In what is considered to be a “first” for the Pilbara region, an Indigenous driver trainer is now behind the wheel, guiding prospective young drivers in taking to the road safely.

After three months undergoing his own intensive tuition and practice, Ricky Watkins is now training up to six learner drivers a day. “Most of the learners are aged 17 to 18 years, most are girls, and they each need about five lessons to achieve a satisfactory level,” said Ricky, whose first “graduate” received a C-class licence in February. The driver training course and lessons are being offered through the Bloodwood Tree Association, a South Hedland-based
not-for-profit organisation formed in 1977 to help provide a range of support services and employment opportunities to
Aboriginals.

Late last year, Newcrest supported the Bloodwood Tree driver training initiative with a $20,000 contribution toward the running of the program, and also purchased and donated a new, specially-fitted vehicle for learner drivers. The driving force behind Newcrest’s support was the Company’s commitment to assisting Indigenous men and women succeed in gaining employment, particularly at Telfer. “We want more Indigenous workers at the mine site,” said Community Relations Superintendent Leon van Erp. “Education is the essential key needed to open the door for employment opportunities, and that’s why we are placing a priority on education and training programs, particularly at RAWA school at Punmu, and through Pilbara TAFE and Pundulmurra College in South Hedland.

“Being able to safely drive a vehicle is a distinct advantage to anyone seeking to work at a mine site. Hopefully, some of Ricky’s graduate drivers who undertook their training through the Bloodwood Tree course will one day be able to use their skills at Telfer.” Left: Another learner driver takes to the road in the new Newcrest-sponsored vehicle. Right: Ricky Watkins instructs a student in road rules. Leon van Erp couldn’t emphasise the point more: A solid grounding in education was the essential key to opening doors of opportunity for Indigenous people seeking work at the Telfer gold mine. “You don’t have to be a rocket scientist - we’ve already got enough of those,” said Newcrest’s Community Relations Superintendent. “But, you do need a reasonable education to succeed. Fortunately, it’s never too late to start, and it doesn’t have to be too hard. For most people, it’s simply a matter of being willing to start learning.” Leon said that Newcrest was focussed on supporting a range of education and training programs in the Pilbara region, from primary school through to tertiary levels, to help secure an appropriately-qualified workforce.

The Company was investing energy, expertise and resources concurrently on many fronts: Funding a driver training vehicle for Bloodwood Tree, supporting the good work being undertaken by James Back and Matt Alterator at Punmu and Kunawarritji with transition-to-work programs, and supporting hospitality courses at Pundulmurra and Pilbara TAFE were typical examples of Newcrest’s commitment, Leon said. Currently, a number of additional education and training programs were a “workin- progress,” including:

• Working cooperatively with BHP in developing an Indigenous Mining Skills 10-week course, during which participants would undertake work experience at Mount Whaleback and at Telfer.
• Extending the Healthy Lifestyle program introduced at Punmu in recent years to Jigalong and Newman, hopefully also with input from other mining companies in the region.
• Working closely with Pilbara TAFE’s Head of Programs at Pundulmurra College, Mark McDonald, to develop and introduce tailor-made courses later this year that specifically target possible future employees in the mining industry.

These Mine Entry and Industrial Skills courses would include studies in occupational health and safety, communications, small plant and equipment, operating forklifts, skid steer loaders and front-end loaders, and senior first aid. “Fortunately, there is widespread and generous support throughout the mining community in the region to promote and help create and develop opportunities for Indigenous people to become involved, to learn, to be challenged, to succeed, and to experience the personal satisfaction that comes with personal achievement,” Leon said. “Basically, in order to achieve success, it all adds up to one thing, one simple truth: Education is the key.”