The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) and its member companies have committed to supporting families and communities affected by this week’s devastating Perth Hills bushfires.
On Thursday CME Chief Executive, Paul Everingham, announced the coordination of a CME Bushfire Community Support Initiative.
“The images of the devastation caused by these bushfires have had a profound impact on anyone who has seen them, in an area well known to the wider community,” Mr Everingham said.
“People have lost their homes, livestock and pets, along with priceless memories. Others have been displaced and don’t know when they will be able to return home.”
“A significant number of workers at CME member companies have been impacted by these fires and many others will have friends and families who have been affected,” he said.
“The CME Bushfire Community Support Initiative will directly support response, relief and recovery efforts for those impacted by the Perth Hills fires.”
CME member companies have already donated more than $4 million in support funding.
“We know we can’t replace what many of those people have lost but hopefully we can make things a little easier for them in the days, weeks and months to come,” Mr Everingham added.
CME member companies which have already committed to significant donations are: Alcoa; AngloGold Ashanti; BHP; Chevron Australia; Inpex; Minara Resources; Mt Gibson Iron; Newmont Australia; Northern Star; Ramelius Resources; Rio Tinto; Roy Hill; Shell; South32 and Woodside.
CME member companies wishing to contribute to the Disaster Relief Initiative can contact Susan Cull, Manager – Workforce Capability on s.cull@cmewa.com.
Companies and individuals can also donate to the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund.
For the latest information on the Wooroloo Bushfire, visit emergency.wa.gov.au, DFES Facebook facebook.com/dfeswa, call 13 DFES (13 3337) or listen to ABC Local Radio.
