Pilbara Extension Network EOI

The Pilbara Extension Network (PEN) has been developed in direct response from pastoralists in the Pilbara seeking to foster innovation and sustainability, whilst empowering their people. It is about assisting station managers to identify and support key team members in their quest to build their skills, industry experience and networks in specific areas, while maintaining current lifestyle and role on station.

PEN offers a unique opportunity for station managers and staff to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Pilbara pastoral industry through strategic innovation and leadership. This program will not only support your station and the professional growth of your team, but also contribute significantly to the development of the region and your industry. It was developed to:

• Build local expertise and hands-on experience to build projects on station, to meet the specific needs and challenges of the Pilbara region
•           Address staff retention on station by providing opportunities for skills development and networking of team members
•           Increase local leadership capacity and skills to ensure projects conducted in the region are pragmatic, realistic, and relevant with direct long-term impact for industry, local community and environment
•       Help build networks within communities to encourage collaboration and support with other local stakeholders, enhancing the overall impact and sustainability of projects.

Why would we apply?

If you are eager to enhance your staff members’ skills and drive regional and industry growth and innovation, you are encouraged to apply. We are looking for stations and their managers who are visionary about their operations and deeply committed to the growth of the Pilbara region. Managers are invited to nominate a staff member to become a hub lead within PEN, showing readiness to tackle the unique challenges and seize the opportunities within the Pilbara pastoral sector. Applicants should be ready and available to engage deeply with both the challenges and opportunities specific to the Pilbara pastoral sector.

What is involved?

You will be asked to nominate an appropriate team member to participate in PEN. There will be set criteria that this person must meet. This nominated staff member will be engaged in PEN for over a twelve (12) month period (NOTE: Funding available for 72 days of involvement over the 12 months, scheduled around pastoral activities and busy periods.) to engage in:

•  Networking Opportunities: PEN provides invaluable networking opportunities, connecting with other stations in the region to share learnings and collaborate on projects, as well as meeting key off-station individuals who play significant roles in regional initiatives and can greatly impact the success of their innovations and career trajectory.
•   Professional development: They will have access to a range of capacity-building activities including training sessions, workshops, and mentorship opportunities. These are designed to enhance their skills in project management, leadership, and innovative agricultural practices.
• Leadership opportunities: PEN Leaders will manage significant on-station projects that contribute to the program’s goals of creating resilient landscapes. This hands-on experience is invaluable for personal and professional growth.

This program includes a substantial financial investment from the Pilbara Innovation Partnership to ensure support, resources and expertise are available throughout the program. Additionally a financial contribution of $68k is allocated per station to support the employment of your nominated team member and the on-station project they will lead. This funding is intended to facilitate their involvement in PEN by compensating for their time and to fund that resources used in project execution. To ensure transparency and accountability, your station will be required to meet specific reporting requirements to access these funds. These requirements are designed to track progress and outcomes, helping to maximise the impact of the investment for both your station and the broader Pilbara region.

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:

·        hold a managerial or decision-making position within the station to be able to apply on behalf of your station

·        have a clear vision for your station and industry growth

·        allow your PEN team member the time required to participate fully in the program, including hosting an on-property project

·        provide targeted mentoring of your PEN team member, including guidance of the project conducted by them

Further information available in the Pilbara Extension Network Guidelines

How do I get involved?

Applications have closed for the 24/25 cohort. Successful stations will be contacted on the 29th of August. 

For any questions, reach out to Liz Moss, Innovation Manager on 0490 341 377 or liz.moss@dpird.wa.gov.au.