P I L B A R A Annual Report 2010/2011 Regional Development Australia - Pilbara Annual Report 2010/2011 1
Our Vision The Pilbara is an economically vibrant and socially inclusive region that promotes opportunities. COMMUNITY engagement Finding SOLUTIONS Our Mission To develop and strengthen the Pilbara communities through leadership and collaboration.
Index From the Chair 2 CEO s Report 3 About Us 4 Regional Development Australia 5 Pilbara Regional Roadmap Pilbara Regional Plan Ministerial Briefing Paper Minister Visit Economic Forum Luncheon Pilbara Café Pilbara Pulse West Pilbara Communities for Children 8 Early Years Groups Workshops and Information Sessions Programs Desert Knowledge Australia Outback Business Networks 11 Audit 12 GROWING the Pilbara Regional Development Australia - Pilbara Annual Report 2010/2011 1
From the Chair Across the nation Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees are benefitting from an increased profile following the elevation of the Department for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government to the Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio in February 2011. This was fantastic news as it is the first time the Federal Government has had a dedicated source of advice on the unique social, economic, environmental and cultural issues affecting regional Australia. Through the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Simon Crean MP the change in governance arrangements has strengthened the voice of the RDA committee network to empower communities begin a dialogue with the Federal Government about regional priorities. In 2010/11 Regional Development Australia Pilbara (RDAP) has already achieved significant progress articulating its regional priorities to the Federal Government following a successful grant application in Round One of the $1-billion Regional Development Australia Fund. It has also secured support for a number of key community projects under the Federal Government s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. These funds will go a long way in delivering improved social infrastructure and public amenity across the Pilbara and help meet the needs and aspirations of our rapidly growing communities. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of RDAP s new Chief Executive Officer Diane Pentz, who has brought a new focus and direction to the organisation, in achieving these successes. She and her dedicated team are working with communities and key stakeholders to define a strategic social, economic, environmental and cultural vision for the region. These visions will inform Pilbara Plan, currently under review, which will be used to attract and guide investment including Federal Government funding across the region. These important planning processes are critical to building strong, sustainable communities throughout the Pilbara. I look forward to presenting the updated Pilbara Plan to the community in late 2011. I would also like to thank my fellow RDA committee members for their support throughout the year. Collene Longmore Chair 2 Annual Report 2010/2011 Regional Development Australia - Pilbara
CEO s Report I would like to begin by first acknowledging the efforts of acting Chief Executive Officer Nita Harken who guided RDAP during a period of transition prior to my appointment in December 2010. Thank you for your professionalism and valued contribution. Organisational transformation has been a hallmark of 2010/2011 with RDAP adopting a renewed focus to work collaboratively across all levels of government and with industry, local business and the communities to develop and strengthen the Pilbara region. We are committed to advocating and supporting strong regional partnerships to find locally driven solutions that meet our communities needs. Through the provision of innovative and responsive services, such as the successful Pilbara Café, RDAP has got the Pilbara talking. We will keep the conversation flowing through effective leadership and co-ordination of important regional planning tools such as the updated Regional Plan due in December2011. Similarly one of RDAP s flagship programs the West Pilbara Communities for Children (WPC4C) initiative has also achieved some successes in 2010/11. With support from its community partners WPC4C has delivered a range of well received programs and services aimed at empowering local communities. These include the Early Years Groups in Tom Price and Karratha and the ever popular Fish to Feed program in Onslow. Desert Knowledge Australia s Outback Business Network continues to deliver unique opportunities for businesses in the region. Its programs and workshops are responsible for linking local Pilbara businesses with the resources, contacts and tools to build and maintain sustainable local economies. Helping achieve these impressive outcomes is a team of dedicated staff who worked tirelessly to action positive, lasting change in our communities. I would also like to acknowledge and thank the RDAP Committee who has been an invaluable source of support and guidance during my first year as Chief Executive Officer. In other news, RDAP benefitted from major upgrades to its IT and communications systems in 2010/11. Such upgrades assist in the provision of effective service delivery and are critical to maintaining and improving on workplace efficiency. In the coming months I am looking forward to working with key stakeholders in the region to provide a range of additional services and programs with the intent of enhancing economic, social, cultural wellbeing and environmental sustainability in the Pilbara. Diane Pentz CEO Regional Development Australia - Pilbara Annual Report 2010/2011 3
