Rio commits $5m to Aboriginal health care

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has partnered with Pilbara Aboriginal Health Alliance (PAHA) to provide vital community-led health services for First Nations people across the Pilbara in WA.

The funding will be provided to PAHA to advance its objective of improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, families and communities across the region.

The first project supported by the partnership is the new dialysis unit at Tom Price, with funds helping to provide transport, accommodation and wrap around support for patients.

Construction of the Tom price Dialysis Unit has been funded by the Federal Department of Health and Aged Care and is expected to open in the second half of 2026.

PAHA chief executive Ashley Councillor says the partnership is a significant step toward achieving better health outcomes for Aboriginal people in the Pilbara.

“It empowers Aboriginal leadership in health planning and service delivery, ensuring that solutions are community-led and culturally appropriate,” she said.

“By investing in prevention, early intervention and Aboriginal-led governance structures, we are setting the foundation for long-term health improvements for our people.”

The partnership will also expand culturally appropriate primary health care to Aboriginal communities in the Shire of Ashburton and deliver preventative health programs to promote healthy lifestyles as part of efforts to reduce the rate of chronic health conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes.

Rio Tinto rail, port and core services managing director Richard Cohen says the company is committed to listening to people living in the communities where we operate and recognise there is a critical gap in essential health services, particularly in dialysis care.

“We’re pleased to support PAHA to deliver Aboriginal-led health programs that will have lasting benefits and improve quality of life for people living in Pilbara communities,” he said.

Traditional Owners and representatives in the Rio Tinto Regional Implementation Committee, as well as the PAHA Aboriginal Reference Council, will advise on future projects to be delivered throughout the partnership.