Following the decision to further develop the Telfer mine, Newcrest took the opportunity to improve and expand community relations within its area of operation in the Pilbara Newcrest developed a Communities Policy and appointed a Community Relations Coordinator to put the policy into practise. One of the 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 will traverse. 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 such as Fitness for Work, Drivers Licences, Counselling related to drug and alcohol abuse, and 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, employment at Telfer. The participants learnt valuable work-readiness and work-related skills. Those trainees who successfully completed the course were employed by  Newcrest. Newcrest was extremely happy to be able to conduct the training program for indigenous trainees from the various Aboriginal groups in the region.

Those trainees who, on completion of the program, find that work on mine-related projects is not for them, Newcrest is facilitating the development and support of Hedland-based enterprises so that those who successfully complete the training program have additional opportunities to find employment.