Port Hedland Industries Council

24/08/2026

24/08/2026

Another great Community Industry Forum! 👏

PHIC’s August Community Industry Forum brought together industry, government and community representatives for an engaging afternoon of updates, discussion and connection.

It was also a great opportunity to welcome our new and returning CIF members as we begin another year of collaboration, and to introduce Tara McKeown, who has recently joined the PHIC team as our new Business Operations and Engagement Officer. 👋

📢 A PHIC update
PHIC CEO Krista Dunstan shared an update on the work underway across PHIC’s environmental, monitoring and regional development programs, including ambient air monitoring, vertebrate pest management, marine environmental monitoring and the commencement of work on the 2027 Economic Significance of the Port of Port Hedland Report.

The new report will build on PHIC’s independent economic evidence base while also exploring the infrastructure and social investment needed to support future growth.

🤝 Insights from across the region
BHP shared an update on its investment in Port Hedland, including port infrastructure, dust mitigation, housing and liveability projects, as well as community partnerships and programs.

📊 The Town of Port Hedland and Pilbara Development Commission presented on the Cumulative Impact Model (CIM), examining how the region’s major project pipeline could shape future workforce, housing, infrastructure and community service needs.

🌏 Pilbara for Purpose shared its work to strengthen the capability, connection and long-term sustainability of the Pilbara’s community services sector, and highlighted opportunities for industry to support stronger community outcomes through partnership and collaboration.

A big thank you to all our presenters, CIF members and attendees for contributing to another valuable forum.

We look forward to another year of connecting industry, government and community to support a thriving Port Hedland and Pilbara.

05/08/2026

📍 Are you ready to be counted?

The Australian Census is taking place on Tuesday, 11 August 2026 - and every person counted in the Pilbara makes a difference.
If you spend six months plus one day of the year living and working in the Pilbara, the Pilbara may be your usual place of residence for Census purposes - even if you’re somewhere else on Census night.

For many FIFO workers on rosters such as 8:6, you may actually spend more of your year in the Pilbara than anywhere else.
🏠 What if you’re away on Census night?

If you usually live in the Pilbara but happen to be in Perth, on holiday or somewhere else on 11 August, you should complete the Census for wherever you are staying that night and report your Pilbara address as your usual residence, provided it meets the usual residence definition.

Why does it matter?
Every person accurately counted helps ensure our communities are properly represented when decisions are made about the funding, services and infrastructure our growing region needs - including housing, healthcare, schools, community facilities, roads and transport.

With a highly mobile workforce, making sure the Pilbara’s population is accurately reflected is particularly important.

✅ Be counted. Help make the Pilbara count.
For more information, scan the QR code or visit the RDA Pilbara 2026 Census information page at: https://www.rdapilbara.org.au/2026-census

https://www.rdapilbara.org.au/2026-census-resources?wix-vod-video-id=20a70039fe4040c78575352ee9622395&wix-vod-comp-id=comp-mrn9ioz5

30/07/2026

What a fantastic week of connecting with our community!

The PHIC team had the opportunity to get out and about across Port Hedland, learning more about our region, celebrating local achievements and strengthening relationships with businesses, organisations and community leaders.

A big thank you to Pilbara Ports for hosting us at Hedland Tower (Integrated Marine Operations Centre). It was fascinating to get a behind-the-scenes look at the technology, teamwork and expertise that keep the world's largest bulk export port operating safely and efficiently every day.

We also enjoyed attending the Port Hedland International Airport Corporate Sundowner celebrating the launch of its Commercial Prospectus. It was wonderful to see so many local businesses and organisations come together to hear about the airport's vision for the future and the opportunities it will create for investment, connectivity and growth across our region.

To round out the week, we attended the Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHCCI) Hedland Born, Bred & In Business Women in Business Luncheon. Congratulations to guest speakers Kenleigh Wilson from Wilco Maintenance Solutions and Lilly Cosmos from KAL-Essence Training, who shared their inspiring stories of building successful businesses right here in Hedland. Their passion, resilience and commitment to our community were truly inspiring.

A huge thank you to everyone who organised these fantastic events. Opportunities like these strengthen local connections, celebrate the incredible people and organisations that make our region unique, and remind us what can be achieved when we work together.

29/06/2026

CIF EOI closing soon!

