IN YOUR REGION Edition 11 - 2014

Historic Signing of the Ord The signing of the Ord Development testament to the progress that can be The signing of the Agreement Agreement between the State achieved when government, the private effectively doubles the Ord Irrigation Government and Kimberley Agricultural sector and traditional owners work Scheme by unlocking thousands of Investment (KAI) on Friday 6 December together. hectares of land in the Kimberley for at Parliament House represented a agricultural use. significant milestone in the Ord-East “Through the Royalties for Regions Witnessing this historic agreement Kimberley Expansion project. program, the State Government has invested a significant amount of funding were Miriuwung Gajerrong Corporation Department of Regional Development into this project and it is heartening to Traditional Owner Edna O’Malley and Director General Paul Rosair said the see the results coming to fruition,” said Chief Executive Officer John Hughes. signing of the Agreement was Mr Rosair. Under the agreement, KAI is required to construct on-farm infrastructure and develop and crop farmland to secure a 50-year lease over 7,400 hectares of Gooming land. As a result of the negotiations between the State Government and KAI, regional will benefit from the biggest agricultural development in the Kimberley region in more than forty years.

Photo L- R : Paul Rosair, Edna O’Malley - Miriuwung Gajerrong Corporation, Premier Hon Colin Barnett and Gail McGowan - Department of State Development. DG Message

2014 represents a time of change at the further strengthen regional economic Department of Regional Development. development. I would first like to welcome our new Economic diversity is essential to the minister, Hon Terry Redman MLA, development of regional Western Minister for Regional Development; Australia. DRD will encourage Lands; Minister Assisting the Minister and support innovative enterprise for State Development. He has a opportunities throughout the state, reputation as a strong advocate for as well as tourism, creative arts, regional Western Australia and brings a aquaculture and alternative energy. wealth of Ministerial experience to his New opportunities exist in strategic new portfolio. agriculture in the Ord-East Kimberley, through the proximity to Asian markets, I would also like to take this increasing skills, infrastructure, opportunity to thank Andrew Murray, attracting investment and supporting inaugural Chair of the Western I have every assurance that DRD’s industry development. Australian Regional Development leadership team will be up to the task Trust. He has stepped down to focus As always, I am impressed with the of facing whatever new challenges on his role as Royal Commissioner on number of projects, initiatives and that arise for the regions and working the Royal Commission into Institutional developments that are taking place with others to capitalise on their many Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. throughout the State as a result of opportunities. I am confident that I am His oversight of the Royalties for Royalties for Regions funding, a few leaving the Department, and regional Regions program and his experience, of which have been highlighted in this development in Western Australia, in knowledge and personal contribution edition of In Your Region. I encourage very safe hands. to the development of regional Western you to visit our website to find out Australia has been exemplary. Andrew more. Murray has been replaced by Sue Lastly, and after much consideration, I Middleton, who was the inaugural have decided that this is an appropriate deputy chair of the Trust. She brings time to step down as Director General. to the role a wealth of regional and I have been in this role since 2009, and community development experience, serving DRD has been a great personal and strategic planning skills. Tim honour. I have been fortunate to lead a Shanahan becomes the Trust’s Deputy great team of dedicated professionals Chair while Ralph Addis, Chair of the committed to developing regional Kimberley Development Commission, Western Australia, and together, joins the Trust as the representative of Paul Rosair, this team has delivered a number of the regional development commissions. Director General ground-breaking programs, including Peter Rundle, Chair of the Great Royalties for Regions, Cities, Southern Regional Development Ord East Kimberley Expansion and Commission, remains on the Trust. SuperTowns, to name just four of these. In addition to our continued Every day has been a privilege and I am commitment to the development of proud to have played a part in DRD’s communities and infrastructure, we record of very solid achievement. will be developing new initiatives to

