Community
Wiluna
What's new at the Magellan Mine?
The restart of processing and mining operations at the Magellan Mine near Wiluna is the final stage in bringing the Mine back into full operation. Activities at the Mine will increase over the coming months to produce approximately 60,000 tonnes of contained lead in concentrates (which contain about 63% lead) during 2010. Further information on Wiluna activities can be found below and downloaded in the March 2010 Wiluna Update.
Ngangganawilli Aboriginal Health Service
Magellan has maintained its commitment to the Ngangganawilli Aboriginal Health Service with an annual donation since its lead carbonate mining operations began in 2005. The $44,000 contribution goes towards maintenance and improvements to the hospital, servicing over 1000 residents in the Shire of Wiluna.
Wiluna Regional Partnership Agreement (RPA)
Magellan is engaging with the Wiluna Regional Partnership Agreement (Wiluna RPA), a newly re-invigorated forum bringing 50 partners together from the Aboriginal community together with all levels of government, industry (particularly the mining industry) and the wider community of the Shire of Wiluna. Its purpose is to create, under an RPA Coordinator, a collaborative partnership to address a wide scope of social, economic and cultural development needs in the Shire of Wiluna.
The Shire of Wiluna is one of eight RPA sites nationally, which grew from a 2005 Memorandum of Understanding between the Minerals Council of Australia and the Australian government (MCA MOU). The purpose of the 2005 MCA MOU was to formalise a partnership between the Commonwealth of Australia and the Minerals Council of Australia to work together with Indigenous people to build sustainable, prosperous communities in which individuals can create and take up social, employment and business opportunities in mining regions. The Western Australian Government became a signatory to the MCA MOU in 2006 through bilateral agreement with the Commonwealth.
Photo: A recent meeting meeting with John Bowler MLA, Member for Kalgoorlie and representatives from Shire of Wiluna, Wiluna Regional Partnership Agreement, Golden West Resources and Magellan Metals.
Government and industry commitment to the MCA MOU was re-affirmed on 27 May 2009; the latest version of the MCA MOU can be downloaded from the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs website.
Once Aboriginal social and economic development projects are identified by the RPA Steering Group, a Project Convenor is appointed from the broader RPA partnership, funding opportunities are identified by the partnership members, and a project team is assembled under the Project Convenor to plan and implement the project to successful conclusion.
Constable Care Child Safety Foundation
In September 2009, local Wiluna kids went head to head with the Police during a friendly game of football organised by the Constable Care Child Safety Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that specialises in early intervention strategies for children. Magellan sponsored the event by providing mini footballs for the kids, which helped create an exciting day on and off the field for both the kids and their rivals. The friendly battle saw reinforcements from Forrestfield Police Station brought in to boost the small and outnumbered police contingent in Wiluna. A great time was had by all and the kids were especially delighted given they beat the Police team by two goals. The game was followed by a BBQ and the kids got to keep their mini footballs.
In 2008, Magellan contributed to a similar project through Constable Care by providing footballs to children in Esperance.
Other Magellan support included assisting the Constable Care Child Safety Foundation in making its first visit in 10 years to the Wiluna Remote Community School in 2005. Magellan also contributed to the construction of the community swimming pool which provides regular organised exercise for women and children.
Wiluna Martu Junior Football Club drops in to Perth
On the last weekend of August 2009, the Wiluna Martu Eagles Junior Football Club took a trip to Perth at the invitation of the Dalkeith Nedlands Junior Football Club.
Both teams spent the weekend in team building activities, followed by a friendly game between the two clubs. An after-match BBQ and awards presentation capped off the successful weekend.
Magellan Metals was among a range of businesses with Wiluna operations whose financial contribution assisted in making the weekend visit a success.
Glenn Manton
In October 2008, students from the Wiluna Remote Community School had the opportunity to meet AFL legend, physical education teacher and coach, and comedian Glenn Manton as part of a mentoring program organised by Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre and supported by Magellan Metals.
Students from years five to twelve spent the day involved in skills-based workshops and activities that Glenn used to promote health, develop self-esteem and build relationships with classmates.
Students in the latter stages of high school were also given some of the practical guidance needed to help them achieve a successful transition from school to further education, training and employment.
During his visit Glenn was warmly received by people in Wiluna and the Bondini Aboriginal Reserve.
