If you were naming local legends in Port Hedland, it’s a fair bet that one name would be on top of most people’s lists – Arnold Carter.
At aged 97 and having lived in Port Hedland since 1962, there’s not much that Arnold hasn’t seen or been involved in in the town, including having a front-row seat on the establishment of the Pilbara’s iron ore industry.
Arnold’s involvement started when even the port location hadn’t been decided.
Congratulations to Pilbara Ports on capturing Arnold’s reflections on a pivotal time in the town’s history and producing an excellent video. There is more on Arnold’s story in this newsletter.
No doubt there were celebrations when the Harvey S Mudd left Port Hedland for Japan carrying the first shipment of iron ore on June 1, 1966 – but none of those on hand to witness the event could have imagined the growth over the next 58 years.
The Pilbara region achieved a remarkable milestone in the 2023-24 financial year, with a record 758.3 million tonnes of exports passing through its ports.
It was the fifth consecutive year of record-breaking throughput for Pilbara Ports.
The Port of Port Hedland contributed significantly, with throughput of 573.6 million tonnes, reinforcing its status as one of Australia’s most valuable ports.
Pilbara Ports play a crucial role in facilitating Australia’s iron ore trade, handling approximately 80 per cent of the national trade and 43 per cent of the global trade.
Further congratulations to Pilbara Ports Chief Executive Officer Samuel McSkimming and his team for the wonderful outcome.
Plaudits as well for the contractors who have delivered the $187.5 million Spoilbank Marina, which was opened officially by Premier goer Cook last month.
The marina includes a four-lane recreational boat ramp, boat pens, fish cleaning facilities, fishing jetty and a recreation and event space with public amenities.
It also includes an art walk that highlights Aboriginal culture with artworks designed by Kariyarra artists and features marine-themed sculptures, terrazzo designs set into the ground, and shaded areas decorated with patterns celebrating local plants and animals.
We have watched as the marina emerged from the foreshore to become a magnificent facility that I’m sure the entire community will enjoy as it becomes a focal point for so many events and celebrations.
I had the opportunity to address the Port Hedland Economic Forum last month to provide an overview of the many programs PHIC is supporting.
The theme of my presentation was Partnerships in Action, which neatly describes the involvement of PHIC and its members in the community.
The cornerstone for our community engagement continues to be the Community Industry Forum. Thank you to all our industry and community members who support the CIF and make it a successful platform for sharing information.
It hardly seems possible that we are already at the end of the year. I look forward to 2025 and the challenges and opportunities it will bring, as will PHIC and our members.
Kirsty Danby
Chief Executive Officer
Port Hedland Industries Council