Page | 2 Killara Adult Day Care and Respite Centre upgrades completed

private bedroom, and provided care The Avon Regional Organisation of with dignity and respect,” said Killara Councils (AROC) agreed to provide Manager Nicole Hampton. funding to the project through the CLGF Regional allocations. The AROC “We are able to tailor our services to group comprises the local authorities individual needs, provide comfortable of Chittering, Dowerin, Goomalling, and tasteful facilities, which is very Northam, Toodyay and Victoria Plains. reassuring to a carer who has entrusted Lotterywest was also a funding partner. their loved one to us for a short period Carers in Northam can now access of respite,” added Ms Hampton. “The Killara Respite Project is one of the enhanced respite services after the Shire “Our aim is to be able to offer short first collaborations for the AROC and of Northam completed upgrades to periods of respite to families within provides a great example of Councils the Killara Adult Day Care and Respite the Wheatbelt which will ultimately recognising the needs of the entire Centre. allow aging residents to remain in region,” said President Royalties for Regions funding of $3.1 their communities, where they feel Steven Pollard. million enabled the Shire to construct secure and independent for as long as two new eight bed purpose built possible,” said Ms Hampton. “The new design will also allow the buildings at the existing Killara site Shire to operate the facility in a manner The upgrade of the existing Killara that enables quick reconfiguration and including fit-out with furniture and Centre is in the final stages and will equipment. access to crisis accommodation in the be used for providing day care. The event of a disaster or emergency in the The new buildings will be used for short building has historically been used for region,” Cr Pollard added. term quality accommodation for aged this. However as demand for overnight clients while providing a much needed accommodation grew, the building break for their loved ones and carers. was modified. The new buildings will provide a modern facility for the “These cottages enable the Shire of overnight care of clients allowing the Northam to provide much needed existing building to be returned to its respite; our regular guests are delighted original purpose. that they have their own on-suite and

Photo Credit : Shire of Northam

Page | 3 Gourmet Escape set to star

“Australia’s - and the world’s - best chefs, food writers and gourmands descend on Margaret River to celebrate the region’s fine craft beers, wines and artisan produce.” With reviews like this from the Lonely Planet’s ‘Greatest Australian attractions’ and the title of ‘Best Regional Event: WA’ from the Australian Event Awards, it is no surprise that the Margaret River Gourmet Escape continues to grow in size and success. The Margaret River Gourmet Escape is a celebration of the state’s fresh produce, gourmet delicacies, world-class wines Alex Atala, Sat Bains, Shane Osborn, Photo Credit : Margaret River Gourmet Escape and laidback lifestyle. Neil Perry, Tetsuya Wakuda and Adriano Zumbo. This festival program includes satellite The Department of Regional events such as indulgent long lunches, Tourism WA Eventscorp Executive Development supports the Margaret a pop up beach BBQ restaurant, Director Gywn Dolphin said last year’s River Gourmet Escape through exclusive dinners, wine tastings, Margaret River Gourmet Escape festival Eventscorp’s Regional Events Program, masterclasses and much more, all was an outstanding success. which is funded by Royalties for showcasing the Margaret River Wine Regions. Region and Western Australia as a “The Gourmet Village at Leeuwin Estate world-class food and wine destination. Winery attracted nearly 10,000 patrons Regional Investment Executive Director and many of the satellite events held Andrew Mann said events such as An outstanding line-up of celebrities throughout the region were sold out,” Margaret River Gourmet Escape are vital partake in the festival every year, many said Mr Dolphin. for regional communities because they of whom return in consecutive years. not only add vibrancy to a community “The four-day event also attracted In 2013, the world’s most recognisable but they also attract visitors and help significant local, national and chef, Heston Blumenthal, was the star stimulate the local economy. of the festival, along with Rick Stein, international media coverage which gave the Margaret River Wine “Western Australians know that the Region and the entire state, a food and wine we produce is among huge profile boost. the best you will find anywhere in the world and now, through Margaret River “Gourmet Escape has instantly Gourmet Escape, we’re showcasing it become one of Australia’s to chefs and foodies from around the premier food and wine events globe,” Mr Mann said. and we confidently expect it to develop into one of the best in the Asia-Pacific Region in the next few years.”

Photo Credit : Margaret River Gourmet Escape

Page | 4 Wharncliffe Mill Bush Retreat redevelopment a boost for eco-tourism in Margaret River Eco-tourism in the Margaret River Once a pine mill and then a budget meeting place, with cultural learning region received a boost with the accommodation and camping facility, experiences presented by Aboriginal opening of the redeveloped Wharncliffe the upgraded Wharncliffe Mill Bush guides. Mill Bush Retreat in Bramley National Retreat provides affordable, sustainable The Naturebank program aims to Park. group and family style accommodation position WA as a premier eco-tourism in one of the state’s premier tourist The $1.2 million redevelopment destination and increase nature-based destinations. received Royalties for Regions funding experiences in some of the state’s most of $91,000 as part of the State The upgrades include additional extraordinary locations. Government’s Naturebank program – a accommodation and refurbished Environment Minister Albert Jacob joint initiative between the Department facilities including a café, kiosk, library officially opened the upgraded of Parks and Wildlife and Tourism WA and commercial kitchen catering to Wharncliffe Mill Bush Retreat in to assist with the development of high large groups. quality, environmentally-sensitive January. tourism experiences in WA’s national Wharncliffe Mill also offers a nature- parks and reserves. play space and an Aboriginal-themed Yalgorup campground upgrades More campers can now stay at Yalgorup traditional tent based camping in parks. The upgrades were part of the State National Park as a result of recent Government’s $20 million Conservation In addition to the increased number upgrades to Martins Tank campground. Parks Infrastructure and Roads initiative of camp-sites, the campground also to improve opportunities for people to The campground’s expansion and features new amenities including a enjoy affordable accommodation when upgrades were made possible due to camp kitchen, two communal fire pits, visiting Western Australia’s national Royalties for Regions funding of $1.3 picnic tables and pathways. parks. million, along with $70,000 from the The improved camping facilities means Department of Parks and Wildlife. Environment Minister Albert Jacob more families and visitors will be officially opened the upgraded Martins The campground has been redesigned able to experience the park’s natural Tank campground in January. and expanded to cater for people with beauty, particularly the internationally caravans, camper trailers or camper recognised -Yalgorup Ramsar vans as well as providing for the wetland.