About Us Regional Development Australia Pilbara (RDAP) is a not-for-profit organisation funded by the Australian Government. Working in partnership with all tiers of government, as well as local industry, business and community groups, RDAP is strongly committed to supporting the growth and development of Australia s Pilbara region. It is focused on building robust relationships with key regional stakeholders to provide strategic and targeted responses to economic, environmental, cultural wellbeing and social issues affecting the Pilbara. RDAP is part of a national network of RDA committees serving rural, regional, remote and urban communities across Australia. RDA committees are responsible for delivering information about the regional development programs, services, grants and initiatives on offer to local stake holders. Committees are also encouraged to be the first point of contact for government agencies who want to consult with the region. RDAP is working to achieve regional growth and development by engaging in the following activities: Consult and engage with the community on economic, social, cultural wellbeing and environmental issues, solutions and priorities; Liaise with governments and local communities about government programs, services, grants and initiatives for regional development; Support informed regional planning; and Contribute to business growth plans and investment strategies, environmental solutions and social inclusion strategies in their region. Throughout 2010/2011 RDAP has successfully delivered on a number of major projects including the WPC4C and Desert Knowledge Australia s Outback Business Network which have achieved impressive outcomes for the local community. RDAP has also made a significant contribution towards regional planning through research projects and ministerial briefings. It also participated in a number of innovative and influential marquee events including the Economic Forum Luncheon in February 2011, the Pilbara Café in May 2011 and was a partner in the inaugural Pilbara Pulse Economic Summit in May 2011. RDAP also hosted various dignitaries including a visit from the Minister for Regional Development, Regional Australia and Local Government Hon Simon Crean in December 2010 and the West Australian Government s Community Development and Justice Standing Committee in March 2011. Further information about RDAP can be found at www.ilbara.org.au Caption to come 4 Annual Report 2010/2011 Regional Development Australia - Pilbara
Regional Development Australia Pilbara Regional Roadmap In 2010/2011 a key focus for each of the 55 RDA committees across the nation was the development and implementation of an RDA Regional Roadmap. The Pilbara Roadmap details RDAP s economic, environmental, social and cultural vision for the region from 2011-2016. It articulates drivers of change, identifies region specific strengths, weakness and opportunities and lists priorities for action. It is a key reference and resource document and will be used to inform and guide investment across the region. Pilbara Regional Plan First prepared in 2008, the Pilbara Plan indentified baseline liveability requirements and established important regional benchmarks used to inform planning/development processes. In 2011 this keystone document will undergo significant review and will be updated to model an investment prospectus designed to attract regional investment, generate economic activity and build sustainable communities. Ministerial Briefing Paper RDAP prepared a briefing paper for issue to the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government the Hon Simon Crean MP exploring security and safety risks in the Pilbara region and the strategic merits of establishing a defence post in the Pilbara. Its recommendations echo the views and opinions of political leaders including WA Premier Colin Barnett, WA Minister for Regional Development Brendon Grylls, the WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy and regarded social demographer Bernard Salt. All voice strong support for a defence base being located in the Pilbara given the region s massive investment in resources, location of critical infrastructure, national economic significance and substantial resident population growth both current and projected. Minister Visit The Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government the Hon Simon Crean MP visited the Pilbara in December 2010. Minister Crean addressed a round table conference attended by key community, business and political leaders from across the Pilbara region including the Shires of Roebourne, Ashburton, East Pilbara and the Town of Port Hedland. He stressed the critical importance of localism as an effective tool in informing the government decision making process. Minister Crean said RDA committees across the nation were focused on empowering the regions to find locally driven solutions to meet their communities needs. Economic Forum Luncheon In February Dr Bruce Walker, Desert Knowledge Australia s remotefocus project director, attended the Economic Forum Luncheon in Karratha. Forum participants included the CEO s from the four local shires and representatives from the Karratha and Districts Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KDCCI) and West Pilbara Small Business Centre. The luncheon provided attendees with an excellent networking opportunity. Dr Walker provided forum participants with information about the remotefocus project, an initiative that aims to identify ways to significantly improve government engagement and administration in remote Australian communities. In the context of the Pilbara, the purpose of the remotefocus project is to position the Pilbara as a leader in the reform of government governance, administration and engagement with the aim of advancing regional development through a more strategic, systemic and sustainable process of governance by government. Regional Development Australia - Pilbara Annual Report 2010/2011 5
