Daniel Toby was the first.

Now, five more Indigenous workers are following in his tracks behind the wheel of a huge Cat 793C haul truck in the Open Pit. Clive Souey, Robin Yarran, Errin Maher, Cynthea Rigney and Lloyd Fletcher have started new careers following an invitation to the Community Relations team from Acting Open Pit Manager David Way and Supervisor Richard Grant to identify more workers with HR driver’s licences. Also starting work recently in the Open Pit as a drill sharpener with Drill and Blast is Lloyd Williams. Lloyd began his career at Telfer in early 2005, and has also worked in the Toolstore. Stuart Lane recently rejoined the Telfer team in the Warehouse. Justin Garlett has worked in the Mill for the past few months and is handling his new position well.

Aaron joins Underground crew

Aaron Allan (below) recently joined the Byrnecut crew underground as a driver of an Elphinstone 73 truck carrying up to 50 tonnes of ore, and his managers are full of praise in their reports of his progress. It is not common for Aboriginal people to readily volunteer to work underground and, as a local Martu person originally from Marble Bar, Aaron has broken the mould, taken on a challenging career, and is thriving. “Working underground is something new for me, and I’m really enjoying it,” said Aaron. “Some blokes I respect worked underground, and I thought that if they can do it, I can too. I have no fear of working underground. “The people I work with are all good people, and we have good rapport.” Aaron’s comments are supported by his boss, Senior Underground Production foreman Adrian Short. “Working 1km underground is a very special experience,” Adrian said. “Not everyone can do it. Those who can, work very closely together, and take the bonds they create between each other to their lives off-site. They look out for each other, in and out of the mine.”