Photo : Martins Tank Campground

Page | 5 Affordable community housing in Albany

More community housing options “The completion of these dwellings is caring for family members with a are now available in Albany with the a great outcome for the community, disability, build community capacity completion of 12 two-bedroom units especially for residents who can now and create a safer region by providing for eligible seniors and people with reside in close proximity to essential secure housing. disabilities. services and amenities,” said GSCHA Each unit features an energy efficient Chief Executive Officer Kaz Sternberg. Royalties for Regions funding of design to help keep utility bills $1.88 million was allocated to the “There continues to be a growing wait- down, as well as quantum hot water Great Southern Community Housing list for affordable housing in Albany and units, solar power and inverter air Association (GSCHA) to assist with the the demand for affordable two-bedroom conditioners. Adaptable design, construction of the houses in Mira Mar. housing is high at around 130 applicants including hobless showers, wheelchair The total cost of the project was $3.6 as of February 2014. Our goal is to accessibility and reinforced bathroom million. continue to increase the availability of walls for the installation of hand rails will help to provide an improved quality The properties were built and will be community housing options for people in of life for tenants, and facilitate the managed by GSCHA to help alleviate need over the next three to five years.” concept of “aging in place”. the growing demand for community housing in the Great Southern region, The construction of the units will assist particularly as more retirees are moving tenants to participate in the wider to the region. community, relieve pressure of families

Corrigin Regional Medical Centre upgrade attracting more patients The provision of health care services accommodate medical in Corrigin has improved as a result of students and other upgrades to Corrigin’s Regional Medical specialist medical Centre. professionals to the region, providing a variety of Renovations to the medical centre services within the same included the addition of two new facility. consulting rooms, office, universal access shower and toilet, and improved CEO Julian access for people with disabilities. Murphy said the upgraded centre meant that residents As well as increasing in size, the new no longer had to travel long centre has also extended its opening Photo L-R : Hon Mia Davies MLA, Lynette Baker - Shire President and distances to access patient Julian Murphy - Shire CEO. hours due to an increase in patient and specialist care. numbers. The project received funding of The completion of the Corrigin $250,000 from the Royalties for Regions Medical Centre upgrade has had a Country Local Government Fund along positive impact on medical services with $54,176 from the Shire of Corrigin. in the region. The centre can now

Page | 6 Improved engagement and economic development for Aboriginal Communities

In December 2013, the Department of Regional Development (DRD) facilitated a workshop with members of the Aboriginal Economic Development and Governance Sub-committee (AEDGSC) and Warren Mundine, Executive Chair of the Prime Minister’s Indigenous Advisory Council.

The purpose of the workshop was to set key priorities and develop a strategy that will deliver improved outcomes in economic development, governance and engagement for Aboriginal communities, which will be achievable over the next one to three years. Photo L- R : Warren Mundine, Jenni Collard - Executive Director Business and Social Development, DRD and Paul Rosair. The workshop’s guest speaker was Warren Mundine, Executive Chair and opportunities for Aboriginal Their priority actions were then of the Prime Minister’s Indigenous people. discussed, opening up an avenue Advisory Council, who gave some Attendees were given the following for further engagement amongst personal insights on these issues, as questions and asked to formulate and attendees. well as his perspective on the emerging agree on three priority actions on a It is proposed that the priority actions Commonwealth agenda on Aboriginal topic of their choice. arising from this workshop will help affairs. • What are the key focus areas form the basis of a proposed work plan Attended by representatives from a and opportunities in economic for the newly established AEDGSC. range of government agencies and development for Western Australia? This sub-committee falls under the auspices of the State Aboriginal Affairs including members of the Western • What are key focus areas and Australian Aboriginal Advisory Council, Coordinating Committee. opportunities for governanceDepartment in of Regional Development the workshop focused on leveraging Western Australia? opportunities that arise from activities occurring at the local, State and • What are key focus areas and National levels, in order to build opportunities for Aboriginal economic and governance capability engagement in Western Australia?

