PEN Round 2 Applications Now Open

Why apply?

PEN Round 1 showed what’s possible when stations back their people to lead real projects — from genetics and grazing systems through to land management and data. These weren’t theory. They were practical, on-station projects that delivered value and got industry attention. Read & watch the case studies about PEN Round 1 stations here.

Round 2 builds on that.

PEN is an opportunity to step into a leadership role, test an idea on your station, and be supported to actually deliver it. You won’t be doing it alone — you’ll be working alongside other stations, with access to researchers, service providers, and a network that’s focused on getting things done in the Pilbara.

The process starts with a short EOI focused on you — your experience, your interest, and your availability. From there, shortlisted applicants are supported through interviews and a project development workshop to shape a strong, practical project.

If you’ve been thinking about doing something different on your station, or want to build your capability and back yourself — this is a good opportunity to do it properly..

What is involved?

PEN runs over 12 months and is built around you leading a project on your station, with structured support to help you deliver it.

Lead and deliver an on-station project aligned to your business
Work through a supported project design process before you start
Participate in five in-person modules (project management, leadership, communication)
Connect with other stations, researchers, and industry
Share your project and learnings through extension and the Pilbara Showcase

Funding and support

Up to $50,000 available to deliver your on-station project (used to engage contractors, services, equipment)
Minimum 20% co-contribution from the station (cash or in-kind)
Up to $5,000 participation support to assist with time and operational costs
Travel, training, and program delivery covered through PEN

Funding is allocated against an agreed project workplan and delivered through the Gascoyne Pilbara Rangelands Initiative (GPRI)

Am I and my station eligible?

There are key criteria that must be met to be considered for this unique Pilbara opportunity. You will be expected to:

Be working in a pastoral business in the Pilbara (owner or employee)
Be based on-station and available to participate across the program
Have support from your station to take part
Be willing to lead a project and share learnings with industry

How do I get involved?

EOI’s are now open for PEN Round 2 running across 2026/2027. EOI’s close 10th of April 2026 PLEASE APPLY HERE

Please read the program guidelines before applying here

Please reach out to have a chat if you’re thinking of applying and have any questions.

0490 341 377 or liz.moss@dpird.wa.gov.au.

Find the survey to register your Expression of Interest (EOI) here.

Read the application guidelines.

Pen is a fantastic way, with dedicated support for pastoralists, to implement and trial research and innovation on their own properties, while sharing how it performs in the unique Pilbara environment.

I would recommend PEN to anyone in the pastoral industry seeking support for a project or concept that they think has merit. The network of like-minded peers and industry experts I have now is grounding and supportive, and I owe that all to PEN.

PEN changed my whole perspective on life. I'm so much more confident, intentional and aware of key strategies that help me every day.

It has been a phenomenal experience working with the PEN Leads and watching them learn and grow on their PEN journey. Their impact on and in the Pilbara region will go on for many years to come.

The PEN program does an exceptional job bringing together stations and researchers to tackle real-world questions and foster future collaborations while giving producers a stronger voice.

I wish I'd had access to a program like this when I was reaching the point of shifting from an experienced farm-hand to a livestock manager. Having access to mentors, support networks, key experts, and a way to practice stepping into a leadership role would have enhanced my experience, and skillset, immensely.