LEADERSHIP

Miners dig deep for bushfire relief

MAJOR resources companies are supporting the recovery from last week’s bushfires in the Perth Hills.

Staff reporter
 Image courtesy DFES

Image courtesy DFES

It is estimated 86 homes were lost in the fires.

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) announced the CME Bushfire Community Support Initiative, with members already committing A$2.5 million.

Chevron Australia, Minara Resources, Mount Gibson Iron Ore, Newmont Australia and Rio Tinto have already committed to making significant donations and it's expected that a wide range of CME member companies will also contribute.

"The images of the devastation caused by these bushfires have had a profound impact on anyone who has seen them, in an area well known to the wider community," CME chief executive Paul Everingham said.

"People have lost their homes, livestock and pets, along with priceless memories. Others have been displaced and don't know when they will be able to return home.

"A significant number of workers at CME member companies have been impacted by these fires and many others will have friends and families who have been affected.

"The CME Bushfire Community Support Initiative will directly support response, relief and recovery efforts for those impacted by the Perth Hills fires."

BHP will donate $2 million to the 2021 Wooroloo and Perth Hills Bushfire Appeal to support those in need.

BHP West Australian Iron Ore asset president Brandon Craig said the devastation caused by the bushfire had affected the company.

"At BHP several of our colleagues have been impacted in some way, or have family members or friends who have," he said.

"It's heartbreaking to see people lose their homes and in some cases their livelihoods."

BHP has also added the Lord Mayor's Disaster Relief Fund to the list of eligible organisations for the BHP employee Matched Giving Program. This means for every dollar donated by an employee, this is matched with two dollars by BHP.

South32 has pledged $500,000 to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund and the Perth Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund to help support those affected by the devastating bushfires in Perth, Western Australia.

South32 CEO Graham Kerr said the company's thoughts were with all those impacted by the bushfires.

"We would also like to express our deep gratitude to all the emergency services staff and volunteers working so hard to keep our communities safe," he said.

"This has been a very difficult time for many communities in Western Australia and we are proud to lend a helping hand."

Like BHP, South32 is also matching employee contributions to a number of organisations supporting the bushfire response and recovery efforts.

Fortescue Metals Group is supporting Minderoo Foundation's Fire and Flood Resilience (FFR) initiative and key partners are providing shelter, food and recovery support to families in the Perth Hills community who have lost their homes in the bushfires.

Temporary accommodation pods are being built in collaboration with Australian Portable Camps and delivered to residents who want to return to their property as soon as possible.

These recovery pods were first designed in the aftermath of the Black Summer bushfires and to date, 256 pods have been delivered across New South Wales and South Australia - together with local partners that included the NSW government, SA government, the Red Cross and Salvation Army - enabling people to return to their land.

Disaster Relief Australia, with support from Minderoo Foundation, is managing a database of specialist volunteers, including FMG employees, who will be deployed to areas that have been identified as needing immediate assistance.

FMG has provided volunteers to help the Salvation Army prepare meals for first responders.

FMG CEO Elizabeth Gaines said the company was proud to work alongside Minderoo.

"Through donations, volunteering by our team members, along with the deep expertise of the Minderoo Foundation Fire and Flood Initiative we will provide the financial and practical support needed for the critical rebuilding and recovery effort," she said.

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