DRD is on Social Media! @DeptRD www.facebook.com/DeptRD

Page | 7 Historic Collie railway footbridge restored and reopened

MLC opened the newly restored Collie railway goods shed in February 1988 railway footbridge – a great reminder and Interim Listed on the State Register of how prominent the railways were, of Heritage Places in 1992. particularly during the first half of the 20th century. “The restoration will provide safe access across the tracks for residents, especially “Collie people are proud of their history, school children who live on the other side and this bridge is a monument to the of town,” Mr Holt said. rich history of the railways in Collie,” said Shire President Wayne Sanford. The $0.95 million project received “This restoration is an outstanding $0.66 million through the Country Local Photo L-R : Cr Wayne Sanford -Shire President, Hon effort, and is a much needed safe Government Fund (CLGF) Individual, Colin Holt. MLC, Hon Mick Murray MLA and Nola crossing for the current freight line,” Cr which helps local governments in Marino MP- Federal Member for Forrest. Sanford added. regional Western Australia to build and maintain their infrastructure. One hundred years of Collie history This restoration of the 1958 railway has been restored, supported by the footbridge represents a link with Collie has received $3.7 million in CLGF Royalties for Regions program through the original 1912 footbridge and Individual funding from Royalties for the Country Local Government Fund. the substantial railway system Regions since 2009 which has been applied to 24 separate projects to Despite some very hot weather, that supported the coal and timber improve capital infrastructure in the a large local crowd turned out as industries. town. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister The footbridge was classified by the for Regional Development, Colin Holt National Trust along with the adjacent Westlink Westlink is a Western Australian operated by experienced television Government owned and operated professionals who are available to television station. discuss your production requirements. Westlink can assist customers with It produces both live broadcasts and Broadcasting via satellite on the Viewer the planning, booking and delivery of pre-recorded programs, providing an Access Satellite Television (VAST) programs and also offers very affordable innovative communication tool that platform on Channel 602, anyone in rates. can help you engage rural, remote and Australia with a VAST satellite receiver regional communities. can watch Westlink. There is no need for Programs broadcast include State, an internet connection. Federal and Local Government non- Live programs can feature audience political messages, training courses, interaction via telephone or email Westlink is available at over 100 general information, health and well- feedback, and production options are Community Resource Centres, 50,000 being and, arts and entertainment. also available for on-location filming. sites in Western Australia and 150,000 sites across the rest of Australia. For more information, please contact Managed by the Department of Westlink on 1800 99 11 11 or email Regional Development, the studio is [email protected].

Level 2, 140 William Street, WA 6000 | Postal Address : PO Box 1143, WEST PERTH WA 6872 | Telephone : +61 8 6552 1800 Free call : 1800 049 155 (Country Only) | Facsimile : +61 8 6552 1850 Westlink Email : [email protected] | Website : www.drd.wa.gov.au Westlink is a Western Australian Government owned and operated Page | 8 television station.

Westlink produces both live broadcasts and What types of programs are broadcast pre-recorded programs, providing an innovative on Westlink? communication tool that can help you engage rural, A range of programs are filmed and broadcast through remote and regional communities. Live programs Westlink. Programs can be viewed by a wide audience can feature audience interaction via telephone or or targeted to a specific interest group, region or town. email feedback, and production options are also available for on-location filming. Programs broadcast include:

Programming is fully automated allowing programs • State, Federal and Local Government non-political to be scheduled 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. messages. Managed by the Department of Regional • Training courses Development’s Regional Capacity Division, the e.g. a tailored Human Resources information series studio is located in West Perth at Dumas House. by the Department of Commerce. • General information Who receives Westlink? e.g. Beyond Gardens Live gardening show. Broadcasting via satellite on the VAST (Viewer • Health and well-being Access Satellite Television) platform on Channel 602, e.g. Foodbank’s “Food Sensations” cooking anyone in Australia with a VAST satellite receiver can show with nutritional and economical recipes, watch Westlink. and Women’s Health & Family Health Services Community Resource Centres (CRCs), selected schools, providing advice and information. TAFE centres and health centres can also receive the • Arts and entertainment Westlink channel. e.g. live events from the WA Symphony Orchestra, WA Opera and the Black Swan State Theatre.