State award for sustainability fund

The Alcoa Harvey Waroona Sustainability Fund was rewarded with top honours at the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety’s Resources Sector Awards for Excellence ceremony.

The partnership between Alcoa and the shires of Harvey and Waroona was acknowledged as an example of long-term commitment by a company to contribute to the local communities in which their business operates.

The fund won the Enduring Partnership Award, one of the three Community Partnership Resources categories which recognise community engagement and sustainability programs.

During the past decade Alcoa has contributed $4.7 million to the fund, contributing $2.3 million to more than 50 community groups, with a further $3.2 million held in trust for the future of the fund.

Waroona shire president Mike Walmsley said it was great for Alcoa to be recognised for the good work the fund was doing.

“Mining companies are getting more in tune with their communities than they have in previous years,” he said.

“It was lovely to be recognised for this long-standing and sustainable community fund.”

Harvey shire president Tania Jackson said the fund had made a real difference in helping projects get off the ground.

“It has made a real contribution in supporting our community over the 10 years since its inception,” Cr Jackson said.

Alcoa of Australia managing director Michael Parker said there were tangible signs of the success.

“My congratulations and admiration go to all who have contributed to the vision, projects and energy that the Sustainability Fund has inspired in the Harvey and Waroona communities over the last decade,” he said.

Mr Parker said the success of the fund was in the enthusiasm and resilience of the communities.