Rio Tinto and Pride WA announce 3-year partnership

Rio Tinto has struck a new agreement with Pride WA to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community in Western Australia. 

Rio Tinto’s three-year partnership will support PrideFEST, Western Australia’s signature event that celebrates and benefits local LGBTQIA+ community members, charities, service providers and social groups, as well as the wider Western Australian community.

The new partnership will also explore opportunities to jointly develop awareness and education initiatives that support the LGBTQIA+ community and promote safe and inclusive workplaces in the mining industry. 

Pride WA Chief Executive Officer Lauren Butterly said: “This partnership paves the way for greater acceptance and inclusion and shows that Rio Tinto values their LGBTQIA+ employees, as well as our Western Australian LGBTQIA+ community.”

“Supporting celebrations such as PrideFEST helps employees to feel proud and empowered to be themselves, especially at their place of work.”

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott said: “Western Australia is home to a vibrant, diverse and unique LGBTQIA+ community and Rio Tinto is proud to sponsor Pride WA and support this wonderful community.

“As one of Western Australia’s largest employers, we deeply value our LGBTQIA+ team members and remain committed to building a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves.

“We are really excited to be part of this year’s PrideFEST Parade and we encourage everyone to come along and celebrate with us.”

About 100 Rio Tinto employees, guided by the company’s LGBTQIA+ advocacy group, will march proudly alongside the Rio Tinto float in the PrideFEST Parade on 23 November in Northbridge.

For further information on PrideFEST 2024 visit the Pride WA website.