Contributing to local communities

Fortescue is guided by the philosophy of being welcomed by the communities that host our business activities. We work towards this goal through effective engagement with stakeholders, respect for cultural heritage and diversity, creating economic opportunities, investment in community projects and programs and fostering a strong residential workforce.

 

Building sustainable communities

Fortescue recognises our role in sustaining vibrant and thriving communities to attract and retain a mining workforce and their families. 

We seek regular feedback from our residential workforce and other stakeholders, including local governments and businesses to ensure our initiatives and programs support and address the challenges facing our communities. 

We support a regional FIFO workforce from Port Hedland, Broome, Fitzroy Crossing, Kununurra Karratha, and Busselton, with 621 employees based in the Pilbara.

In FY21, all Pilbara based residential employees were eligible to receive housing support and entitlements of which totalled $16.2 million for our 447 regionally based employees. 

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Local Procurement

Fortescue is committed to creating positive social change in communities through local procurement, business development, mentoring and capacity building opportunities.  We seek to understand local issues and tailor our approach based on potential impacts and community needs.

Fortescue is dedicated to ensuring the ongoing support and use of local businesses that in turn employ local people.

In FY21, 2,592 suppliers were engaged with a total contestable spend of A$8.2 billion (GST inclusive). Over 95 per cent of our total procurement spend was with Australian businesses and entities. Of this, 68 per cent was within Western Australia and four per cent directly in the Pilbara.

Fortescue is also a member of and active contributor to the Pilbara based Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Port Hedland Industries Council.

Communities - Photo (Local Procurement)

Providing opportunities for local small and medium sized businesses through our strong focus on local content

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Social Investment Framework

 

Social investment is defined as our investment in philanthropic, community and commercial initiatives. This investment aims to build sustainable communities, focusing on areas of health, wellness, education, regional development, environmental responsibility, arts and culture, and providing employment and training opportunities to Indigenous people.

Voluntary social investment programs form a critical part of our commitment to build vibrant and thriving communities.

Our programs are guided by our Social Investment Framework which is based on the following principles:

  • Purposeful – Clear objectives, evaluated programs and effective outcomes for the community
  • Accountable – Monitor progress and effectiveness of programs, and communicate outcomes
  • Respectful - Developed and guided by communities, supporting local customs, views and priorities
  • Ethical – Sound legal and moral investment in accordance with relevant laws and standards.

Our biannual Community Grants Program has been operating for 12 years and continues to provide eligible organisations with up to A$5,000 in funding to support a variety of community initiatives that benefit the Pilbara.

Fortescue focuses on community projects that champion:

  • Education and training
  • Aboriginal engagement
  • Health and wellness
  • Community safety and involvement
  • Economic development
  • Arts and culture
  • Environmental responsibility.

In FY21, we contributed over A$63.2 million in social investment.

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Community Partnerships

Ronald McDonald House
Royal Flying Doctor Service
Lifeline WA
The Salvation Army
MADALAH