heRe comes summeR

OCTOBER 2011HEDLAND’S COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

Heat, storms and the chance of a cyclone – the signs of summer in Hedland are simple. But what else does the change in season have in store? There may be a general exodus of caravaners and other tourists from the town, but there are still plenty of activities and things to do for residents of all ages.

What better place to cool off than in the water – with the lagoon at Pretty Pool a local favourite. The Gratwick Pool and soon-to-be-redeveloped South Hedland Aquatic Centre are also good spots to take a dip, and also offer shaded facilities that are welcome during the heat of the day. Nearing completion, the Marquee Park will no doubt be popular soon.

Another Cottier Drive fixture, the JD Hardie Centre, provides a mix of activities from a Kids Club to a gym. For more on the range of programs, check out the article on Page 4 of this newsletter.

Back on the coast, the Spoil Bank has a myriad of opportunities. Whether you fancy a spot of fishing, a game of beach cricket or just want to walk the dog, there is plenty of room for everyone. And when the afternoon seabreeze is howling and sand starting to fly, this is one of the better spots in Hedland for the rapidly-growing band of kite surfers.

If an outdoor barbecue is more your style to end a day at the beach, public facilities at parks, such as those at Cemetery Beach or Pretty Pool, are popular locations. The great play equipment at these spots will keep the kids occupied, and there is also a chance to see nesting turtles along the adjacent beaches and dunes.

If you don’t feel like cooking, the Port Hedland Yacht Club provides a great place to have a meal or drink while watching the sunset over the harbour. As darkness falls and the channel markers begin

to blink, the well-lit venue provides a safe family environment. And the good news is, the Club is now also open for lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

The balmy summer evenings will also attract keen BMX, skateboard and scooter riders to Hedland’s skatepark facilities. The newly-erected lighting and shade structure over the McGregor Street venue provides a great arena for use during the early evening, as well as some respite from the daytime sun.

If a spectacular afternoon or evening storm rolls in, outdoor eating might be off the agenda, but this could be the time for budding photographers to capture stunning images. Redbank Bridge, Cooke Point or Finucane Island are some of the vantage points to check out.

So take a look around Hedland this summer, there may be some surprises in store.

Hedland’s foreshore always beckons in the heat of summer.

Photos courtesy www.msheridanphotography.com

Riding high!The Youth Involvement Council(YIC) has been delivering valuable services for young people in and around Hedland for more than 20 years. One of the great successes has been the Birds and Bees program.Part of several areas of YIC’s outreach, the program works with young people aged 10-17 years and is split into two sections. Girls take part in the Butterflies initiative and boys join the newly-commenced Brotherhood, which covers activities such as fishing, camping, trips to the speedway and more. However, it is the results through the BMX bike initiative that have been hitting the headlines.Vicki Tree, YIC Manager, said the introduction of BMX has become one of the greatest successes.

“We always ask kids for their input regarding what they would like to do, and the boys said they liked riding bikes, so we asked them if they would like to try BMX,” she said.

“We identified a number of the regular Lawson Street Youth Centre attendees to be the first participants. It quickly became apparent that they are very talented.”

Committing to the group of six boys has been a challenging but rewarding experience for YIC, training with the Hedland BMX Club on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5-8pm, and competitions on Fridays as far afield as Karratha and Tom Price.

Importantly, while the boys are excelling in BMX, Vicki and her team have witnessed a positive shift in their behaviour, conduct and interaction with staff. She is pleased to see them taking the YIC fundamentals of respect for themselves, workers and programs seriously. The boys also show great pride in their equipment – maintaining and repairing bikes in between hitting the track.As the Brotherhood program continues to grow, YIC is seeking male mentors to assist. If you fit the bill and have some spare time, please ring 9140 1272 and speak to TeRangimarie.

WWW.HEDLINES.COM.AUHEDLAND’S COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

FRan Flies into aRt Since moving to Hedland nearly 15 years ago, creating art has been a constant source of enjoyment for Fran Maher. Inspired by the colours and vivid landscapes of the Pilbara, her interest has turned from the occasional dabble to a love of varied artistic pursuits.

This has led Fran to begin art classes at the Pilbara TAFE South Hedland Campus – a decision that has only added to her thirst to learn more.

“As well as learning and developing new and different techniques, the classes have allowed me to meet lots of other local artists,” she said.

“Mixing with like-minded people on a regular basis has certainly inspired me to do more.”

