BHP community partners gathered this week in Boorloo/Perth for a new initiative the resources giant hopes will drive social investment and sustainable partnerships with Indigenous communities.
The company's 'Impact Together Community Partner Workshop' was the first of its kind hosted by BHP in Western Australia.
The two-day workshop focused on championing collaboration, sharing practical knowledge, and driving tangible community outcomes across regional Australia, particularly in WA.
The importance of data-driven structured programs for community development was a talking point, with sessions highlighting the use of data for advocacy, funding and developing, and better platforms to measure impact.
Organisations across health, education, training, youth and Indigenous engagement, community safety and liveability shared practical learnings, challenges and successes from various programs BHP supported in WA.
BHP hoped the initiative would create opportunities for future collaboration and new ideas that help build stronger, more resilient communities.
The inaugural workshop was part of the company's broader commitment to support local communities through such initiatives as its $11m 'Safe Spaces' program for youth in Port Hedland and Newman, as well as various education partnerships.
BHP aims for the workshops to support social investment, including partnerships with Indigenous communities and organisations that achieve sustainable benefits.
One Indigenous community partner in attendance was education charity MADALAH, with recently-appointed CEO Casey Jo Drummond grateful for the chance to connect with like-minded community partners.
"It was a great opportunity for us as partners to reconnect, and strengthen alignment and shared purpose to make meaningful, lasting impact for our communities and MADALAH's students," Ms Drummond said.
Representatives from organisations had a platform to share strategies aimed at creating lasting, positive change in their communities.
BHP head of corporate affairs in WA, Fiona Hadley, said the two-day gathering showed the power partnerships played in driving long-term change.
"Strong communities don't happen by chance and no one organisation can build them alone," she said.
"Real impact comes through working with partners who understand community needs and deliver life‑changing programs every day."
Ms Hadley hoped connections forged would have a ripple effect across WA for many years.
"We're thrilled to bring so many incredible organisations together in one place to make that possible," she added.
Other workshop attendees included Hedland Well Women's Centre, Newman Women's Shelter, Child Australia, Ear Science Institute Australia, Karnyirninpa Jukurrpa and AFL club West Coast Eagles.
Child Australia community engagement officer Yani Lynch said she appreciated the opportunity for community partners to meet and learn from each other.
"The collaboration and momentum to create greater impact in the regions was truly rewarding," she said.
BHP invested more than $58 million last financial year in social investment initiatives to empower communities and help them thrive.
