Explore Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s 2024-2025 Annual Report, for a snapshot of the year’s highlights, achievements, and insights. Discover the stories that define our vibrant business community.
We would like to welcome our new CEO, Scott Ballem, to the Chamber.
Scott comes to us directly from Broome, where he has spent the past year working in a business advisory role for the Broome Chamber of Commerce.
Prior to that, Scott enjoyed a diverse executive career over the past thirty years, where he has worked in AFL football, managed a family civil construction company, and even run international surfing events.
Scott hopes to work closely with the board in the areas of strategic planning and project development, to ensure the Chamber keeps growing its member services and programs.
He is also looking forward to working with our amazing Chamber team and supporting them to continue providing the wonderful events, facilities, and services they currently provide the Hedland community.
Tina Scott
General Manager (Events & Membership Manager)
Tina has been a Port Hedland resident for over 12 years and has had a long standing relationship with the PHCCI, as a previous board member and Treasurer. In previous positions Tina has been an Employee of the Year winner and a Best Business award winner at the Business Excellence Awards. Tina has an extensive background in finance, real estate and Business development. With a passion for all things local and the Pilbara she has a passion for the community, helping with fundraising events and contributed on various boards. Tina also enjoys photographing beautiful Port Hedland and surrounds and has a love of fashion especially everything Pink!
Ashlee Limpus
Marketing Manager
Ashlee is a long time Port Hedland local, spending the past 16 years managing the office at her family’s construction business. She has come to work with the PHCCI team as the South Hedland Business Hub Co-Ordinator. Growing up in Port Hedland and now raising her young family, Ashlee has a passion in helping local businesses thrive. In her spare time enjoys spending time with friends and family and going camping.
Jenny Jenner
WEB Coordinator
As the Coordinator at Port Hedland Business Web Hub Jennifer Jenner is dedicated to making a positive impact through effective program management and community engagement.
Jennifer brings a wealth of experience in working in non-for-profit organizations. With a background with working and supporting Aussie Farmers & their communities who have been affected through any natural disasters which include Flood, Fire & Drought. Jennifer possesses a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that the non-profit sector faces.
Embracing change and adventure, Jennifer and her hubby have recently embarked on a new chapter in the town of Port Hedland
Michelle Drosdek
Hub Co-Ordinator
A proud long-term Port Hedland resident, I spent some of my teenage years in town before moving to Northern Territory however quickly found myself back in the beautiful Pilbara. What was meant to be a three-year return 13 years ago quickly became home again, thanks to the strong sense of community and the people who make Port Hedland such a special place to live and work.
I’m passionate about community engagement and enjoy building strong connections with people. With extensive administration experience across the transport and mining industries, along with recently completing my Diploma in Workplace Health & Safety, I bring both practical knowledge and a people-focused approach to my role.
I’m excited to be working alongside the team at PHCCI to help support and grow business within our community.
Outside of work, I love spending quality time with my family, making the most of our outdoor lifestyle through camping and exploring our beautiful Pilbara backyard.
Jenni Crawford
Administration Officer
Originally from Far North QLD, I relocated to Port Hedland five years ago and have loved calling it home ever since. I’m a proud mum of three and enjoy spending quality time with my family and travelling whenever possible. Prior to this role, I worked as the Online Manager at Woolworths Port Hedland, where I developed strong organisational and customer service skills. This is my first position in administration, and I’m looking forward to building on my experience, learning new skills, and contributing positively to the team.
Jonathan Centeno
HR & Hub Coordinator
Jonathan has recently relocated to Port Hedland with his family from Perth. He is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in Pharmaceutical Sales, Health Care Services, Administration, and Workforce Support. Jonathan demonstrates exceptional organizational skills, effectively managing administrative responsibilities and optimizing processes to improve efficiency. With a strong history of developing and sustaining client relationships, meeting organizational objectives, and providing outstanding customer service, Jonathan is dedicated to enhancing organizational success by ensuring high-quality outcomes and fostering team productivity.
Therese Anderson
President
Gloria Jacob
Vice President
Gloria Jacob is the current Regional Community Engagement Coordinator for Volunteering WA, having sold her business Hedland Home Hardware after 30 years of servicing the Pilbara region. A local leader who also works with small business and Not for Profit organisations mentoring and coaching, she serves on several Boards and committees representing health, education and the environment.
Gloria was the former Deputy Mayor of the Town of Port Hedland serving on Council from 2011-15. She was appointed to Chair the Airport Committee, who negotiated the transaction to privately lease the Port Hedland International Airport and oversee the development of the Kingsford Smith Business Park, and the eventual sale of land to Bunnings. She was also the Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee whilst on Council. She is a passionate advocate for business and community, and believes that SME’s are the lifeblood of Port Hedland, and that a diversified economy is one of the key drivers to retaining and attracting people, and creating vibrant regional centres.
Claire Boyce
Treasurer
Claire Boyce is an experience business leader and community advocate. She holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Economics, from University College Cork and the University of Limerick.