Another great thing about the classes for Fran has been the opportunity to explore different art media and the various avenues to express creativity within these. She has also entered the Hedland Art Awards a number of times, as have many of her fellow students.

Art is a relaxing outlet from Fran’s demanding job as a nurse in Hedland’s Royal Flying Doctor Service team, where she covers much of the region tending to requests for medical attention.

“The job has a lot of variety, and I never know what each new day will bring,” she said.

“I see a lot of the State, and meet many interesting people along the way.”

After starting as a full-time nurse with the Service when she first came to Hedland, Fran now has a part-time role, which leaves her a little more time to continue to enjoy and develop her art.

To find out more on the classes that are available at Pilbara TAFE, please phone 9158 9400.

Local nurse Fran Maher with some of her vibrant art work.

YIC’s Kristal-Kareen Wyllie with Brotherhood BMXers Victor Narrier and Tory Mogridge.

a gRant is Waiting in the Wings!The Hedland Community Theatre Group (HCTG) is delighted to learn that they are benefiting from a $2,000 grant in the latest round of funding from BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s Community Grants Program.

The group comprises children ranging in age from five to 15 years, and operates during school terms. It started at the beginning of the year, largely due to the drive and determination of Monique Hutchinson, a parent whose kids love drama. Monique wanted them to be able to pursue their interest outside of school and enlisted the help of Lisa McMillan, Educator at the Youth Involvement Council (YIC). Lisa and Monique both volunteer their time, as does another parent, Chelsea Miles.

As its name suggests, HCTG is open to any young person. Weekly rehearsals alternate between Dalgety House - the museum on Anderson Street – and Hedland Senior High School.

The children prepared an ‘afternoon soirée’ during Term 3, which combined local history and their skits.

“About 20 students are involved and they write their own scripts,” Lisa said.

“The grant has been invaluable - it will go towards buying props and costumes, and it will also be useful if the HCTG need to pay for rehearsal space.”

Any students wanting to join the Group for Term 4 should contact Monique on 0437 331 212.

For more information on the BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s Community Development Program (CDP), please ring Lisa Lock (née Baldock) on 9173 6680.

The makeover for the front of Cassia, Baler, and South Hedland primary schools is part of a competition between the three to update, improve and enhance their entrances.

Through funding from BHP Billiton Iron Ore and working with landscaping companies, each school has been challenged to come up with something special.

Teachers have already been working hard to make sure that their school is in with a good chance to win the big competition – with some amazing ideas developed in collaboration with each landscaping company.

The big day will be on Friday, November 4, when students and their parents will be invited to help finish the work.

Each school will be sending out information through their newsletters, and the day promises lots of fun.

BHP Billiton Iron Ore is offering some incredible prizes for the winning School, and the competition will be judged by a pool of special guests. The criteria will be biggest overall improvement, most waterwise garden and best community involvement.

Parents should keep a lookout for more details from the schools on how their children can be involved.

The Hedland Theatre Group and its young enthusiastic actors

has benefited thanks to BHP Billiton Iron

Ore funding.

schools get a makeoveR An exciting new project is seeing the entrances to schools in South Hedland receive a new look – with the help of students, teachers, landscapers and funding from BHP Billiton Iron Ore.

Like students in other South Hedland primary schools, Baler’s Taryce Stewart, Bailey Puertollano

and Caitie Walker are looking forward to contributing to their school’s new-look entrance.

cultuRal pRecinct continues to BlossomThe revitalised West End is quickly becoming a favourite place for the Hedland community, with plenty to see and do in the precinct focused around the Courthouse Gallery. The shady gardens surrounding the Gallery are a focal point for events

such as the popular West End Markets, as is the car park adjacent to

the Visitors’ Centre, where regular outdoor movies are shown.

Each weekend, the area becomes a prime spot for relaxation, with

refreshing Pilates classes on Saturday mornings, delicious breakfast

and other meals at the Silver Star, and an array of art or retail therapy

at the Courthouse Gallery just some of the things on offer. But don’t just

take our word, be sure to stop by the West End this weekend and see

the renovated cultural precinct for yourself!

For businesses wanting to be part of the new look, the historical

Banger’s Bungalow has been beautifully refurbished to serve the

Hedland community as a business incubation centre and an ideal

function venue. Located at 14 Edgar Street, the Bungalow is fully-

equipped with everything you need for your next board meeting,

business meeting or event.

