September saw a significant milestone for the rollout of CME’s Digital Technologies Program into the South West when Manjimup Primary School students starred in a promotional video shot on site. Intended to spark childhood interest in automation, the program aligns pre-primary to Year 10 digital technology curriculum requirements with real-world scenarios. That has seen Talison Lithium, Albemarle, South32, Tronox and Monadelphous investing in kits and training for 17 primary schools and seven high schools across the South West. With further support earmarked by other local member companies, that number is expected to grow.
A busy September for the South West branch of CME had started with a celebration of the achievements and contribution women make to the mining and resources sector. Sponsored by Albemarle, the CME Women in Resources South West Sundowner was held at the Quality Hotel Lighthouse in Bunbury on September 1. The networking event was headlined by inspirational stories from Albemarle’s Alyssa Hubert and Tianqi Lithium’s Kathy Lewi, who was also the 2022 Outstanding Woman in Resources Award winner.
There was a strong turnout for the South West Regional Council on September 7, which saw 13 member companies and eight CME staff participate in the quarterly meeting. The action-packed agenda saw presentations on the current skills and workforce landscape, policy, communications and campaign updates and an overview of the results of the South West Industry Issues Survey. The survey will be used to set future priorities and inform future discussions within the SWRC.
The SWRC meeting was followed by a site tour of Worsley Alumina’s alumina refinery near Collie. With a cohort of 11 from CME, the visit was an opportunity for the team to learn more about the processes behind one of the region’s largest employers. Led by South 32’s Dee O’Brien and Lucy Pluschke, the tour provided some fascinating insights into alumina production.
CME South West regional officer Jason Mennell rounded off the month by participating in the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA’s Perth to Laverton Cycling Classic. The annual event raises funds for the Laverton Cycling Project, an Indigenous, youth, and community cycling program which promotes wellbeing and resilience in the community through exercise and education. You can read more about Jason’s adventure in the In The News section of this newsletter.
Contact: Jason Mennell, South West Regional Officer
Email: j.mennell@cmewa.com
Phone: 0418370052.
