a photographic Feast - Creating Communities

HEDLAND’S COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2011
Welcome to the
new look Hedlines.
We hope you like it.
Feedback welcome to
[email protected]
Sheldon Petit was one of the local
photographers to take advantage
of the active wet season and shot
these remarkable images of what
he labelled the “Super Storm”.
All pics courtesy of Sheldon Petit.
A Photographic Feast
The rivers have been running and the land is
covered in swathes of green following a summer
which saw high levels of rainfall and several close
shaves with cyclones.
As the weather moves into the dry season pattern
once more, some community members are looking
skyward and wishfully thinking of the humidity and
sweet scent of rain.
This is because the past summer was a
spectacular one for the growing numbers of local
photographers who dined out on the myriad of
opportunities to capture the wonders of the ever
changing weather patterns.
One of the photographers to take advantage of the
wet summer was Sheldon Petit – a local electrician
who has been shooting images throughout the
Pilbara during his spare time over the last couple
of years.
With an almost constant parade of storm systems
forming and moving down the coast towards Hedland
over summer, Sheldon said he remained glued to
weather tracking and satellite images on the internet.
“I was always looking for just the right storm,”
Sheldon said.
“Many of the storms which form out to sea off
Hedland don’t seem to hit the local area, but those
which start in the Marble Bar region create a better
opportunity for some good photos. You never know
what you are going to get – some just fizzle out but
occasionally your luck is in.”
While he admits being in the right place at the
right time certainly helps when getting a series of
photos like the ones he has nicknamed the ‘Super
Storm’, Sheldon also advised that he takes all
proper precautions to ensure a high level of safety is
maintained at all times.
Importantly, he takes great care not to get too close
to a storm or knowingly put himself in one’s path.
“I always make sure I am a safe distance away
from the storm, and off to one side of the direction
it is travelling,” he said. “No photo is worth putting
yourself in danger.”
Sheldon’s brilliant photos certainly showcase the
beautiful and unique environment of Hedland for
all to see.
HEDLAND’S COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
WWW.HEDLINES.COM.AU
Hedland’s Iconic Locals
Some of Hedland’s most unique local residents are the
animals that
call the Pilbara home. Hedland is bordered by large of
areas of largely
untouched natural environment so there are many native
species that
regularly drop in to visit.
Here’s a sneak peak at some of our favourites.
Ta Ta Lizards
Frontier Services Community
Migrant Worker Sue Baker and
YMCA Swimming Instructor
Thierra Clanton with swimming
students Sherrie Hewitt,
Shatabdi Kshirsagar and
Francisca Dsouza.
Social Swimming
Thanks to an innovative new program in Hedland,
swimming is being taught to migrant women who
have never had the opportunity to learn this vital skill.
After a successful pilot program late last year, Frontier Services
Community Migrant Worker Sue Baker has kicked off a new wave
of swimming lessons at the South Hedland Aquatic Centre for 2011.
The first program for this year commenced in early March, and
continued with weekly sessions for a five week period. While numbers
of participants varied from week to week, Sue said the program was
a success.
Ms Baker said the lessons not only assisted the women to develop
swimming skills, but also helped those who are new to Hedland and
Australia to adjust to their new surroundings.
“The program not only promotes healthy lifestyles and swimming skills,
but also provides opportunities for social interaction for participants,”
she said.
“Frontier Services is mostly aiming these lessons at women who are
new migrants and may be feeling socially isolated, as well as those
who would like to learn how to swim.”
Sherrie Hewitt was one lady who took part in the March program,
which was supervised by swimming instructors from the YMCA.
She said that it had helped raise her awareness of swimming.
“I was brought up in a culture where swimming was not taught or
promoted, but since being in Hedland I’ve learnt that this skill is very
important,” she said.
“The course is brilliant and has enabled me to pass these skills onto
my children and to encourage them to learn as well.”
Thanks to the support of Frontier Services and Fortescue Metals Group,
the lessons are being offered free of charge for some migrant women.
