CURRENTLY, 144 names are on the list. Tomorrow, there’s likely to be more.

They are the names of people on a Skills Register that has been developed, added to and constantly updated in a strongly cooperative spirit between Newcrest’s Community Relations team and that of the Bloodwood Tree Association. Bloodwood is a South Hedland-based organisation formed in 1977 which provides a range of support services and employment opportunities to Aboriginals.

In compiling the register the Newcrest team, particularly Indigenous Employment Training Officer Rod Anthony and Martu Liaison Officer Kevin Fred, have travelled thousands of kilometres throughout the region surrounding Telfer. They visited various communities to interview men and women seeking training and employment opportunities, and compile the numerous CV’s for future reference. Their endeavours have proved fruitful, with almost all of the Indigenous workforce currently on site at Telfer being initially identified as prospective employees through the register, and other candidates later enrolling in Hospitality Courses at Pilbara TAFE. “The register has been a valuable document for us, and will continue to be,” said Rod. “But, it was also important for me to visit the communities, to meet with and talk to the people personally. It helps you to get a ‘feeling’ about the person, to look beyond the paperwork, and to get a sense as to the character of the person.

“Across the board, they are generally hard working, sincere, wanting to learn, and are prepared to be part of a culturally diverse team. “Unfortunately, we can’t give everyone a job. For example, a mine site employs people capable of driving a range of vehicles and heavy machinery.

“Not many of these people at present have appropriate licences for those tasks. But, we are working on it.” And that’s where Bloodwood is also helping further to fill a void, in providing assistance to streamline the processes involved as prerequisites for individuals to prepare and sit for their driver’s licences. Bloodwood Manager Bob Neville and Economic Employment Development Officer Kylee Tesling are also planning to offer, with the support of Newcrest and other companies and agencies, regular driving instruction courses to help prospective workers’ get their careers ‘on the road.’ “Our organisation has finalised many dealings with Newcrest in relation to indigenous employment and these have brought about a number of positive outcomes,” Bob said.