BHP and PHCCI partner to drive growth and sustainability

(Image source: PHCCI) From left to right: BHP principal community Belinda Trowbridge, BHP general manager port operations Cindy Dunham, Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce president Therese Nugent and Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Rebekah Worthington.
(Image source: PHCCI) From left to right: BHP principal community Belinda Trowbridge, BHP general manager port operations Cindy Dunham, Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce president Therese Nugent and Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Rebekah Worthington.

A social investment contract between BHP (ASX: BHP) and the Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHCCI) is aiming to drive economic growth, sustainability and community development in the region.

Over the next three years, BHP will invest $2m to boost local businesses activity with a focus on driving diversity of suppliers, attracting sustainable businesses to the region and increasing job creation and workforce readiness.

The program aims to attract, develop and retain a diversified small business ecosystem in Port Hedland, South Hedland and Wedgefield through the deliver of workshops and programming designed to build the capability of local business and encourage new and diverse businesses to enter the market.

The partnership was announced by general manager port Cindy Dunham at the 2024 Business Excellence Awards in Port Hedland.

“As a long-standing partner with the Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we are delighted to help create an environment where local businesses can thrive,” she said.

“Our operations are an integral part of the community and we are proud to support local economic outcomes that contribute to the long-term sustainability of Port Hedland.”

The three-year partnership will also see further investment into four PHCCI business hubs and support the delivery of two key business events — the Annual Business Excellence Awards and the Biennial Hedland Economic Forum.

The hubs include:

  • The Tradie Hub – facilitating collaboration among trade-based businesses, offering workspace, training and networking events
  • The Web Business Hub – offering coworking spaces and innovative programs supporting small businesses in management, finance, training and technology
  • The Bungalow on Edgar – providing subsidised retail space for micro and small businesses, fostering inclusivity and growth
  • The South Hedland Hub – promoting small business growth through coworking spaces, upskilling opportunities and entrepreneurship support

PHCCI chief executive Rebekah Worthington commented on the new partnership.

“This strategic alliance is a key milestone in PHCCI’s ongoing efforts to create a resilient and diverse business environment,” she said.

“It positions Port Hedland as a premier economic driver, not just within the Northwest region and the State economy, but as a significant contributor to the National economy.”

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