Our Board  

The Commission’s Board meets regularly to set policy direction, approve major expenditure, and provide advice to the Minister on regional matters.

Board members are chosen based on ability at an executive level, a demonstrated involvement in either the economic or social development of the region, and the ability to work cooperatively to achieve agreed goals across a wide range of social and economic issues. Board members are confirmed by the Minister for Regional Development with terms ranging from one to three years.

The three categories for Board membership are community nominations, Local Government nominations, and Ministerial nominations.

Mr Tim Larkin (Chair)

Tim Larkin is a senior executive with more than 30 years' experience working for leading multinational companies including BHP Billiton, United Group, Mowlem plc, the Leighton Group and Laing O'Rourke in project development and operational roles. In addition, he was the chief executive of a major 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned, diversified business serving the Pilbara with a focus on tourism and civil and mining services operations. He currently is the principal of a strategy and development consultancy focussed on the resources sector.

Mr Terry Hill (Chief Executive Officer)

Terry Hill has held a number of senior roles in the Western Australian government, and at a national level. Terry holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, a Masters in Agribusiness and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Ms Sara Slattery

Sara Slattery is a career practitioner with extensive experience working for employment services and Aboriginal-owned organisations in the Pilbara. As well as being a Community representative on the Pilbara Development Commission Board, she is the Board Chair for Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation. A member of the Australian Association of Career Counsellors and Institute of Company Directors, Ms Slattery has held leadership roles in a range of Pilbara Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organisations, including in Roebourne and South Hedland. She is a Robe River Kuruma native title holder, and currently lives in Wickham.

Mr Brett Ellacott

Brett Ellacott is a mechanical engineer from Townsville, Queensland who worked across many commodities and resource companies in project management and maintenance before starting a company focused on technology and innovation opportunities. He recognises the Pilbara's potential for economic prosperity and diversification while possessing a community mindset demonstrated by his involvement in Port Hedland Marine Rescue as a senior skipper and projects coordinator. Mr Ellacott hopes to apply to the rigour of an engineering mindset and the perspective of a local technology startup founder and Port Hedland resident.

Ms Marg Bertling

Marg Bertling settled in Karratha in 1987 with a background in home finance, writing and journalism. Since 2009 she has operated her commercial and industrial photography and videography business, which has seen her travel across the Pilbara. She spent many years as a St John’s volunteer ambulance officer and member of community groups. Elected as a Councillor for the City of Karratha in 2011, 2015 and 2019, Cr Bertling supports development and opportunities for communities in the Pilbara and is focused on sustainable projects that: provide long term benefits for residents; encourage multigenerational families; and support business growth.

Ms Wendy McWhirter-Brooks

Wendy McWhirter-Brooks has decades of experience in agriculture, education and community development as an agricultural enterprise operator and a teacher. She is currently the Deputy President of the Shire of East Pilbara and is a member of a number of committees and Boards including the Pilbara/Kimberley JDAP Committee, Pilbara Tourism Association, North West and Northern Territory Advisory Committee, and is currently the Chair of the Marble Bar CRC. Living in Marble Bar in the Shire of East Pilbara, Ms McWhirter-Brooks is passionate about maximising opportunities for young people in regional WA, and helping to create better social, cultural and economic opportunities for people in the Pilbara.