
RDA Pilbara is grateful to the RAI for the enormous amount of work they put into making the Summit happen. It was a very beneficial experience and we look forward to carrying through some key learnings from the past few days.
East Pilbara businesses up in lights Congratulations to all the winners and finalists from last weekend’s Newman Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Excellence Awards.
RDA Pilbara CEO Tony Simpson was delighted to be able to attend and present the Best Home-Based Business to Blush Makeup By Danni.
The winners and finalists covered a wide range of fields and it was fantastic to see the local business community getting together to celebrate inspirational achievements and entrepreneurism.
Many thanks to the Newman CCI and sponsors for making a great night possible, the Gatsby-1920s theme was a big hit!
Port Hedland Airport makeover nearly there Speaking of hits, we’re sure the upgrades to Port Hedland International Airport – set to be operational by September 22 – will strike a very positive chord with travellers.
As outlined in an article in the Pilbara News this week, the upgrades include:
▪ an expanded checking area ▪ two additional dedicated departure gates ▪ a new cafe and space for additional retails ▪ 10 parking bays for 737 planes, The potential for more interstate and international flights is also sure to be well-received.
Read more: https://bit.ly/44OCCty
Pilbara organisation wins WA waste award Congratulations to the Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation on being among the winners at the 2023 WasteSorted Awards.
The WasteSorted Awards recognise exceptional leaders and organisations driving change in pursuit of the goals of Western Australia's Waste Strategy.
The Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation was recognised with the inaugural Closing The Loop award, for its work in collecting and recycling containers for bottled water while providing an employment pathway to jobseekers.
The Closing The Loop category focuses on achievements working towards a low-waste and circular economy.
Read more: https://bit.ly/46e01FU
New survey to protect Greater Bilbies in the Pilbara There was some good news on the wildlife front this week, with a survey announced for the 2023 Pilbara winter to collect baseline data about Greater Bilby populations.
The project is being funded through the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s Pilbara Offsets Fund and will be delivered by the Budabee Aboriginal Rangers and consultants Terra Rosa, with technical support from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
The survey will be undertaken on the Tharra portion of Tharra Karnparnmana Aboriginal Reserve.
Greater Bilbies were once found across 70 per cent of Australia but that has dropped to just 15 per cent because of competition for food and predation by feral cats and foxes.
The Pilbara and Kimberley are two of the regions where Greater Bilbies can still be found.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3ZbqQbN
RDA Pilbara Grants Hub is now open
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
More milestones for Spoilbank Marina
It’s great to see exciting progress continuing on the Spoilbank Marina development, with Pilbara Ports Authority sharing some stunning aerial photography this week.
With ramps expected to be operational before the end of 2023, it won’t be long at all now until the community is enjoying some fantastic new recreational boating facilities in Port Hedland.