Helen speaks with Patrick Hill, Chairman of the Outback Highway Development Council and Shire President of Laverton in Western Australia. Patrick explains how the Outback Way came into existence and walks us through the history and development of this project. This episode is a replay of the second episode of the Outback Way Podcast, however it's such an important story we felt it warranted being shared again! Turning the Outback Way into reality has been a 20-year commitment to connect Australia, grow the industries throughout inland Australia (tourism, pastoral, mining and horticulture) leading to opportunities for small remote and isolated towns. The driver is more economic and social benefit for the people in these areas. Patrick is a true champion of the bush; having grown up on a station east of Laverton and holding various board positions (Regional Development Australia, Goldfields Esperence, Australia Golden Outback tourism body) he is always promoting and maximising the opportunities for inland WA. You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1 Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.