BHP boosts community sports

BHP (ASX: BHP) has been busy giving back, with two major community partnerships reaching milestones.

Netball is taking centre court as the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) is now the Foundation Partner of the Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy (QFFA).

Through the two-year partnership with Netball Queensland and the Queensland Firebirds, BMA will help strengthen the QFFA’s regional operations and ensure the continued growth of netball pathways in Queensland.

In the spirit of making a difference, the QFFA is an investment in the next generation of talent, allowing regional players to stay local and develop in their hometowns.

BMA asset president Adam Lancey says BMA is thrilled to become the Foundation Partner of the Academy, allowing regional athletes to stay closer to home while they continue to develop their talents in their local communities.

“This win-win partnership brings benefits beyond the netball courts and our mine gates,” he said.

“Netball Queensland and the Queensland Firebirds share our aspiration to keep people living and working in regional Queensland.

“Like us they want to contribute to the liveability and vibrancy of the regions with sports participation playing an important role in the sense of community.

“Through this partnership we will support thriving communities and support regional growth and jobs.”

QFFA provides a clear pathway for young Queensland athletes to progress through the ranks and potentially wear the iconic Firebirds dress.

Established in South-East Queensland and now with regional branches in Mackay, Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton, the QFFA allows talented players to develop within their hometowns, thanks to the support of BMA.

Celebrating 10 years of Spirit Swimming and Lifesaving Carnivals

Young swimmers from across WA had more reasons to celebrate this year with the Pilbara Spirit Swimming & Lifesaving Carnival reaching its 10-year milestone.

BHP is a proud supporter of the carnival, and recently celebrated 20 years of partnership with Royal Life Saving to bring essential water safety programs to remote and Aboriginal communities.

Each year, students come together to participate in swimming races, lifesaving exercises, and a variety of aquatic sports, learning vital water safety and rescue skills while engaging in friendly competition with other schools.

Royal Life Saving senior manager for swimming and water safety Trent Hotchkin comments on the milestone.

“In regional WA, where drowning risks are nearly double those in Perth, the Spirit Carnival has become a beacon of safety and community,” he said.

“It’s inspiring to see these young swimmers to come together and participate in a range of fun and interactive activities to create the next wave of local community lifesavers.”

Hosted at the South Hedland Aquatic Centre, the day was filled with excitement as the kids took on activities like tube relays, an aquatic obstacle course, lifejacket drills and even kayak paddling.

BHP WA corporate affairs head Meath Hammond says the companies have been working together for more than two decades to deliver vital swimming, water safety and lifesaving programs to regional and remote communities.

“We’re proud to be helping develop swimming skills and creating safer aquatic places for the kids of the Pilbara,” he said.

Also supporting the event were students from the Talent Pool program, an initiative focused on supporting and training Aboriginal youth in regional WA to become lifeguards, swim teachers and pool managers.