Fortescue extends Big hART partnership for a further three years

Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) is pleased to extend its support for Big hART, with a new  three-year partnership to support the delivery of youth workshops to young people living in Roebourne. 

Established 27 years ago, Big hART is a not-for-profit organisation delivering social change programs through the arts and digital media, and has worked on the ground with the Roebourne community for nine years.

Together with the Wirlu-murra Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation, Fortescue’s has partnered with Big hART since 2017 to support the delivery of Aboriginal youth workshops for children living in Roebourne, which are focussed on community safety, increasing digital inclusion, generational change, connection to culture and engagement in education.

The program works closely with other Roebourne-based organisations including Roebourne High School, Yaandina Youth Centre, Roebourne Police and Juvenile Justice.

Big hART WA State Manager Angela Prior said the organisation’s approach was practical, non-welfare and task focused.

“Big hART’s work aims to strengthen skills in the community, support inter-generational cultural work, keep young people safe and return them to education and engagement and foster pride and respect,” she said.

Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Gaines said Fortescue was committed to developing partnerships and initiatives to deliver positive outcomes for Aboriginal communities in the Pilbara.

“Fortescue was founded with the vision that by first and foremost creating a strong business, we would create economic opportunities and contribute to thriving local communities,” Ms Gaines said.

“We support Big hART’s vision of driving positive, generational change in communities, which strongly aligns with Fortescue’s approach to empowering Aboriginal people through the provision of training, employment and business development opportunities.”