Managed by the Courthouse Gallery in partnership with BHP Billiton Iron

Ore and the Town of Port Hedland, the facility also offers private office

leases at affordable rates for up to three months, providing options for

new and emerging local and visiting businesses.

If you are interested in booking Banger’s Bungalow for your next board meeting, or viewing the available office space, please email Porscha Cox at porscha@courthousegallery.com.au or phone the Courthouse Gallery on 9173 1064 for more information.

HEDLAND’S COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER WWW.HEDLINES.COM.AU

Jd haRdie centRe Back to BuzzingA year after construction began, and only months after the official opening, the revamped JD Hardie Centre is buzzing as the local community checks out the great new facilities.

The colourful exterior and new look includes renovations of the existing building, as well as expanding the western side to allow for new youth-focused amenities that incorporate a soundproof theatre room, an arts and crafts space and offices for staff and youth-focused organisations.The Centre will be the main recreation facility until the scheduled completion of the Multi-purpose Recreation Centre (MPRC) in May 2012; and then the Centre will become youth-focused, taking up its place as Hedland’s Youth Zone, with most recreational activities moving to the MPRC.

The large range of programs currently on offer for children, youth and adults continue to prove incredibly popular with the community.Some of the highlights include:• Kids Club for children aged six months to four years• After-school activities, including dodgeball, skating, basketball and Kids Club Super Size• School holiday programs for students

Adults are well catered-for with a gym, fitness classes and sporting competitions such as mixed netball, volleyball, futsal and, very soon, roller-derby.

The Centre has already hosted major youth events and initiatives, including NAIDOC week gatherings, Hip-Hop workshops, Bluelight discos, Pilbara Girl and a dodgeball tournament. The Hedland Youth Leadership Coalition meets there on Tuesday evenings at 6pm, and the Hedland Youth Stakeholder Action Group also convenes there on a monthly basis.

The Town of Port Hedland’s JD Hardie Centre Youth Zone Redevelopment Project has been supported by principal partner BHP Billiton Iron Ore and supporting partners Royalties for Regions, Pilbara Cities, Pilbara Development Commission and Department of Housing’s South Hedland New Living Project.

For more information on the programs on offer, please ring 9158 9380 and have a chat with the friendly staff.

The West End cultural precinct is rapidly growing,

with the refurbished Bangers Bungalow

being used for small business incubation.

The range of programs at the new look JD Hardie

Centre are proving popular as ever, with Kids Club

(pictured) a favourite for children like Zoe Keyser.

WWW.HEDLINES.COM.AUHEDLAND’S COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

The ever-popular Bluelight Discos now promise to be better than ever, thanks to new technology that allows music and dance videos to be screened. Funding received through BHP Billiton Iron

Ore’s Community Development Program

has enabled the hard-working Bluelight

Committee to purchase a large screen

and powerful projector, which will enliven

each event.

The discos are held regularly in

Hedland and surrounding communities

such as Yandeyarra and Warralong, and

cater for primary school-aged children.

Each one is planned and organised by the

volunteer committee, with the support of

representatives from local police, Pilbara

Population Health, Youth Involvement

Council and the Department of Housing’s

South Hedland New Living Project.

Committee Chairperson, Senior Constable

Ray Holt from South Hedland Police,

said that the committee is always aiming

to improve the discos for the benefit of

local children.

“Each disco is really well-supported,

and it is great to see the kids having a

great time in a safe and fun environment,”

Senior Constable Holt said.

“We are always aiming to make them

bigger and better, and the assistance

of BHP Billiton Iron Ore and other

contributors is always very welcome.”

Discos have been held recently at the

JD Hardie Centre and at Yandeyarra,

and future events will be advertised

through school newsletters and with

flyers around town.

Bluelight Receives a video Boost

Hedland’s Bluelight Discos are continuing to grow in popularity, and are soon

to be even better with the addition of screened video

clips of popular songs.

WheRe do you Read hedlines?Did you know that Hedlines can be accessed online? So now it means that you can pick up your favourite newsletter wherever and whenever you have access to the internet! It’s that simple!But don’t despair – Hedlines will still be delivered to your mailbox. The busy ladies at the Hedland Well Women’s Centre manage to find time to take a peek at the latest stories in each edition – usually over a coffee while relaxing on the comfy couches!To receive Hedlines online, log onto www.hedlines.com.au and register your details. Easy as! If you have an interesting photo that you would like to share (minimum 1MB resolution), please email it, along with your details, to mark@creatingcommunities.com.au

The Hedland Well Women’s team log onto

the www.hedlines.com.au site to check out each

new edition.

