One of Newcrest Mining Ltd’s first community-related initiatives was the development and operation of an Indigenous Training Program, designed to train potential indigenous workers for the proposed gas pipeline from Port Hedland to Telfer. The participants comprised men and women from the Kariyarra, Ngarla, Njamal and Birrimaya/Warrarn groups, across whose land the pipeline traverses. The training course was divided into two segments – one for Certificates I, II and III in Civil Construction, involving skills for Trades Assistants and plant operators; and Certificate I Hospitality, relating to mine and construction camp accommodation and catering. The course also included components on fitness for work, driver’s licences, counselling, cultural and social awareness. The course was developed to provide the trainees with skills and experiences to enable a successful transition from long-term unemployment to work and, following experience on the pipeline, possible employment at Telfer. The participants learnt valuable work-readiness and work-related skills. Those trainees who successfully completed the course were employed by Newcest. The training program initiative demonstrated Newcrest’s willingness to assist the groups in becoming an integral part of the Telfer expansion program. For those trainees who, on completion of the program, found that work on mine-related projects was not for them, Newcrest is helping to facilitate the development and support of Hedland-based enterprises so that those who successfully complete the training program have additional opportunities to find employment.

Skills Register

Newcrest is endeavouring to employ local indigenous peope in various roles on the project. To enable local Indigenous people to take advantage of employment opportunities arising from the Telfer Goldmine Expansion Project and at the port in Port Hedland, Newcrest has developed a Skills Register to identify those with suitable qualifications who are available to undertake employment with Newcrest or its contractors. Newcrest is using the Skills Register to match potential employees with available jobs and to identify the training and other needs of those wishing to work at Telfer to develop appropriate training courses to assist them to gain employment.

Business Development

Another strategy to increase Indigenous employment at Telfer and in the region is the promotion and development of indigenous businesses. To help local Indigenous people capitalise on business opportunities flowing from the Telfer Project and other resource development activities in the Pilbara, Newcrest has assisted the Pilbara Native Title Service in engaging Business Development Officer, Mr Chris Olegario (right). Mr Olegario is drawing on his wealth of business experience to assist the Indigenous groups of the Port Hedland area to identify, develop and manage business opportunities. This initiative will assist Indigenous people to participate more fully in the economic activity of the region, particularly through the promotion and development of Indigenous employment. Newcrest is continuing to consult and work cooperatively with the Monitoring and Liaison Committee representing the Kariyarra, Ngarla, Njamal and Warrarn/Birrimaya; and the Martu Consultative Committee representing the Martu, to help ensure all parties benefit from the Telfer Project.