Rio Tinto extends support for Busselton’s IRONMAN volunteers until 2020

21 March 2018

Rio Tinto is pleased to renew a $120,000 three-year partnership with the Busselton Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), supporting the Busselton Rio Tinto IRONMAN Volunteer Team.

Every year since 2012, Rio Tinto has partnered with the BCCI to enable the delivery of IRONMAN Western Australia through the support of more than 1,000 volunteers at the event.

Annually this global event attracts more than 10,000 people and generates a benefit to the local South West economy of more than $13 million.

Volunteering is integral to the South West and this partnership provides opportunities for local community members, many of them Rio Tinto employees and families, to get involved in driving events and activities in the region.

Rio Tinto general manager Communities and Communication, Linda Dawson said "Busselton is our largest regional fly-in fly-out hub and last year we celebrated 10 years of FIFO from Busselton to our Pilbara operations.

"We know our FIFO employees living in the South West make a valuable contribution to the region. They've set down roots here, their children attend local schools and they support local businesses and local events.

"As such, we remain committed to supporting activities and businesses in the region that enhance the wellbeing and engagement of the community and are proud to partner with the BCCI for another three years.

"In 2016 our investment in the South West of $155 million contributed to an economic impact of $78 million, with approximately 500 jobs generated – another example of our significant contribution to the state."

If you would like to get involved with the next IRONMAN Western Australia in Busselton on 2 December, 2018, visit www.ironman.com

Notes to the editor

Rio Tinto's South West based employees travel to Hope Downs 1 & 4, West Angelas, Yandicoogina and Brockman operations. Rio Tinto launched the regional FIFO programme in Geraldton in 2006 expanding to Busselton, Broome, Derby, Carnarvon and Albany, with drive-in drive-out opportunities from Meekatharra. In 2017, approximately 30 per cent of Rio Tinto's FIFO workforce was based in regional hubs