Chair's Report

• Published date: 06 September 2023
• Publication title: West Coast Messenger, The

At DWC, we're very clear of our role here on the West Coast, and our focus on 'Growing Business to Grow the Coast' remains as relevant as ever. Our responsibility of working within the Trust Deed to manage the investment fund and foster regional development to promote sustainable economic benefit and employment for the West Coast is a task not taken lightly

To keep us focused on our journey, after each Trustee meeting, we reflect and ask ourselves, "how have today's decisions made the West Coast better off?". This regular reflection is vital to ensure we remain on track and that our decisions are contributing to the future success of the Coast.

Since its establishment 22 years ago, DWC's direct investment into the region has reached $182.8m, achieved from an initial fund of $92m. Investment into the region can only happen with careful management of the investment fund. There is also a view of the need to maintain the original equity of the fund to ensure continued investment for years to come.

The fund's performance during the COVID-19 years was at...