Pilbara to Parliament

On 16 September 2025 I had the privilege of attending the Pilbara to Parliament Showcase at WA Parliament House in Perth, an initiative by the Pilbara Chamber Alliance and hosted by Pilbara SMEs. The event brought the strength, innovation and diversity of our region right into the heart of WA’s decision-making.

The evening began with formal addresses from Minister Dawson, Minister Sanderson and Nerida Kickett representing the Pilbara Chambers Alliance, before guests gathered in the courtyard to network, with Pilbara-sourced canapés and drinks adding a local flavour to the evening. Conversations flowed between small business owners, MPs, Ministers and senior policy makers, while photographer Margaret Bertling captured the night.

For me, being there was about more than just attending an event. Running a business in the Pilbara means carrying hidden workloads that most people never see — the long hours, the staff rosters, the juggling act of freight, supply, and community commitments. Taking a day away from all that is never easy, which is why not every business owner can make it to these kinds of events. I was proud to stand in for those who couldn’t be there, making sure our collective challenges and contributions were represented.

We often talk about the “Pilbara tax”. It’s not a real tax, but what locals call the extra cost we pay on almost everything because it’s so much more expensive to operate here. Higher freight, insurance, housing, wages and service costs all stack up, meaning businesses like mine run on much slimmer margins than those in the city. That reality filters down to locals too, everyday items cost more here.

That’s why advocacy matters. Housing shortages, childcare deficits, health care, transport and safety are all ongoing challenges in our region, and they make it harder to attract workers, support families, and keep businesses sustainable. Sharing that reality face-to-face with the people shaping WA’s policies is powerful, and hopefully one step closer to meaningful change.

I’m grateful to Sharon from Xtreme Holdings for inviting me to join, and proud to have flown the flag for small business in Karratha- both for myself, and for those who couldn’t step away from their own hidden workloads to attend.

#PilbaraToParliament #PilbaraPride #SmallBusinessWA