Community Relations
Minara has a comprehensive community relations strategy encompassing strong relationships that have been fostered over many years. Minara generously donates to the local community and assists in fundraising activities and local training and development programs.
Minara considers strong community relations vital to the long term operational and financial success of the company. Minara also enhances this support through the Minara Community Foundation.
In 2007 Minara established the Minara Community Foundation (Foundation) in partnership with the Western Australian Community Foundation (WACF) for the long-term benefit of the aboriginal people in the Northern Goldfields region and people in the wider communities impacted by its Murrin Murrin operations.
Minara's contribution to the Foundation comprises an initial contribution of $1 million, and a further $250,000 per financial year for five years. The initial money has been invested and the annual contribution plus a portion of the return on the investment will be made available each year as grants for use by the community.
The Foundation supports projects that provide economic, social, cultural and heritage benefits. It is used to assist in funding essential communication and transport services, and programs and initiatives for future generations.
WACF acts as an independent body to oversee the distribution of grants from the Foundation. WACF is assisted by the local advisory committee - made up of members of the Northern Goldfields community, industry and Minara - which liaises between the community and the Foundation board to ensure the most effective distribution of the grants each year.
A total of 18 applications were received in 2008 for the Foundation's inaugural annual commitment, with nine projects totalling $249,100 approved for funding. Significant commitments included:
- $55,000 to the Karlkurla Language & Culture Aboriginal Corporation's Language Maintenance program;
- $68,000 to the Menzies Aboriginal Corporation for replacement of a vehicle; and
- $50,000 to the Shire of Leonora, in support of the Leonora Golden Gift community and sporting carnival.
Smaller contributions included funds to establish an orchard and vegetable garden for a remote community and the upgrade of equipment at St John Ambulance in Leonora.
The funds will continue to grow over the years and be a benefit to communities and future generations beyond the life of the Murrin Murrin operations.
Groups wishing to access funds will need to follow a formal application process. Guidelines and forms for this process are available at www.wacf.org.au or by calling the Western Australian Community Foundation on (08) 9224 6000.
Links - www.wacf.org.au
Dowload - Minara Community Foundation Brochure