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Corporate Sponsorships Changing Lives

28 March 2019 | Uncategorized

Mining industry corporate sponsorships change lives. That was the message at the bi-monthly luncheon event for the Bowen Basin Mining Club at Souths Leagues Club, highlighting the importance of innovative social responsibility programs.

Ian Rowan, CEO of RACQ CQ Rescue, the Bowen Basin Mining Club’s charity partner, brought home the organisation’s significant contribution to saving lives with their world-class 24/7 aeromedical and emergency helicopter rescue service. RACQ CQ Rescue also provides drug and alcohol testing services to the mining industry in the Bowen Basin, with all profits further supporting the rescue service.

RACQ CQ Rescue Video – http://bit.ly/2I4X56Q

Chris Bourke, General Manager Mining – Qld, shone the spotlight on Thiess’s strong community partnerships

‘Hear and Say’ delivers the Hear to Learn – School Hearing screening to primary schools in regional Queensland. So far, the Thiess partnership has helped the organisation to screen 1000 children in 16 schools and have discovered that more than 30% of children are experiencing some level of hearing loss. This can manifest in learning and behavioural difficulties as childhood progresses, so early diagnosis and treatment is key to helping children to reach their full potential in their school years.
The Clontarf Foundation supports young indigenous men to get into schools and commit to completing their education. This leads to further training and employment opportunities and allows them to reach their full potential in the workplace. Since 2000, the Foundation has assisted 6,500 boys in 97 schools across Australia.
Sisters in Mining Program assists local indigenous women to play their part in the mining industry, with the co-operation of The Salvation Army Employment Plus. Through a pre-employment program and traineeships, women are able to gain experience in haul truck operations at Curragh. The Program has won several national awards.

Chris interviewed program graduate Denika Sticklen and the audience gained an appreciation for the benefits that flow to not only the individual, but whole communities where the ‘Sisters’ live and work.

Glenn Prosser, Manager, Group Supply Chain Contracts for Thiess encouraged suppliers to talk with the company about ways that Thiess can increase local spend ($100 million to 354 Bowen Basin suppliers in 2018).

Although Thiess identify as an international business with a global supply chain, they aim to work locally if possible, recognising the value of face to face relationships.

Glenn stressed that it’s not always the ‘best deal’ that is important, because local support and relationship-building is what produces sustainable business. He encouraged suppliers to understand their own intellectual property – what it is that makes them unique and innovative. Being a small company should never be a barrier to winning and keeping business.