Woodside is committed to assisting indigenous communities by supporting community based projects that make a sustainable difference without creating dependency. We support a range of programs in the education, health, community infrastructure and cultural heritage areas. Some examples are:
For further information on these programs email the following people:
Existing programs - Meath Hammond, GM Indigenous Affairs - meath.hammond@woodside.com.au
Future funding - Jen Robinson, Manager Community Relations - jen.robinson@woodside.com.au
Employment - Kylie Solonec, Indigenous Employment Adviser - kylie.solonec@woodside.com.au
Gumala Mirnuwarni - Coming Together to Learn
Gumala Mirnuwarni was developed in partnership with the Roebourne Aboriginal Community, Woodside Energy Ltd, Rio Tinto, WA Department of Education, the Polly Farmer Foundation and the Commonwealth Department of Education and Training, to improve the educational outcomes of indigenous students within the Shire of Roebourne.
The program included Education Enrichment Centres for homework and individual tutoring, school-based mentors, extra-curricular activities and support for families.
The program has been operating since 1997 and has significantly improved educational outcomes for indigenous students.
Juluwarlu Aboriginal Corporation Partnership
Juluwarlu Aboriginal Corporation (JAC) is based in Roebourne and its primary function to preserve and promote the culture of the Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi peoples of the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Woodside is assisting JAC by funding the creation of a digital archive, the introduction of indigenous TV to Roebourne and general infrastructure support.
Woodside supports cultural programs which contribute to the overall vibrancy of the community.
Community-based Employment Program
Woodside supports the Warrgamugardi Yirdiyabura Project (Pathways to Employment) which provides training for community-based organisations.
The program supports indigenous organisations wishing to build local capability to run community organisations. Training priorities are identified by the community. In the long term it is hoped the program will empower the community to run its own affairs.
Currently the Pathways to Employment Project is administered by Woodside. By the end of 2005 the program will be administered by a community based organisation.
Yaandina Family Centre Inc
Yaandina is a not for profit community service organisation that delivers five services to the Roebourne community. These services include a residential aged care hostel, a home and community care service for the aged and disabled members of the community, a long day child care service, a supported housing assistance program, and a family support service.
Woodside Energy Ltd supports the Family Support Service to enable the Roebourne Strong Women's group to establish a Healing Centre that can provide traditional, community based, culturally appropriate and therapeutic forms of healing to improve the spirit and mental health of the community. Its current focus is on children, and the women have developed a specific project [Safe Children Make Stronger Children] that is soon to be implemented in the community and through the Roebourne School with the support and direction of a Community Development Reference Group.
Woodside Scholarships
Woodside awards scholarships to selected Indigenous students from the Roebourne/Karratha area who are entering Year 10.
If you are in Year 9 now, you may be eligible to receive a Woodside Scholarship.
At the end of July each year, you can express your interest in a scholarship and applications close three weeks later.
To find our more about the Scholarship Program please contact Karen Spowart on (08) 9158 8942.