For more information on the swimming lessons, contact Frontier
Services Community Migrant Worker Sue Baker on 9140 1003 or
0400 736 766.
These distinctive little reptiles take the prize for speedy getaways as
they regularly dodge cars and bikes on Hedland’s roads and almost
everywhere in between.
Named after their endearing habit of waving one front leg in an
apparent gesture of goodbye, these little lizards can be seen perched
on tree stumps and fences keeping an eye on the passing world.
Disturb them though and they will make a hasty retreat for safety,
often appearing to run on their hind legs.
Ospreys and White Bellied Sea Eagles
Sharp eyed and alert, these birds of prey can be often be spotted
gliding above the Cemetery Beach shoreline or perched atop the light
poles along Cooke Point Drive.
On a calm morning on the inside of Finucane Island, you may hear the
sudden whoosh of air as a sea eagle or osprey swoops down and plucks
a writhing mullet from the water’s surface with a barely a ripple. An osprey’s
eyesight is three to five times greater than a human being’s, and this vision
helps it judge the position of a moving fish under a fluid surface.
To the untrained eye they may be hard to tell apart, but the osprey has
a distinctive brown band across the eyes and down the neck.
The white bellied sea eagle grows considerably larger than the osprey,
and has a mostly white body aside from the brown wings.
Flatback Turtles
Any look at iconic Hedland animals would be remiss to not include
the flatback turtles which come to breed at local beaches each year.
Flatback turtles can often be spotted in local waters munching away on
jellyfish, but also feed on soft corals and other animals with soft bodies
such as sea cucumbers.
While female turtles are only here from September to March during
breeding season, semi resident males of the species can be seen foraging
along the coast all year round. It is thought that some will survive and
grow to 80 years old.
Ta Ta Lizard (Gregory Gaudron).
IMAGES (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT)
ron).
Gaudron). Osprey (Gregory Gaud
ory
(Greg
Eagle
Sea
d
White bellie
Bell).
(Brad
ey
Ospr
ron).
Gaud
ory
Flatback Turtle (Greg
Paul Cunningham took
advantage of a rare swell
and enjoyed the chance to
surf at the Spoil Bank.
Surfs Up!
As Cyclone Carlos slipped down the coast earlier this
year, one of
the interesting spin-offs was a rare swell which hit the
Hedland coast
in the following days.
Combined with king tides, the swell produced rideable
waves which
were taken to by a handful of surfers and bodyboarders
who couldn’t
believe their luck.
Paul Cunningham was one bodyboarder who took to the
water at
the Spoil Bank when the all clear was issued after Cyclon
e Carlos.
“The water was pretty muddy, but the waves were fun
and I had a
good time,” Paul said.
“As the tides were quite large, I made sure I only entere
d the
water during an incoming tide to ensure my safety and
to avoid
being caught in the strong current.
“I never expected I’d be able to have a surf in Hedland!”
Following the big swell and tides which stripped away
some of the
Spoil Bank’s sand, the area was littered with large numbe
rs of shells,
driftwood and other interesting flotsam including a recent
ly deceased
potato cod, which was as big as a man.
Kick Start to the School Day
Three mornings a week, before the bell for the first class has even sounded,
one of Hedland Senior High School’s home economics classes is a hive of activity.
Each Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday up to 60 hungry
mouths descend on the classroom to take part in the
school’s new Breakfast Program. The initiative aims to
provide a healthy breakfast to students while providing
the opportunity for them to mix with teachers and
youth service providers in an informal environment
before school.
Hedland Senior High School Chaplain Suzi Wood has
taken on the role as program coordinator, and oversees
the breakfasts each morning. “A range of breakfasts
from toast and cereal to fruit salads are provided for the
students,” she said.
“Some students may not have access to a good
breakfast, so we are trying to provide for them and
help them through their day at school.
“Research has shown that a good breakfast is essential
to helping students learn and concentrate throughout
the school day.
“While the students are having breakfast, it gives them
not only a chance to have a good start to the day but
also to build stronger relationships with their teachers.”
