Local community organisations within the Pilbara are encouraged to apply for Fortescue Metals Group’s (Fortescue) Community Support grants. Now in its ninth year, the Community Support program provides successful organisations up to $5000 of funding for initiatives that benefit the Pilbara.
Supported by a Fortescue community grant in 2016, access to free chiropractic health assessments and treatments will be available to Pilbara community members in August as part of Murdoch University’s annual rural and remote clinical placement.
The visits are eagerly anticipated by locals each year. Dr Christopher Hodgetts of Murdoch University said “the program delivers broad long-term benefits to regional communities as a number of students who participate in the placement choose to practice in rural or remote areas in the future, building long-term relationships with local Aboriginal people and ensuring ongoing care for the community.”
Fortescue’s 2016 community support program also covered the cost of new uniforms and registration fees for the Martu women of the Parnpajinya community, Newman to participate in the local East Pilbara Softball Competition.
YMCA Manager Youth Services, Jackie Bickendorf, who supports the team, believes the sport resonates with local women of all ages “Team players developed great confidence through the competition and also a showed an improvement in skills and fitness levels.”
Ms Bickendorf encouraged eligible community groups and organisations to apply for funding in the upcoming round saying: “The application process was simple and timely, and Fortescue’s community team were very helpful and supportive”.
Fortescue’s grant program supports a variety of community initiatives with a focus on education and training, Aboriginal engagement, health and wellness, community safety, community involvement, economic development and environmental responsibility.
Fernando Pereira, Fortescue General Manager Port and Rail, said "Fortescue is committed to ensuring the communities in which we operate benefit from our growth and development. The grants program is just one of the ways we invest in our communities.”
For more information or to apply, visit www.fmgl.com.au/community, email community@fmgl.com.au, or drop into the Fortescue Community Office at 1/B, 2 Byass Street, South Hedland.
Applications close midnight on 31 March, 2017.