We partnered with CSIRO to engage with the Indigenous community in Geraldton to share our research projects, our funding opportunities for future research projects and discuss challenges the community faces with mine closure.
The workshop was held 31 July 2024 at Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation. It was led by Caroline Williams, Engagement Manager (First Nations), CRC TiME; Humera Rind, Indigenous Science and Research Development Manager, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO); Liz Crompton, SME Connect Program Advisor, CSIRO; Daniella Borg, Academic Coordinator for The Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy, CSIRO; and Amberley Laverick, PhD student, The University of Western Australia.
The workshop included presentations by CRC TiME, one of our Higher Degree by Research Top-Up Scholarship students, CSIRO Connect and STEM Academy staff.
Key findings
- Partially due to skilled workforce not being available locally, there is a skills gap that impacts on job opportunities for locals. This could be addressed with more support to study in regional areas and more access to services for workers to live in the town.
- Flexible training delivery and on-Country training is needed for addressing barriers for Indigenous people.
- Southern Yamatji Regional Corporation (SYRC), Groups agreement – working together towards objectives is a positive achievement for bringing a strong collective approach to Indigenous opportunities.
- First Nations people have an interest in owning businesses in closure and land management.
- Opportunities in renewable energies exist and interest in uptake is growing.
- Vacant infrastructure in the town could be repurposed and used for First Nations opportunities to kick start business growth.
- The present style of relationship between mining companies and community is based only on communication rather than collaboration.
What we heard
Challenges identified by participants were:
- Local workforce constraints (with a reliance on FIFO).
- Most revenue leaves the region.
- Job losses when mines close, with this affecting local communities and services.
- FIFO not contributing social benefits.
- Minimal STEM education available locally.
- Mines not talking to us – who do we contact for permission to go on our lands?
- ESG compliance.
- Understanding emerging opportunities (i.e. carbon markets are complex).
- Mines opening but lack of skills available locally.
- SYRC has three eligible land parcels that have abandoned mines which are considered low-risk by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, therefore nothing can be done right now – costly to rehabilitate.
- Land regeneration aids healing.
- Nutrients/chemicals into waterway is problematic.
- Vegetation management needed.
- Cost of rehabilitation – who pays for abandoned mines?
- Questions on what to do with the land after the mine closes.
- Excess deaths, domestic violence and trauma in the community.
- The present style of relationship between mining companies and community, based on communication. There are concerns about lack of community consultation.
- Shared visibility of mine progress and intentions.
- More opportunities for Indigenous Rangers within Southern Yamatji Group – contracts for continued work is needed as contract gaps affect employability.
- Access to mine data and major projects is lacking.
The opportunity
We shared our project development process and grant funding stages. Sharing our commitment to Indigenous Australians and our work through the First Nations Inclusion Strategy included highlighting relevant projects from our portfolio of 29 projects with 14 projects in development at the time, including: Collaborative planning for post-mine opportunities, Latrobe Valley, Regional Cumulative Effects Assessments, Strategic education and training review, Foundations of mine closure and transitions micro-credential, National Training Pathway and Restoring Country Webinar pilot.
CSIRO presentations showcased project funding pathways and connection with research.
Young Women’s STEM Academy showcased opportunities and successful stories.
Outcomes
- A strong interest in future collaborative type workshops that give community access to information on projects and how to get involved in their own research.
- Learning how the community respond to local issues and understanding their concerns and ideas for solutions.
Next steps
For follow-up opportunities contact:
Caroline Williams
caroline.williams@crctime.com.au
0429 095 212
Humera Rind
humera.rind@csiro.au
0472 793 522
Partners
- CSIRO