Driving ambition.

YOU COULD BE EXCUSED for suspecting not all students in a specialised training course would seriously impress their lecturer with their job prospects. But, this group did.

“I have great respect for these people,” said Pilbara TAFE-contracted lecturer Joe Shayler of his 13 charges near the end of the first of a new specially-developed threeweek intensive Plant Operators course, designed to fast-track employment
opportunities for mature students into the workforce. And each of the 13 Indigenous participants left Joe impressed with their enthusiasm, skills, and willingness to learn. “I’ve had no problem with them,” Joe said. “Each of them can make a contribution to the workforce. They’ve been keen and eager to learn. “I could fit everyone of them for a job.” Some of the course participants, aged between 22 and 53 years, had travelled up to 1000km to learn the skills they sought to get a job - from Bidgedanga, Looma, Parrngurr, Jigalong, Punmu, Warralong and Newman. Joe was right: On completion of the course, many of the students found employment, at Telfer, and in Port Hedland, with various companies.

Becoming more Cuturally aware.

Newcrest’s commitment to strengthening cultural awareness and relationships among members of its Telfer workforce is reflected in its specially-tailored Cultural Awareness program being conducted at the Telfer site. Some 450 members of staff and company and contractors’ employees have now taken part in the program, which takes several hours to complete. Eventually, all personnel will have undertaken the program. The presentation is led by Telfer’s Martu Liaison Officer Kevin Fred and John McGuire, a respected member of the Perth-based Nyungar community. “All cultures have something important to give to, and learn from, each other,” John said. “All we need is mutual respect and a willingness to listen, learn and share.”

ExpoSure.

HUNDREDS OF CURRENT AND PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS and future members of the workforce gathered in the Pilbara TAFE courtyard in South Hedland recently to consider their employment options during a Careers Expo day held at the College. Many companies and agencies presented displays and had staff members present to offer information, answer the students’ many questions, and provide insights into making sure they took the right steps to advance their employment prospects. The Newcrest Community Relations team were on hand during the Expo to meet the students - and each other. It was the first opportunity for Superintendent Leon van Erp (below, second from left, talking with Pilbara Native Title Service’s Business Development Officer, Cris Olegarioto) to introduce his assistants, Colin Tincknell (left) and Rod Anthony (right) - to each other. Rod, who has recently returned to Telfer’s Community Relations team after a year overseas, and Colin, will continue to assist Leon in delivering an ever-increasing range of support services where they’re needed - essentially, in helping more Indigenous people recognise the need to become better educated as a pre-requisite for employment, and to achieve their goal.

Family visit.

LAWRENCE WHYOULTER is a member of the team in the Engineering Workshop Store, AND is the latest in a line of young Aboriginal men who have worked in the Store, including Lloyd Williams, Stuart Lane and Kevin Lewis. When Lawrence finished one of his shifts recently, he was greeted by his parents, who had travelled some 400kmfrom their home in Kuniwarritji, also
known as Well 33, to bring him home on his break. Their timing was perfect. They were invited to stay for a barbecue, one of several being arranged on a regular basis to make it easier for the families of Newcrest’s Indigenous workers to visit the Telfer site.

The gatherings enables family members to see for themselves and better understand the working environment of their children, husbands, wives or siblings; and to enhance the interaction between the workers, colleagues, and managers.