Fortescue Metals : supports healthy bodies and minds in South Hedland

Sep 13, 2017

A pathway to improved physical and mental health has been created for South Hedland students, thanks to a grant from Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue).

A $5,000 Fortescue Community Support grant was awarded to Sports Challenge Australia (SCA) to bring its mentoring program to South Hedland Primary School.

The program addresses the needs of young people to build better physical and mental health by upskilling and empowering participants to use more of their potential in dealing with peers, family, school and the community.

SCA chief executive officer Garry Tester said the grant has allowed the organisation to work successfully with South Hedland Primary School to deliver professional development sessions and resources to staff and a range of physical and mental health programs for students.

'With the support of Fortescue, we have been able to provide the direct delivery of quality program content to both staff and students, including helping students establish personal and academic goals and a course of action to achieve these by the end of the year,' Dr Tester said.

'The feedback from students have shown improved attitude to engaging in education and a real desire to want to come to school as a safe and desirable environment.'

Fortescue General Manager Port and Rail Fernando Pereira said Fortescue was committed to ensuring local communities benefit from the growth and development of the business.

'The health and wellbeing of our team members is of utmost importance at Fortescue and we are proud to be supporting a program that is encouraging young people in South Hedland to reach their full potential, while improving health outcomes,' Mr Pereira said.

Applications for the latest round of Fortescue's Community Support program are now open until 30 September 2017. For more information, visit https://www.fmgl.com.au

Background

In its ninth year, Fortescue's Community Support program provides successful organisations up to $5,000 in funding for initiatives that benefit communities in the Pilbara.

The program supports a variety of community initiatives with a focus on education and training, Aboriginal engagement, health and wellness, community safety, community involvement, economic development and environmental responsibility.