BHP-funded project with the help of Child Australia aims to ‘transform’ child care in the Pilbara

A multi-million investment in child care will see professionals receive subsidies and extra training and education opportunities in an attempt to “transform” the sector in the Pilbara. The Educator Recognition initiative, announced by BHP and not-for-profit Child Australia on April 5, will aim to improve childcare workforce development in Hedland and Newman. The $2.5 million investment to be made over three years by BHP would see childcare professionals access wage subsidies, professional development, scholarship opportunities, and supported mentoring. The program is designed to improve staff attraction and retention, strengthen educator’s capabilities, increase childcare availability for families in the Pilbara. Child Australia chief executive Tina Holtom said more than a third of candidates applying to be part of the Thriving Futures program identified cost of living in the region as a significant barrier to considering the education and care sector as a career choice. “It was important to address this while simultaneously recognising the critical importance of sector professionals more broadly,” he said. Mrs Holtom said the not-for-profit would work alongside centres in Hedland and Newman to co-design something they hope “will truly transform” child care. “We hope that by building these foundations, we will see broader government and corporate investment enabling expansion of the Educator Recognition Program into other regional or metropolitan locations. Ultimately, we hope to see a positive shift for all educators,” she said. BHP head of corporate affairs WA Meath Hammond said the program provided an opportunity to set a new standard in supporting the childcare workforce in the Pilbara. “It is vital we support our educators — we know that by doing so, it has positive flow-on effects for all working families in our communities. “These professionals make a real difference in the lives of not only children, but their families. We are looking forward to continuing our partnership with Child Australia for the benefit of the entire Pilbara community.”