NAIDOC Week 2018

Our operations across Australia have come together to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2018 and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

At our Cannington operation in Queensland, colleagues were encouraged to share what this year’s theme – Because of Her, We Can! – meant to them with the messages then displayed around the operation.

Operator Underground worker Danielle Kyle comes from a long line of strong Birri Gubba Bwgcolman women. 

“My mum was the founder of the Women’s Centre on Palm Island to ensure there was a safe place for women and children to escape domestic violence,” Danielle said.

“She was also the first female Mayor of Palm Island.  My sister has a law degree and while she doesn’t practice law she is actively involved in the Justice system on Palm Island.

“Seeing them make a difference in our people’s lives, inspired me to do the same.  I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to work in the mining industry 11 years ago at Cannington. 

“I am very proud of both my mum and sister so Because of them, I can!”

Supervisors, Superintendents and Managers at Cannington also attended a Cultural Competency Training Course.

Our Worsley colleagues were asked for a show of hands this week to help produce banners acknowledging the Traditional Custodians, Elders past and present, and our Indigenous employees.

The banners were then officially handed over at Welcome to Country ceremonies.

Local Elders, Joe Northover and Greg Thorne provided a warm welcome in language to Wilman and Keneang Country and spoke about their cultural connections to the land where we work.

At the Angurugu NAIDOC Week 2018 event held on Thursday on Groote Eylandt, two of our colleagues from our GEMCO operation - Nelson Bara and Sammy Lalara - received NAIDOC Community Awards for Young Sportsman of the Year and Notable Mention for Male Elder of the Year respectively.

NAIDOC Week themed menus featuring dishes such as wallaby and bacon meatloaf served with mashed potato and gravy have also been served at our TEMCO and Cannington operations.

The banners were officially handed over at Welcome to Country ceremonies