From the left, City of Karratha CEO Chris Adams, Richard Cohen and Simon Trott
Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott and Rio Tinto Managing Director of Port, Rail and Core Services Richard Cohen joined community members, local businesses and representatives from local government to celebrate the official opening of its new community hub in Karratha, Western Australia.
Located on Ngarluma country in the heart of Karratha’s CBD, the new Karratha Hub will make it easier for local people to connect with our busines, Rio Tinto said.
The modern space constructed by lead contractor GBSC Yurra in conjunction with other local businesses, features a meeting room named by Ngarluma elders in recognition of its location on Ngarluma country, work stations, kitchen facilities and local artwork. Rio Tinto said it hopes the “Marunharri” room, which means “big mob” in the Ngarluma language, will become a place of listening, learning and collarboration between Rio Tinto and the Karratha community.
“Karratha is home to many of our employees, local suppliers, as well as government, community and traditional owner partners and is critical to our operations,” Trott said. “The new hub builds on the work we have been doing with the city of Karratha to enhance community life through new and improved services throughout the region.”
The hub will be open to the public on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. People can visit the hub to ask questions about employment and training opportunities, local procurement including the “buy local” initiative, opportunities for Pilbara Aboriginal businesses and community grant funding.
“It is great to see the Rio Tinto sign in the main street of town,” Cohen said. “Rio Tinto is proud of its long connection to the Karratha community and I expect the new hub will further strengthen our ties with local business, community groups and any locals who want to connect with our team.
Cohen said the new hub is designed for local people to feel welcome and connected to the company and is part of the commitment to being a good local and help build a thriving community.