As the program progresses, Ms Wood envisages
involving different youth service providers to promote
them to the students. Representatives from the Youth
Involvement Council have already been attending on
some mornings. Hedland Senior High School Principal
John Burke has been in regular attendance, and also
sees the value in the program extending beyond a
healthy breakfast.
“The rich work being undertaken in this program is
underpinned by the effective pastoral environment
which has been created to support the students,”
Mr Burke said.
“Increasing the students’ awareness of the youth
services available throughout Hedland is of great
benefit, and it is also pleasing to see so many of
our teachers attending too.”
Ms Wood thanked Foodbank WA, BHP Billiton
Iron Ore, Town of Port Hedland and The Lodge
for their generous support.
Year 8 students Brett Zonge,
Morne Gerber (top image) and
Jack Webster share breakfast
with Hedland Senior High School
Chaplain Suzi Wood at the
school’s new breakfast program.
HEDLAND’S COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
WWW.HEDLINES.COM.AU
SUBSCRIBE NOW TO WIN
IN
W
HEDLINES ONLINE!
Hedlines is now online! Receive the newsletter
straight to your inbox - simply subscribe online at
www.hedlines.com.au. Subscribe before the end
of April and you could win a $200 shopping voucher!
Hedland Well Women Centre’s
Manager Julie Broad, Board
Chairwomen Lisa Bowen,
Administration Officer Brooke
Green and Program Coordinator
Irene Dempsey are encouraging
women of all ages to come
through the centre’s doors.
There For All Women
The Hedland Well Women’s Centre is encouraging
local women of all ages to drop in to meet its friendly
staff and see how they can be of assistance.
One of the best things about the centre is that it ‘feels like home’
for women all through Hedland’s community, said new manager
Julie Broad.
“The centre has offered a strong support network for women for a
number of years in Hedland,” Julie said.
Eagle Encourages
Others to Soar
Many students at Hedland Senior High School may
never have seen Chris Lewis weave through an
opposition’s defence at Subiaco Oval, but the respect
and rapport they have with the ex-West Coast Eagle
and premiership player is plain to see.
As an ambassador for V Swans, the youth development
program of
Swan Districts Football Club, Chris has been a regular
visitor to Hedland
through the Kicking Goals Program, a partnership betwee
n Swan
Districts and West Coast Eagles Football Clubs and BHP
Billiton.
Since the start of the year Chris has been based at the
school, and is
coordinating the Kicking Goals program in addition to
other football
development programs throughout the community.
“It’s a great opportunity, and I’m looking forward to workin
g with more
students,” Chris said.
“With football and sport as a vehicle, the Kicking Goals
program teaches
the students the important skills which they can call on
as they move
into the work place or further education. One of the bigges
t themes is for
each student to show respect – both for themselves and
each other.”
Hedland Senior High School principal John Burke said
having a role
model of Chris’s calibre based at the school would be
of great benefit
to the students.
“He has already been achieving some great results with
the students
in the Kicking Goals program,” Mr Burke said.
“His presence is a great addition to day-to-day learnin
g for the students,
and I’m sure students will gain an insight into the resilien
ce and
attention to detail that is required to become an elite sports
person.”
Away from the school, Chris said he was looking forwar
d to working
with football youth development squads for talented players
. He will also
be encouraging young Indigenous children to become
more involved in
sport and healthy lifestyles.
“It’s a fun and welcoming atmosphere, and we would like more
women to experience what we have to offer.”
In inviting more women to utilise the centre, Julie said she was
particularly encouraging younger women in their teens and twenties.
“The centre isn’t just for older women,” she added. “We offer a number
of programs which will interest younger women, such as leadership
and financial skill development, which enhance personal growth.
“There is also a counselling service and healthier self program for
those who would like to utilise these services.”
While donations are welcome and the centre provides yearly
memberships for $5, most services are offered free of charge
thanks to the generous contributions of many sponsors and supporters.