It is proposed it would achieve an urgent dialogue between the Pilbara community, relevant government agencies and industry stakeholders to improve economic outcomes, infrastructure and service delivery across the region. This would enable RDAP and the Pilbara Development Commission to continue their efforts to provide well informed, coordinated advice to the Federal and State Governments respectively about the Pilbara s future. Justice Standing Committee The WA Government s Community Development and Justice Standing Committee visited Karratha in April 2011 to examine the issue of social housing, provision and future requirements to meet the region s growing demand. Pilbara Café Passionate about regional development, a representative group of 16 Pilbarabased organisations met in Perth on May 16 for RDAP s innovative Pilbara Café. The Pilbara Café provided participants with an open and informal forum to discover possibilities for collaboration and integration, explore the challenges and changes necessary to develop an effective regional plan and connect with potential partner organisations in the Pilbara region. Major points of discussion included: the need for a shared vision/subvisions for the Pilbara region that promoted social inclusion and equitable access to services for all residents and industry groups; an inclusive, integrated and collaborative approach to regional planning is critical to ensure transparency and increase understanding and growth within key stakeholder groups including local communities; and establishment of a unified, regional voice will increase productivity, promote more efficient use of resources and assist in achieving the region s strategic goals. As a result of the Pilbara Café RDAP resolved to work in collaboration with all stakeholders to coordinate the development of an overarching, high level regional plan. 6 Annual Report 2010/2011 Regional Development Australia - Pilbara
Pilbara Pulse Presented in partnership with the KDCCI the inaugural Pilbara Pulse Economic Summit, held on May 18 and 19, was an outstanding success. On day one two of Australia s most well regarded economists and social commentators, Michael Pascoe and Bernard Salt, addressed the conference alongside local community, business and political leaders. On day two the summit got off to an early start with a Business Breakfast hosted by professional speaker, comedian, author, facilitator and award-winning singer/songwriter Andrew Horabin. Sponsored by RDAP/ Desert Knowledge Australia Outback Business Network Horabin presented his straight talking Bullshift session to an appreciative crowd. After breakfast delegates attended a series of free business development workshops designed to help small business operators build a sustainable enterprise in the Pilbara. Workshops included the RDAP/Desert Knowledge Australia Outback Business Network sponsored Business Plans with a Difference presented by Brian Childs. During the session, Childs called on more than 20 years experience to cut to the chase about the nuts and bolts of good business planning. Other workshops provided expert taxation advice, tips on how to set up a successful and sustainable home business and important marketing/brand management know how. The Pilbara Pulse Economic Summit generated more than 40 local business sign ups to the Desert Knowledge Australia Outback Business Network. It also helped identify specific issues/ concerns, such as succession planning, which are affecting local businesses. These issues will be addressed in future Outback Business Network information sessions and workshops. Regional Development Australia - Pilbara Annual Report 2010/2011 7
West Pilbara Communities for Children Communities for Children is an innovative model that builds on the principles of community engagement and ownership by providing communities with the opportunity to identify and resolve their own issues. The approach seeks to achieve better outcomes for children aged 0 12 and their families. Our site is managed by a Consortium (called the Facilitating Partner) which is made up of the Shire of Roebourne, Shire of Ashburton, Pilbara Regional Domestic Violence Council and RDAP as the lead agency. Further funding has now been approved for WPC4C up to 2014. Target areas for WPC4C to achieve service outcomes are: Connect families and children with relevant services; Use a whole-of-family approach; Employ flexible, innovative and responsive service delivery approaches; Employ a prevention and early intervention approach; and Are evidence based. Throughout 2010/2011 WPC4C has supported a range of grassroots community programs which are making significant contributions to the creation of child-friendly communities. Early Years Groups Early Years Groups in both Karratha and Tom Price have been extremely busy presenting a number of exciting activities and programs for children aged 0 to 12 years and their families. They also continue to support local organisations providing important community based resources. In Karratha, the Early Years Group celebrated National Book Week with a well-received Literacy Showcase that featured a live performance of the children s story series Tashi at the Walkington Theatre. Organisers recorded an impressive 529 registrations for literacy showcase events. It was also involved in the Karratha Family Centre s Off to Kindy transition program, The Smith Family s Let s Read program and participated in the Karratha Community House Pilbara Play Day, Kidsafe playground research, FeNaClNG Festival, YMCA Mobile Resource Hub s Play in the Park Days and LINK s Teddy Bear s Picnic. In Tom Price, more than 35 three year olds attended the popular Transition to School program at North Tom Price Primary School. The Early Years Group also facilitated a number of interesting workshops for parents including presentations from education consultant John Bailey on topics such as sibling rivalry and how to establish a good homework routine, advice from cyber bulling/safety expert Shane Thompson and the importance of story telling from early childhood educator Mary Rice. While a series of popular Theatre Sports Australia workshops and after school sessions gave children a chance to let their inner stars shine. 8 Annual Report 2010/2011 Regional Development Australia - Pilbara