Port Hedland Yacht Club Markets Port Hedland Yacht Club, Sutherland StreetSaturday 5 NovemberEnjoy an array of stalls, tasty treats and great gift ideas between 9am and noon on the first Saturday of each month.For more information, please email Dawn Logan at dawn.logan@health.wa.gov.au or phone her on 9158 9223.

FREE

BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s Community Grants Program

February Funding Round 2012

BHP Billiton Iron Ore invites you to apply for funding through its

Community Grants Program. Applications must be submitted using

the standard application form before 5pm, February 1.

For more details on how to apply, or for any other information,

please ring Lisa Lock (née Baldock) on 9173 6680, or visit

the Community Office, 1 Wedge St, Port Hedland 8am to 2pm

Tuesday to Friday.

upcoming eventsThis community newsletter is proudly produced and sponsored by BHP Billiton Iron Ore. Photos sourced by and for BHP Billiton Iron Ore. This newsletter is designed by Creating Communities Australia Pty Ltd.

Bhp Billiton ’s oWn Black Belt title-holdeRIf you were to hear that Amy Winn’s role is a black belt within BHP Billiton Iron Ore,

you could be excused for thinking that the Company is employing a team of highly-

trained ninjas in the Integrated Planning Team.

Her title, however, does not refer to martial arts training, but to Amy’s level of

knowledge of the continuous improvement tools and techniques, which she applies

within BHP Billiton Iron Ore to improve process efficiency and to solve problems.

As Amy explains “It’s a great job title, Six Sigma Black Belt, it sounds unusual but

it’s actually a reference to the international accreditation that I am working towards.

The team I work in, Integrated Planning, uses the Six Sigma and Lean continuous

improvement methodologies, along with statistical tools, to assist the business to

meet operational targets.”

“Six Sigma is a globally recognised continuous improvement methodology.

It recognises different degrees of experience and proficiency, much like that of

martial arts, focusing on discipline, agility and level of competency,” she said.

Amy moved to Port Hedland four years ago with her partner, now husband, Matthew.

Previously Amy had completed a science degree and worked in coastal management

in Victoria. However, immediately prior to living in Port Hedland, Amy and Matthew

spent time working overseas as SCUBA Diving Instructors.

“We moved to Port Hedland primarily because of the employment prospects but soon

realised that this town has so much more to offer than simply a solid job,” Amy said.

“Hedland is a quirky place, I think the longer you stay the more it reveals. We both

work during the week, but most weekends you will find us camping, or wake boarding

at Finucane Island – it’s a great combination of industry, people and lifestyle – people

here work hard, but they play hard too!

“I came here with a science degree. However, since joining BHP Billiton Iron Ore, I have

gained experience in logistics, supply chain management, business improvement and

project management, and now I am working toward an international accreditation –

where else in the world will you find that kind of career opportunity and development?

“The opportunities are limitless if you are willing to go for it. It doesn’t matter

whether you are male or female, if you are the right fit, the business will support

you,” she said.

So, while not quite a ninja, Amy’s Six Sigma Black Belt role certainly does throw

down a few challenges.

Kids Club

JD Hardie Centre, Cottier DriveMonday to Wednesday - 9am to 10am

Friday - 9am to 10am and 10 to 11amCost: $7.50 per child

The Kids Club is for children aged six months to four years, and

provides activities to improve basic motor skills, such as stretching,

running and skipping, in a fun environment. The Club can also

utilise the centre’s gym equipment.

For more information, please contact Program Coordinator,

Kimmy Cooper, on 9158 9380.

Hedland Youth Leadership CoalitionWeekly Meetings at the JD Hardie CentreEach Tuesday - 6pm to 7.30pmThe Hedland Youth Leadership Coalition (HYLC), is a group of young people involved in organising events and other fun projects for the Hedland community, and particularly youth in the town. Along the way, you develop some great skills, and have the chance to represent the youth of Hedland.Open to anyone aged 15 - 24, please contact HYLC President, Brad Holder, if you would like to check it out, by emailing bholder@hedlandyouth.com or come down to one of the regular meetings at the JD Hardie Centre.

FREE

Continuous business improvement is on the agenda for Amy Winn – BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s very own black belt.