Working together to protect cultural values and biodiversity

In FY24, our Worsley Alumina operation continued our participation in the South West Sustainability Partnership, an alliance to promote and support collaborative sustainability activities and research in Western Australia.

Worsley Alumina is located within the Gnaala Karla Booja region of the Noongar nation, with the Wilman and Wardandi peoples as the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we operate. We respect the deep knowledge and connection the Traditional Owners have with the land and water and work together to protect cultural values and biodiversity. In FY24, under the South West Sustainability Partnership, we invested in two initiatives with the aim of creating sustainable environmental outcomes, supporting cultural heritage work as well as Aboriginal job opportunities.  

The first initiative is a multi-year partnership with the Leschenault Catchment Council to build skills, provide meaningful job opportunities and mentoring for local Noongar people. Participants of the Danju-Jobs Together Program support environment and rehabilitation work at our Worsley Alumina operation. The Program also supports the Council on many community projects, including restoring the southern branches of the Collie River which has sparse populations of fish and crustaceans. The local community will have opportunities throughout the restoration project to learn about the natural and cultural values of the Collie River and to help with the work. 

The second initiative was funding the Gnaarla Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation feasibility study and implementation plan for a sustainable South West Land and Sea Aboriginal Ranger Program. The program aims to empower and employ Aboriginal rangers to engage in invasive species management, ecological monitoring, community events, coastal erosion mapping and management, and more.