Community groups get big financial boost from FMG

Local organisations across Port Hedland have financially flourished as Fortescue Metals Group allocated its latest round of funding in its Community Support program.

More than 40 programs, activities and events received part of the $78,000 in funding awarded throughout the Pilbara.

Among the recipients were the Town of Port Hedland and Hedland Youth Stakeholder Action Group, who received $5000 in support of the Colour Dash to recognise Mental Health Week, which was held last month.

About 500 children aged six to 17 ended the day as “walking rainbows” after competing in an obstacle course thanks to the popular event.

On the day, participants also heard from Hockeyroos player and R U OK ambassador Ashleigh Nelson, who attended the event as a guest speaker.

“I was pleased to be invited by Fortescue to participate in the event, which presented an ideal opportunity to speak to young people in regional Western Australia about their mental health and wellbeing,” she said.

FMG Hedland operations general manager Fernando Pereira said the community support program was one of the ways the company was investing in local communities.

“Since its inception, we have provided assistance to over 270 Pilbara-based community initiatives. We are pleased to be able to work with another group of grassroots organisations through the latest round,” he said.

“The health and wellbeing of our team members is of utmost importance at Fortescue and we are proud to support this initiative, which will help improve outcomes for young people in Port Hedland.”