The centre’s staff are also busy finalising plans for the 2011 WOW
(Women on Wellness) Month during May which will showcase a variety
of other services that are available for Hedland womem.
If you would like to see how the Hedland Well Women’s Centre can
help you, please drop into 3a Leake Street, South Hedland or give
Julie, Brooke or Irene a call on 9140 1124.
Under the tutorage of ex AFL star
Chris Lewis, Hedland Senior High
School and Kicking Goals students
Brandon Geary, Stirling Roberts,
Byron Shields and Anggun Effendy
are learning skills to guide them
through sport and life.
HEDLAND’S COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
WWW.HEDLINES.COM.AU
Finding Fitness Fun
Now in its third year, the Walk it Hedland Corporate and
Community Challenge continues to encourage the Hedla
nd
community to get more active through friendly competitio
n
and enjoyable activities.
Coordinated by the Town of Port Hedland with suppor
t from BHP Billiton Iron
Ore, the Department of Housing’s South Hedland New
Living Program and
Healthway, this year’s challenge attracted nearly 250
participants from 20
teams as it continues to gain community awareness
and momentum.
Teams gathered points for undertaking fitness activiti
es over a four month
period, and had the opportunity to participate in a series
of events. One of the
highlights was the joint fitness session held at the Civic
Centre with Porscha
Cox of Porscha Pilates combining with instructors from
Real World Fitness to
offer two extreme workouts for nearly sixty people.
Town of Port Hedland Recreation Coordinator Nicole
Roukens said while the
challenge was designed to be fun, it also encouraged
broader outcomes.
“The challenge actively promotes a range of opportunities
for physical activity
in Hedland – from walking routes to fitness classes,”
she added. “It provides
a platform for participants to exercise in an enjoyable
setting and encourages
them to lead healthier lifestyles by regularly taking part
in physical activity.”
At the challenge presentation in late March, the highes
t point scoring
teams were awarded. Groups B and A from the West
Australian Country
Health Service finished first and third respectively, with
the School of the
Air taking second.
Teams from all over Hedland
got active over March
and took part in the Walk
it Hedland Corporate and
Community Challenge.
Ms Roukens congratulated all teams on putting in a
big effort, and encouraged
them to enter next year’s challenge which promises
to be bigger and better.
Hedland Senior High School
Student Services Manager
Carmel Fitzgerald shares a
Hedlines article with students.
Where do you read Hedlines?
For a number of years, the Hedlines Community News
letter
has been a valued source of information on community
stories,
projects, events and initiatives in Hedland.
One of the key reasons for the newsletters’ success has
been the input of a community
committee, which meets three times a year to brainstorm
and suggest potential story
ideas for future editions.
Hedland Senior High School Student Services
Manager Carmel Fitzgerald shares her copy
of Hedlines with a crowd of onlookers.
Now, it is your turn to contribute and Hedlines is looking
for submissions of photos showing
community members reading Hedlines in strange or interes
ting places. The photos must
feature an issue of Hedlines, and definitely not breach
any workplace regulations!
They could be out in the boat, driving to Broome or on
the dance floor at your local hotel!
To kick things off, the first entry comes from Hedland Senior
High School. The school’s
student services manager, Carmel Fitzgerald, shared Hedline
s with students keen for a peek.
If you have an interesting photo you would like to
share, please email a high
resolution version and your details to mark@creatin
gcommunities.com.au.
This 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.
Upcoming Events
EE
FR
Wednesday Afternoon Youth Basketball
4pm – 6pm every Wednesday
Youth Involvement Council Basketball Courts
34 Lawson Street, South Hedland
YIC’s street basketball competition is aimed at young
people aged
between 10 and 17 years of age and is free to enter. Teams
are
welcome, or participants can register and will be placed
in a team
each Wednesday. Friends and family are welcome as
spectators, and
are also encouraged to come along on the last Wedne
sday of every
month for a free barbeque. Prizes and incentives are up
for grabs as
part of the competition. For more information contac
t Lisa Newman
at the Youth Involvement Council on 9140 1272 or 0419
182 063.