After completing her studies, Claire moved to Australia, working in a number of management and leadership roles in Perth, Gold Coast and Port Hedland. Claire has a proven track record in leadership, strategic planning, funding acquisition, and fostering business growth. Claire's expertise in business growth is underscored by her hands-on experience in scaling companies across various industries, bridging the gap between vision and execution, coupled with a results-driven approach.
Currently, Claire co-owns and operates a civil and earthmoving business called Everything Earth, a proud Port Hedland based company Everything Earth support and sponsor numerous local NFP’s and sporting clubs including the Junction Co, PHCCI, Rovers Football Club, Shoata Horse Owners Association, Well Women's Association and more. Claire is a passionate advocate for the local community, sitting on the boards of Julyardi Aboriginal Corporation, The Junction Co & The Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Kim Samiotis
Secretary
Kim Samiotis was admitted as a lawyer in Western Australia in 2009 after completing a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts at the University of Western Australia. She practiced in Perth until 2016 and relocated to Kalgoorlie in 2017 where she practiced until her relocation to Port Hedland in 2020. Samiotis Legal has operated since June 2020.
Kim was born in Port Hedland and raised in Marble Bar and Albany. She has worked in the legal industry for over 15 years, with the last 7 years exclusively practicing in remote and regional areas in the Goldfields and Pilbara.
Hayley Vale
Committee Member
Hayley Vale currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Port Hedland International Airport, a role she commenced in January 2025. With a career in the airport industry that began in 2019, she possesses a strong background in corporate services, having previously held positions at Pilbara Ports, Bundaberg Regional Council, and Village Roadshow Theme Parks earlier in her career.
Over the past five and a half years at Port Hedland International Airport, Hayley has undertaken various roles and been an integral part of a team that has successfully completed over $80 million in projects. These include significant landside and terminal redevelopment initiatives, the construction of a new 1.22-megawatt solar farm, runway overlay, and apron expansion programs.
She is committed to the Port Hedland community and is proud to sit on the committee of the Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Flo Bennett
Committee Member
Flo Bennett is the Business Services Manager at Buru Group, an Indigenous-owned Pilbara business delivering dry hire services across Western Australia. Having grown up in Port Hedland and lived in the region for most of her life, Flo has seen firsthand the highs and lows of the town and understands the realities of regional living. A local business owner, President of the recently incorporated Hedland Multicultural Association, and an active member of several local sporting and community organisations, she brings a grounded, practical perspective to the PHCCI Board and is committed to supporting local businesses and making a positive difference for the Hedland community.
Byron Klein
Committee Member
Byron is the optometrist and director of Hedland Eye Care, a locally owned and operated optometry practice located Portside in Port Hedland. Hedland Eye Care is committed to providing exceptional eye care through evidence-based practice and leading edge technology.
Byron works closely with Lions Outback Vision and assists with ophthalmology and optometry clinics at Hedland Health Campus and Wirraka Maya Health Service. From living in the Pilbara, Kimberley and country South Australia, he understands the inequities that often come with living in regional areas and is keen to make a difference in improving eye health services provided in Port Hedland.
Leah Taylor
Committee Member
Originally from Walpole, where my family runs a cattle and marron farm, I grew up surrounded by nature and hard work. Our family also operated a commercial salmon camp, so I spent five months of the year living on a remote beach. Some of my earliest memories involve catching a dinghy to school and working in the fish factory after school, sometimes until 3 AM! That upbringing really shaped my work ethic and taught me the value of dedication, perseverance, and always maintaining a positive attitude. I moved to Hedland in 2008 with the same optimistic outlook, trying my hand at a variety of jobs like drill and blast, truck driving, and bookkeeping before finding my home at Hedland Property Shop in 2017. Since then, I've focused on creating a positive work culture focused around training and top-notch customer service. My team has always been supported, and we share that same positive attitude. I’ve faced a fair share of challenges in my career, but I've always managed to come out on the other side with my morals intact, and a belief that a strong, supportive team can get through anything.
Daniel Finch
Committee Member
Daniel Finch is the Managing Director and founder of Finmec, a Port Hedland based business supporting mining, transport, rail and civil operations across the Pilbara and wider Western Australia.
A diesel mechanic by trade, Daniel started Finmec in 2007 with a simple goal. Do good work, look after people, and be the kind of operator customers could rely on when it counted. What began as a one-man mobile mechanic business has grown over the years into a trusted local employer, now supporting more than 95 staff and a strong fleet of equipment hire capabilities on the ground.
Today, Finmec operates major workshop facilities in Port Hedland, provides field support across the region, and works alongside customers on projects large and small, with a strong focus on safety, reliability, and getting the job done properly.
Daniel is known for being practical, steady, and straightforward. He understands the pressures that come with running a business in a resource town, from workforce shortages and housing challenges to the cycles that affect every operator in the Pilbara. He is proud to be part of a business community that looks out for each other and contributes to building a stronger region.
As a PHCCI Board Member, Daniel is committed to listening to local business owners, supporting opportunities for growth, and helping ensure Port Hedland continues to be a place where businesses and families can build something long term.
If you see Daniel at a Chamber event, feel free to introduce yourself. He is always happy to have a chat and learn more about what matters to local business.
