NAIDOC recognition for youth work

A Port Hedland resident has received the outstanding contribution to indigenous community award at the BHP Billiton Port and Rail NAIDOC Awards night.

The awards, held last Wednesday, recognise and celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of groups and people who support diversity.

Father-of-two Aaron Galvin has worked with BHP Billiton as a mechanic for the past seven years after completing his apprenticeship.

Mr Galvin became a board member at the Youth Involvement Council in 2015 and has since acted as a role model for youth in the community, helping out at events and forming strong relationships.

“I’m not a big fan of putting myself out there,” he said.

“I do what I do because I can ... I don’t do it for recognition.”

“I went through a rough patch when I was younger ... I feel it’s important they (the youth) don’t take that road and I encourage them not to.”

In 2013, Mr Galvin also set up the Facebook group Hedland Donationsto convince people to donate pre-loved goods, which he picks up and takes to places such as the Hedland Women’s Refuge, the RSL, and the Hedland Health Campus.

BHP Billiton WA Iron Ore asset president Edgar Basto said recognising each person’s unique skills, experiences, perspectives and backgrounds, and celebrating diversity unlocked the full potential of workers at BHP.