The Hedland community will soon say farewell to BHP Billiton’s
Richard O’Connell.
Richard initially moved to Port Hedland in 2001, with then-fiance
Charlotte. Richard headed up BHP Billiton’s Community Relations
team locally before moving to Perth in late 2005 to take on a position
with Asset Development Projects to help deliver a growing business.
The family couldn’t stay away from Hedland for long though and
headed back in 2007 with two year old son Fletcher when Richard
took the role of Regional Manager Sustainability. Daughter Matilda
joined the family in 2009.
Richard’s two stints total eight and a half years in the Pilbara, and
during this time he has been involved in countless community
projects on behalf of BHP Billiton.
Richard is returning to Perth to oversee BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s
Community Relations, Indigenous Affairs and Land Access teams
right across the company’s Western Australian Iron Ore operations.
Richard will be replaced by long term local Chris Cottier.
And what does Richard remember most about his time in the
Hedland community?
Can we expect to see the family back in Hedland again?
“I live by the age old saying “Never say Never!” Richard replied.
BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s Community Grants Program
May Funding Round 2011
BHP Billiton Iron Ore invites you to apply for funding through its exciting
Community Grants Program. Applications must be submitted using
the standard application form before 5pm, Monday 2 May. For more
details on how to apply or for any other information, please ring
Lisa Baldock on 9173 6680 or visit the website at www.bhpbilliton.
com/bb/ourBusinesses/ironOre/community/guidelines.jsp
Women on Wellness (WOW) Month - May
of WOW month.
Events will be held throughout May as part
s awareness of the
unity’
comm
the
se
increa
to
This initiative aims
ote engagement
prom
and
services available for women in Hedland
will be the Feast of
event
key
A
e.
Centr
ens
Wom
with the Hedland Well
varied nationalities
the
from
Nations which will involve a range of meals
advertised in
be
will
am
progr
full
A
unity.
comm
which make up our
ation contact the
inform
more
for
coming weeks but in the mean time
on 9140 1124.
Broad
Julie
ger
Mana
e
Centr
ens
Hedland Well Wom
Welcome to Hedland Community Expo
Hedland High School Oval
Friday May 13th from 5pm – 9pm
The Hedland High School Oval will come alive with one
of Hedland’s
biggest events. Free entry from 5pm for all community
members.
Local services and businesses will be holding stalls and
information
booths, and there will be a range of performances from
cultural and
sporting groups. One of the highlights of the night will
be a live
performance from country music rising star Teniell
e Neda
Musulin – Australian idol finalist and Tamworth County
winner.
Food, drink and amusements will also be there on
the night.
EE
“However, we enter another chapter in our book of adventures and
we will fondly remember the sunsets, summer heat, tropical cyclones,
barbecues with friends, fun at hundreds of community events and the
can-do attitude of the people of the Pilbara.”
art pieces showcasing a
When it Rains it Pours is a collection of urban
air brushing and the traditional
range of styles including spray painting,
artists of the Last Chance
the
from
ed
paint brush. Art has been sourc
- a fantastic urban artist
y
Creep
e
includ
These
e.
bridg
North
Studio in
fy his unique style.
identi
that
cters
who creates trademark chara
the world. For more
d
aroun
cities
in
seen
been
has
art
t
His stree
e Gallery on 9173 1064.
information please contact the Courthous
FR
“My career at BHP Billiton Iron Ore has allowed me a range of
fantastic opportunities, including living in the Pilbara and being able
to enjoy a community with so much spirit, a willingness to support
those around them and so many good, honest people,” Richard said.
“My family and I are very sad to shake the red pindan dirt from our
shoes and head to Perth because we have so many happy memories
of Hedland.
EE
FR
Hedland Farewells
Richard O’Connell
bition
When it Rains it Pours – Urban Art Exhi
Courthouse Gallery
Opening Night – April 15 from 6pm – 8pm
Exhibition – April 15 to mid June