JULIE and Arnold are set to join the team at Pilbara Ports’ Lumsden Point project at Port Hedland.
The pair are Port Hedland’s Konecranes Gottwald ESP.9 mobile harbour cranes, named Julie and Arnold in a crane naming competition for locals last year.
The cranes are named after two well-known and well-respected Port Hedland identities, Julie Arif and Arnold Carter. Several nominations were made by the Port Hedland community for these two names.
A state government media release said the cranes were under construction and set to stand 84 metres tall.
The mobile harbour cranes will together provide a 400-tonne tandem lifting capacity and incorporate leading hybrid technology to improve operational efficiency and minimise on-site carbon emissions.
“These cranes will play a critical role in supporting efficient operations at Lumsden Point, including the export of battery materials, the import of renewable energy infrastructure, and the growth of direct shipping services to the Pilbara,” the release said.
The Australian Government is investing $565 million in common-user port upgrades in the Pilbara, $450 million of which will enable the development of new multi-user facilities and berths at Lumsden Point. This is in partnership with the state government, which is contributing $96.6 million to the project.
The names of two cranes have been revealed following a local competition launched in Port Hedland last year which invited local residents to name the two cranes.
“Running over six weeks last year, the competition generated strong community interest, attracting 210 entries and 404 name suggestions reflecting themes including First Nations heritage, the environment, and local history,” the media release said.
A shortlist of entries was voted on by Pilbara Ports Port Hedland Community Consultation Committee with the final winning names selected by the ports minister Stephen Dawson, for their originality and local relevance.
The winning entrants will have their chosen names displayed on the cranes and will also receive a local café voucher, a guided harbour tour, and a site visit to Lumsden Point.
Mr Dawson said Julie Arif and Arnold Carter were strong advocates for the Hedland community who had left a lasting legacy in the town.
Julie Arif was a community advocate, historian, author, former councillor, and long‑time champion of Hedland’s heritage.
She died in early January 2025, prompting formal tributes from the Town of Port Hedland and was known for her commitment to preserving and celebrating the region’s history.
Her community roles included: former Town of Port Hedland councillor; manager of the Port Hedland Visitor Centre; author and historian, active in local writing workshops; teacher’s aide at Port Hedland Primary School; and frequent collaborator with Hedland libraries and community programs.
Arnold Carter was a businessman, councillor, iron‑ore industry pioneer, and one of Hedland’s longest‑serving community figures.
He died in September 2025 at age 98, after more than 60 years in Port Hedland.
Mr Carter was instrumental in the early development of the Pilbara iron ore export industry, witnessing the first shipment in 1966.
His contributions include: 34 years on local council, including shire president (1979–1985); ownership of 26 local businesses, from an outdoor cinema to a steakhouse and hairdresser; and active involvement in the turf club, chamber of commerce, marine rescue, and historical society.
The Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce also honoured him as a long‑term board member and visionary for local business development.