Djarindjin Airport wins Economic Development Award
Djarindjin Airport has won the 2019 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Economic Development Award at the recent Regional Achievement and Community Awards.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Economic Development Award recognises those in regional communities working to maximise job creation and improve career opportunities.
Located near the top of Dampier Peninsular, the airport is exclusively owned by Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation who have successfully operated the airport for the last eight years. The airport provides hot fueling for passenger transfer helicopters flying to Browse Oil and Gas base from Broome, a service that allows the refueling of a helicopter with its engine running or its rotors rotating for the aircraft to promptly return to the air.
After borrowing $6 million to develop the airfield, Djarindjin Airport had the debt repaid within six years and today, the airport invests back into its community by providing 20 high-quality jobs that provide significant incomes for the community.
The airport also assists its community by supporting local youth services and engagement programs, night patrol, women’s art center and small business enterprise. The profits are also supporting the infrastructure needs including non-gazetted roads, street lighting, and waste and water management.