The resources sector is working together to support WA in its mission to contain the spread of COVID-19 and support the community.
Amid widespread industry disruption caused by closed Australian and State borders, and significant changes to work rosters and mine-site management, PHIC members BHP, Roy Hill and Fortescue Metals Group, and other WA Mining companies, have showed their united effort in advertisements.
“The health and safety of our people, their families and communities remain our highest priority, and we stand together with WA to help contain the spread of COVID-19,” the full-page advertisement says.
“Now more than ever, the resources sector is supporting WA by contributing to the local economy through wages, community investment, royalties and business purchases.”
This is in line with FMG’s announcement of a $1 million donation to the Royal Flying Doctor Service to help boost the organisation’s frontline services during the COVID-19 outbreak.
FMG Chief Executive Elizabeth Gaines said: “At Fortescue, our values of family and safety always comes first, and we are pleased to provide this donation to support the RFDS to provide this vital service for people living in remote and regional WA.”
BHP has donated $2 million to the RFDS. Tim Day, Acting Asset President BHP Western Australia Iron Ore said: “BHP is committed to supporting the communities in which we operate, and beyond. This contribution to the RDFS is part of our $50 million Vital Resources Fund, which has been established to provide support to regional Western Australia during this difficult time. We will continue to look for ways for BHP to support regional communities as we work through this challenge together.”
Gina Rinehart, Chairman and Director of Roy Hill, has made a $6 million donation to the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia to fund the installation of on board ventilators and other lifesaving equipment.
She is also funding portable automated external defibrillators and tele-health technology in isolated communities, helping the RFDS better manage chronic disease in the outback.
Expressing thanks, RFDS Central Operations chief Tony Vaughan said “Mrs Rinehart’s donation will bring great relief to many across outback Australia.”
Chevron, Rio Tinto, and CBH Group also donated to the RFDS.