Pilbara groups' survival strategy

Pilbara non-government organisations need to work together to survive in the current economic climate, according to the head of the region’s peak body.

Pilbara Association of Non- Government Organisations chairman Bob Neville said there wasn’t enough recognition that organisations working in the Pilbara region needed bigger resources than other regions as a result of the mining boom.

“We need to step up a level and look into economic development and how we can start producing an income for organisations, instead of relying on government grants all of the time,” he said.

“All of these organisations deliver services that are needed for the community, but we can get things done better and a lot cheaper.

“It’s important for us to survive, and it’s important for the survival of the nongovernment sector.”

Centre for Social Impact convenor Elena Douglas said in the fast growth environment of the Pilbara there was no time to muck around.

“This is all about communication and common vision, because without that, too much slips between the cracks,” she said.

“There’s a lot of people here doing a lot of amazing things for the community, but they need to stop and look at the bigger picture.”