Partnerships, sponorships and donations
As part of our approach to community engagement, Rio Tinto Coal Australia contributes to programmes identified by, and preferably in partnership with, local communities. We believe that effective partnerships stem from shared goals, mutual commitment and proven outcomes. We support a range of organisations who share our goal of delivering sustainable outcomes for the communities in which we operate.
A 2007 target was to seek to increase the value of sponsorships and partnerships to the business and stakeholders. One example of how we achieved this was by teaming up with the Newcastle Knights rugby league team to form an Australian-first 'Community Alliance' - a unique partnership which sets a new benchmark in sporting sponsorships. Through the Alliance both organisations bring different skills and resources, as well as shared interests and objectives, to make a positive contribution to the Hunter Valley.
Read more in our feature on the Community Alliance.
Another example is the partnership between Blair Athol Mine and Koala Venture. In 2007 the partnership continued to provide strategic direction for the ongoing koala research and management efforts at the Blair Athol Mine. In doing so, the partnership seeks to develop a more sustainable approach to land use across the region and throughout Queensland.
In 2007 we continued our support of a range of other organisations:
Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service
Coal & Allied is a major sponsor of the Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service and is pleased to support a service which helps protect the well being of employees and the wider Hunter community.
Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA)
Rio Tinto Coal Australia is a platinum foundation sponsor of the QMEA. As part of the sponsorship, a scholarship is offered to encourage students into the minerals and energy sector by providing assistance for their first year of tertiary study.
Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI)
The HMRI is an umbrella organisation which supports medical research in the Hunter. By contributing to the Institute, Coal & Allied recognises the importance of the research to the overall health of the Hunter's population.
Hunter Valley Research Foundation (HVRF)
In 2007, Coal & Allied continued its sponsorship of the HVRF. The HVRF is a not for profit organisation whose research assists organisations in the region with stakeholder engagement and business development.
Opera Queensland Young Artist Programme
Rio Tinto Coal Australia's ongoing partnership with Queensland Opera assists the development of the careers of young opera singers. This includes Rio Tinto Coal Australia's Blair Athol and Clermont mines supporting a week-long Moving Opera! workshop for local schools in the Clermont region to work with Opera Queensland professionals and learn how to make opera and music theatre.
Opti-MINDS Competition for high school students
Rio Tinto Coal Australia is a long time partner of the Opti-MINDS challenge, a competition in which local high school students participate in problem solving activities. For the first time this year Rio Tinto Coal Australia covered the registration costs to enable every school in the Mackay region to participate in the 2008 Opti-MINDS Challenge.
Each of our sites also has a sponsorships and donations committee. These committees generally meet once per month to consider applications and approve funding for local community based projects. Charities and initiatives supported in 2007 include Camp Quality, the Singleton Art prize and the Hunter Valley Special Ten Pin Bowling Team.
Rio Tinto Coal Australia also donates to natural disaster appeals when appropriate, such as the Premier of Queensland's Disaster Fund Appeal in early 2008.