Rio Tinto contribute additional $1 million to Ashburton COVID-19 relief package

Long-term Community Infrastructure and Services Partner Rio Tinto affirmed their support for the Shire’s COVID-19 Small Business and Community Grants Fund this week, with the announcement of a $1million contribution to the Shire’s COVID-19 Relief package.

Shire of Ashburton President Kerry White said she is extremely pleased with the outcome and acknowledged the continued collaborative relationship between the Shire and Rio Tinto.

“The package supports our local businesses and not-for-profit organisations that will be essential to our communities as we begin the gradual return to a more normal way of living, post the restrictions of COVID-19,” said Councillor White.

“It will also be imperative to our community groups and sporting clubs as they look to reignite as restrictions are eased in the coming months.

“Rio Tinto’s contribution will complement the relief fund initiatives established by the Shire earlier this month.”

“It will allow the Shire to consider the sustainability of clubs and groups, recognising these are at the heart of a well-connected community as well as a vital lifeline in our remote towns.”

“The additional funding will also align with the $500,000 relief fund set aside by the Shire to provide an alternative assistance option for small businesses, retail outlets, tourism providers and essential community services that may not fall under or be eligible for Federal and State government financial support.

“Our Partnership with Rio Tinto continues to enable delivery of effective projects and programs to ensure the long-term sustainability and liveability of our towns, making our region a vibrant place to live and work”

Paraburdoo Operations general manager Kent Franey said Rio Tinto is committed to helping the community in this time of need.

“Rio Tinto has worked closely with the Shire of Ashburton for many years and we have a long history in the Pilbara,” he said. “The Shire has developed a very broad and extensive relief package and we are pleased to contribute $1 million to support this work. This will assist the response and recovery efforts of local organisations and businesses, which aligns with the community’s feedback we receive through the Local Voices surveys.”

Expressions of interest are now being received via www.ashburton.wa.gov.au and Shire staff will be in touch with those who have already submitted from next week.

Anyone with queries on eligibility for specific assistance measures can get in touch by calling 08 9188 4444 or emailing [email protected].

Stay up to date on our website, and through Facebook by following both Shire of Ashburton page and Ashburton Community COVID-19 Info page.

For media information contact:

Alison Lennon, Manager Media and Communications, Shire of Ashburton

M: 0409 314 140 | E: [email protected]

More news articles