April 15 heralded the beginning of a new era for Marine Rescue Port Hedland (MRPH), with a formal sod turning signifying that construction now underway on a state-of-the-art headquarters that will boost operational capacity and ensure safer waters for the entire community.
Proving we can be stronger together, PHIC Industry members threw additional support behind a new headquarters for the voluntary organisation following a presentation to the Community Industry Forum back in November 2023.
The multi-million-dollar facility will provide the infrastructure needed for faster and more effective marine rescue services, include a fit-for-purpose operations centre and training facility.
At a meeting of council in May, The Town of Port Hedland committed almost $800,000 of supplementary funding to complete the remaining stages, including the boat shed additions, site works, carparks, landscaping and heritage interpretation. This funding in addition to support for the projects from a range of funders for the project including DFES, BHP, Pilbara Ports, Roy Hill, Mineral Resources, Fortescue and Horizon Power, will see the project almost entirely funded.
PHIC CEO, Kirsty Danby and Business and Community Manager, Chantel Cullen visited the site for a tour on May 21st with Commander Zac Slaughter and Senior Skipper and project co-ordinator, Brett Ellacott.
Zac explained that it had been his vision to upgrade to a fit for purpose facility since he joined MRPH in 2014. The groundbreaking is indeed testament to the hard work and dedication of the MRPH volunteers to reach this significant milestone, with the support of government agencies, industry and community.