The Local Buying Foundation has proudly approved funding to support the next stage of development for the Pilbara Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PRCCI), with funding approved under the Industry Promotion and Economic Development category. This funding will help formalise and launch the PRCCI, bringing together businesses, local chambers of commerce, government agencies, and community stakeholders across the Pilbara to address regional challenges and opportunities.
The PRCCI has been a long-held aspiration for the Pilbara’s five local chambers of commerce: Karratha and Districts, Port Hedland, Onslow, Newman, and Pilbara Inland. By creating a unified, regionally focused body, the PRCCI will amplify advocacy efforts and provide a stronger voice for businesses in the Pilbara. Stage one of this initiative, also supported by LBF, laid the groundwork by developing a strategic plan that defined the vision, mission, and strategies for the PRCCI.
With the newly approved funding, the focus now shifts to implementing this plan. Key actions include:
- Launching the PRCCI in collaboration with one of the place-based chambers.
- Developing policy position statements that address regional challenges and opportunities.
- Establishing a formal constitution and incorporating the PRCCI as an association.
- Creating a communications plan and professional branding to build credibility and visibility.
The long-term goal is to provide the PRCCI with a strong foundation to operate independently, including setting up a shared office, recruiting a small secretariat, and facilitating regular engagement with Pilbara businesses and stakeholders.
Supporting this initiative aligns with LBF’s commitment to fostering economic growth and resilience in the regions we serve. A unified PRCCI has the potential to create stronger connections, advocate for meaningful change, and unlock opportunities for businesses of all sizes, particularly small and medium enterprises.
The economic significance of the Pilbara region is immense—not just for Western Australia but for the nation. By enabling the PRCCI to take its next steps, we’re investing in a sustainable future where local businesses can thrive, partnerships can flourish, and the Pilbara’s potential can be fully realised.
For the Local Buying Foundation, this project is about more than funding—it’s about building capacity and collaboration to ensure that the Pilbara’s unique voice is heard loud and clear.
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Pilbara Chambers Alliance Strategy and Objective Setting Workshop
15 June, 2024
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.