Highlights of 2019
December 13, 2019 at 2:19 PM
January
The Minister for Regional Development, Hon Alannah MacTiernan MLC, visited the Wheatbelt on 23 January.
At the Friends of the Wheatbelt forum on 23 January, we bid farewell to outgoing CEO Wendy Newman as she retired.
February
The launch of the Williams Woolshed’s range of knitwear garments and accessories made from wool sourced from the Williams area was featured this month.
March
We welcomed incoming CEO Gavin Robins in March.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack announced $70 million funding from the Australian Government’s Roads of Strategic Importance initiative to the Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Routes project on 27 March.
April
Minister for Regional Development Hon Alannah MacTiernan MLC, announced the successful grant recipients for the Regional Economic Development Grants program on 10 April.
May
The WA State Budget announcement brought news of strong investment in the Wheatbelt.
Gavin Robins, WDC CEO visited the Central Midlands in May to meet with stakeholders including Local Governments and regional businesses to discuss the diversity of investment in the area.
Eucalyptus Oil and Bioenergy production in the Wheatbelt town of Kalannie was featured this month.
June
Hon Darren West MLC, Member for the Agricultural Region, officiated at the York Motor Museum celebrations on 9 June.
Iluka Resources’ Cataby mine in the Shire of Dandaragan was officially opened by Premier Mark McGowan on 21 June.
Minister for Regional Development, Hon Alannah MacTiernan MLC, attended the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding to formalise the partnership between WDC and the City of Wanneroo on 28 June.
July
The Upper Great Southern Hockey Association’s kitchen, a project supported by Wheatbelt Regional Grants Scheme 2017 $50,000 funding, was opened on 5 July.
Hon Darren West MLC was in Northam for the information session on the Regional Economic Grants Round 2, on 26 July.
August
Alinta Energy and Ratch Australia Corporation, celebrated the start of construction of Yandin Wind Farm near Dandaragan with the ‘turning of the sod ceremony’ on 5 August.
The Nungarin Woolshed Hotel was announced as the WA winner of Airbnb’s Country Pub Project and West Arthur, Dumbleyung, Kukerin, Northam, Quairading were finalists in the 50th Keep Australia Beautiful WA Tidy Towns Awards.
September
Minister for Regional Development, Hon Alannah MacTiernan MLC, announced $2.8million for aged accommodation in the Wheatbelt South on 12 September.
Consul-General to Ho Chi Minh City, Ms Julianne Cowley visited Northam 12/13 September
Wheatbelt businesses Agrifresh and Fewster’s Farm Honey were finalists in the WA Industry & Export Awards 2019.