Workshops and Information Sessions CLAN WA CLAN WA worked with families in Karratha and Tom Price to support parents in building strong, healthy relationships with their children through effective, confident parenting skills and establishing important support networks. LINK Circle of Security The Circle of Security is an innovative intervention program, based on more than 50 years of early childhood and attachment research, designed to improve a caregiver s capacity to provide a secure relationship between parent and child. This program was piloted in the Karratha area with all participants providing positive feedback. Playgroups WA Playgroups WA ran a number of well attended workshops in both Tom Price and Paraburdoo. Issues covered included Getting the Best out of Your Playgroup and Guiding Children s Behaviour at Playgroup. More than 21 people attended with all participants reporting the information was relevant and beneficial. Playgroups WA also held two coaching/ mentoring sessions with the Nameless Playgroup in Tom Price and the Sunshine Playgroup in Paraburdoo. Community Midwifery WA Active Birthing Classes In June the team from Community Midwifery WA visited Tom Price to present its entertaining and educational Choices in Childbirth information session and the Active Birth workshop. Their tour also included visited with midwives and Aboriginal health workers in Onslow and Karratha to plan their next visit. Regional Development Australia - Pilbara Annual Report 2010/2011 9
Programs Yaandina Growing Strong Children Female inmates at Roebourne Regional Prison benefitted from Yaandina s five week parenting program which explored issues such as health and nutrition, addictive behaviours, alcohol and substance abuse and violence. Other topics covered included getting a license, getting a house and keeping kids in school. Pilbara Health Network Fish to Feed Leaping Lizard s popular Fish to Feed program in Onslow is proving a hit with local children and their families with more than 40 children regularly attending the sessions. Children also enjoyed other beach activities including kayaking, sailing, beach cricket and sand castle making. The program is also receiving great support from parents with many turning out to help supervise activities. The Fish to Feed program has been successful in reaching the broader community, particularly elderly Aboriginal residents, following the introduction of a weekly cook up in the Onslow Community Garden s fire pit. The idea for the weekly cook up came from children participating in the Fish to Feed program who wanted to learn more about their community from the elders. The Fish to Feed Annual Camp was again a great success with Leaping Lizards, Onslow Primary School and local community members teaming up to take a group of children aged nine to 12 years to Coral Bay for a week of fun and fishing. YMCA Mobile Hubs YMCA Mobile Hubs have been active across the West Pilbara delivering activities and programs in both Tom Price and Karratha. In Karratha, they have been working with teachers at Pegs Creek Primary School to develop and support a homework program. During the school holidays the team hit the road to visit outlying communities and present a number of activities, such as kite making, that focus on fun and learning. The YMCA Mobile Hubs have also played an important role working closely with allied health professionals to address the important issue of childhood obesity. 10 Annual Report 2010/2011 Regional Development Australia - Pilbara
Desert Knowledge Australia - Outback Business Networks Desert Knowledge Australia Outback Business Networks aim to connect small and medium sized businesses, working across five industry groups, in nine of Australia s desert regions - including the Pilbara - to deliver improved outcomes for enterprises operating in remote Australia. Funded by the Australian Government through Enterprise Connect and the Aboriginals Benefit Account, BHP Billiton, NT Government, Telstra and Qantas the Outback Business Networks objectives include providing its members with opportunities to: Save time accessing information and contacts; Connect with people across industry, regions and outback Australia; Reduce cost through shared marketing, training and purchasing; and Increase revenue through collaboration. The Desert Knowledge Australia Outback Business Network continues to gain support from local enterprise with 82 of the 1300 strong member businesses based in the Pilbara region. With support of its host organisation RDAP, the Outback Business Network has achieved significant outcomes for Pilbara businesses since its contract commenced in January 2011. Already local businesses are benefitting from the development of stronger networks, exciting new business opportunities, are participating in training and information sessions, meetings, collaborative projects and forums. The Outback Business Network works closely with Enterprise Connect, an Australian Government initiative that offers advice and support to eligible businesses to help them succeed. Through Enterprise Connect experienced, independent Business Advisers are able to offer a comprehensive and confidential business review at no cost. This review can identify areas of strength or weakness and offer solutions towards sustainable growth. The Outback Business Network Development Officers in each region are ideally placed to identify eligible businesses to promote this service. Regional Development Australia - Pilbara Annual Report 2010/2011 11
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P I L B A R A Suite 5/7 Morse Court Welcome Lotteries House PO Box 1404 Karratha WA 6714 Phone: (08) 9144 0651 Fax: (08) 9144 0652 Email: administration@rdapilbara.org.au www.rdapilbara.org.au