The Leadership WA Signature Pilbara Field Trip 2023

For almost 20 years, Leadership WA has taken our Signature Leadership Program cohort on a field trip to explore the Pilbara, where they gain a first-hand insight into this amazing region of our State.

36 participants, along with members of the Leadership WA team flew out from Perth to sunny Karratha to commence their 3-days of discovery and engagement that included meeting locals, visiting aboriginal, community, government and mining organisations, and discovered the unique nature and red earth of this incredible part of WA.

It was a unique opportunity to meet the locals who make such a difference, hear from exceptional speakers and go behind the scenes of operations such as CITIC Pacific Mining and Roebourne Prison.

The cohort heard from Krystal Skinner, Executive General Manager Customer and Community, Horizon Power, as she spoke about Horizon's work in the Pilbara, and how energy can really make or break regional towns, as well as sharing her leadership philosophy.

The group also spent time at Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, where Ranger Peter Cooper shared the importance of one of the most prolific Aboriginal rock art sites in Australia, in the Burrup; and being welcomed by current participant and Lotterywest Scholarship recipient, J. Francois Langlois MBA GAICD AIMM CEO of Ngarliyarndu Bindirri Aboriginal Corporation, to learn how they deliver wellbeing and self-determination for all Aboriginal people in the area.

The cohort visited the St John Ambulance Sub Centre in Karratha, a rich experience where they heard from all layers of the organisation. Justin Fonte OStJ FCHSM, Head of Country Ambulance Operations and his team talked about the heart and passion connected with volunteering, and their integrated program that enables volunteers and staff to be more interconnected.

The trip wrapped with a final session delivered by Minister Stephen Dawson MLC, Member for the region.

Minister Dawson shared his journey into politics and his leadership approach, which is centred in treating everyone with respect and being approachable and friendly. An ethos instilled in him by his parents, who influenced him to work hard and to always, quite simply, be nice to people.

Thank you to our major partners CITIC Pacific Mining and Horizon Power for your significant support of the Signature Pilbara Field Trip. 

We would also like to acknowledge and thank the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, Ngarliyarndu Bindirri Aboriginal Corporation, St John Ambulance, WA Department of Justice.

Applications are now open for Signature 2024. We invite you to find out more and apply online by 16 October, apply here.