After years of working together informally, five Chambers in the Pilbara region have taken the first step towards formalising their partnership. In June, they held a strategy planning workshop, funded by the Local Buying Foundation, marking a major milestone for the Pilbara Chambers Alliance. This workshop brought structure to their long-term vision of collaborating for the prosperity of the region.
The workshop included representatives from the Onslow Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Newman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Pilbara Inland Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Karratha & Districts Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KDCCI), and Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce Inc. These women, supported by their organisations, are united in their mission to help Pilbara’s businesses and communities grow.
Participants felt a strong sense of unity and shared purpose. The group discussed the economic potential of the Pilbara, already known as a key contributor to Australia’s economy. The facilitator, Lana Glogowski, led the session using methods like World Café, SWOT analysis, and Action Setting to guide the group towards meaningful discussions and clear outcomes.
One participant said, “Collaborating and sharing ideas with other Chambers from the region was an amazing experience. The team is made up of open-minded individuals who approached the day with respect.” Another added, “We achieved so much without feeling overwhelmed. The professional facilitation kept us on track and allowed for great conversations.”
With a strategic plan now in place, the Pilbara Chambers Alliance is ready to strengthen their voice, focus on regional priorities, and drive economic growth. In the coming months, they will refine their objectives and implement the strategies discussed at the workshop to support a thriving business ecosystem in the Pilbara.
A special thanks was extended to the Local Buying Foundation for their support in funding the workshop.
Looking ahead, they are optimistic about the legacy they are building, guided by a shared vision and values that will shape their actions in the years to come.
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LBF approves funding for Pilbara Chambers Alliance Strategy and Objective Setting workshop
10 March, 2024
In the first WA funding round of 2024, the WA Local Buying Foundation Advisory Committee and Trustees are proud to approve funding for the Pilbara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHCCI) under the Industry Promotion and Economic Development category to support the Pilbara Chambers Alliance Strategy and Objective Setting project, which will run from April 15 to December 20, 2024.
The Collaborative Pilbara Chambers Alliance, a long-standing informal network, aims to formalize its structure and objectives through this project. By bringing together the expertise, resources, and networks of multiple Chambers of Commerce, the Alliance seeks to strengthen partnerships among businesses, government agencies, non-profits, and community stakeholders. This collaboration will enhance the Pilbara region’s business ecosystem by fostering resource-sharing, best practices, and collective advocacy efforts.
A key outcome of the project is to identify economic development priorities, including workforce development, business support services, infrastructure projects, and industry diversification initiatives. These efforts aim to promote sustainable growth and improve the overall quality of life for Pilbara residents.
In June, the Alliance will hold a Strategy Day before the Regional Chamber Conference in Perth, bringing together 8-10 representatives from Pilbara Chambers to discuss key strategic objectives. This session will be followed by six post-strategy meetings to refine and implement the objectives.
The project is expected to contribute to the long-term economic prosperity and resilience of the Pilbara communities by advocating for business-friendly policies, improved infrastructure, and support for innovation.