Trainees upgrade refuge from strife

The Hedland Women’s Refuge recently had some much needed “TLC” from volunteers on Fortescue Metals Group’s Vocational Training and Employment Centre program.

Over 10 weeks the South Hedland VTEC team worked closely with staff from the refuge to design and co-ordinate the upgrade, which included garden landscaping and installation of outdoor screens, blackboard panels, furniture and play equipment.

Hedland Women’s Refuge acting manager Vikki Batcheler said the newly revamped outdoor area provided a sanctuary for clients, their children and staff to enjoy, while also increasing their safety and privacy.

“It has been an absolute honour to partner with Fortescue on this project, especially the VTEC trainees involved who have seen their hard work come to fruition,” she said.

“Being a not-for-profit organisation, our budget doesn’t cover the costs of a project of this scale so we are extremely grateful to Fortescue for their in-kind donation and for wanting to make a difference to the lives of many vulnerable women and children.”

Fortescue chief executive Nev Power became an accredited White Ribbon Ambassador in 2015.

He encouraged Fortescue employees to take leadership on the issue of family and domestic violence, not only in the workplace but also in the wider community.

Fortescue Group manager government and community Alexa Morcombe acknowledged the important role the refuge played in providing critical support services to victims of family and domestic violence in Port Hedland.

“This has been a great opportunity to further develop the skills and capabilities of our VTEC trainees, while helping an organisation that provides very important support to the Hedland community,” she said.

The VTEC trainees have since graduated from the program and are now working at Fortescue’s Christmas Creek mine in the Pilbara.