The group met on a quarterly basis during 2005 until significant progress had been achieved. Aligning the ideas and language of corporate and site personnel was a critical factor in the success of the forum. External engagement initially involved forum members attending other existing forums (such as quarterly WCCCA coordinating group meetings and regular Weipa Town Council meetings) to communicate objectives or achieve specific tasks. Following the successful implementation of this strategy, the forum met twice yearly and then once in 2006. This included an open discussion component with key local stakeholders in Weipa, followed by one meeting per year in Brisbane with the company personnel and advisors. Outcomes that have been achieved since the start of the process include:
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a partnership between Comalco, Queensland Health and the local community which has enabled redevelopment of the old Weipa hospital into a new regional health facility and precinct — this project is due for completion in 2007
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a memorandum of understanding and action plan for 2006 regarding Indigenous training and employment in the mining industry through a regional partnerships agreement which involves Comalco, federal and state government agencies, and local service providers
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the participation by Comalco and other local employers in the Western Cape College Education Forum to increase alignment between educational outcomes and employment opportunities in the region
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initiatives to improve social harmony in and around Weipa, including a revision of the cross cultural training package, and development of an induction program for new Comalco employees and their families.
Case study: Argyle d amond m ne and the Beacon Foundat on’s ‘No Dole’ program at Kununurra H gh School The Beacon Foundation’s No Dole program was introduced at Kununurra High School, Western Australia, in 2006. This program encourages and assists secondary school students to complete Year 12 studies. In particular, the program at Kununurra is focused on encouraging Indigenous students to complete Year 12 so that they can achieve the prerequisite educational requirements for entry into TAFE and university courses, and the subsequent career and employment opportunities that education provides. The program has two objectives—finding local jobs for school leavers in preference to unemployment benefits (the dole) and preparing them for life beyond secondary school.
LEADING PRACTICE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR THE MINING INDUSTRY