PHIC is seeking Expressions of Interest from community members who are passionate about Port Hedland and want to contribute to meaningful discussions on the opportunities and challenges facing our town through PHIC's Community Industry Forum.

The Forum provides a valuable opportunity for community representatives and industry to come together, share perspectives and help inform conversations that support a strong, sustainable and prosperous future for Port Hedland.

If you're interested in being part of the conversation, we'd love to hear from you.

EOIs close 3 July 2026.

22/06/2026

Expression of Interest NOW OPEN!

09/06/2026

📢 Welcome to the PHIC team, Tara McKeown!

We're excited to announce that Tara has joined the Port Hedland Industries Council as our new Business Operations and Engagement Officer.

A long-time Pilbara resident with extensive experience across mining, construction and industrial services, Tara brings a wealth of knowledge in business operations, stakeholder engagement, and community-focused outcomes.

In her new role, Tara will help support PHIC's day-to-day operations, industry working groups, member engagement activities and community initiatives that connect industry, government and the broader Port Hedland community.

We're delighted to have Tara on board and look forward to the contribution she will make as PHIC continues to support industry's social and environmental licence, promote the economic significance of Port Hedland and strengthen collaboration between industry, government and community stakeholders.

Please join us in giving Tara a warm welcome! 👏

08/06/2026

A big step forward for Western Australia’s critical minerals future!

PLS has officially opened Australia’s first mine‑site lithium mid‑stream processing plant at Pilgangoora. This new facility will turn locally mined spodumene into lithium phosphate, a key ingredient for lithium‑ion batteries.

Why this matters for WA:
🌱 Supports lower‑emissions processing
🏗️ Created more than 100 construction jobs
👷 Will deliver around 40 ongoing roles
🇦🇺 Keeps more value‑adding activity here in Australia
🔋 Strengthens WA’s role in the global renewable energy supply chain

The project was supported by the WA Government, ARENA, Federal government and technology partner Calix, and is now moving into commissioning with first product expected later this year.

Congratulations to PLS on this exciting milestone for WA innovation, jobs and clean‑energy leadership.

Today we officially opened Australia’s first mine-site lithium mid-stream processing facility at our Pilgangoora Operation, with WA Premier Hon Roger Cook MLA cutting the ribbon alongside Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Chair Justin Punch 🎉 The Mid-Stream Demonstration Plant Project ...

22/05/2026

This week we welcomed community, industry and government representatives to our second quarterly Community Industry Forum (CIF) for 2026.

The Forum is an important opportunity for our community to hear directly from presenters, share information, ask questions and stay informed about the projects, environmental initiatives and community programs shaping Port Hedland.

Thank you to our guest presenters:
• Carol Shannon and Leonie Forrest from EdConnect;
• Daniel Barker from Mineral Resources; and
• Ed Schuller from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

Topics discussed included:
✔ Student mentoring and volunteer opportunities supporting local young people
✔ Updates on Mineral Resources' Pilbara mining operations and community investment programs across Hedland
✔ Port Hedland air quality monitoring and dust management updates
✔ Environmental monitoring and pest management programs and
✔ Ongoing collaboration to support sustainable growth for our region

We also officially welcomed PHIC’s new Community Relations Officer, Angela Meleisea, who is looking forward to connecting with community members and stakeholders across Hedland.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to another positive and productive discussion.

Presentation slides from the CIF will be uploaded to our website shortly.

18/05/2026

PHIC is excited to welcome Angela Meleisea as our new Community Relations Officer 🙌

Angela has lived in Port Hedland for nearly 10 years and brings a strong background in community engagement, stakeholder relationships and regional operations across industry and local government.

Many in the community may already know Angela through her work with the Town of Port Hedland, local events and industry operations. Her experience working closely with community groups, businesses, government and regional stakeholders will play an important role in supporting PHIC’s engagement in and around Port Hedland.

Angela will work alongside PHIC members, local government and the broader community to support open communication, our Community industry Forum and positive outcomes for Port Hedland✅

As part of her new role, Angela is keen to connect with local community members, organisations and stakeholders to better understand community priorities, concerns and opportunities across the region.

If you would like to introduce yourself, share ideas or simply grab a coffee and have a chat, please feel free to reach out and connect with Angela ☕️

We are very pleased to have Angela in the team and look forward to the contribution she will make to the organisation and community