
The Pilbara Mentors, an initiative of the Roy Hill Community Foundation delivered by EdConnect Australia, recently held an introduction event at Cemetery Beach Park in Port Hedland. The public were invited to drop by for a chat with EdConnect Pilbara Liaison Officer, Kay Corda to learn how they can mentor students through the ‘Pilbara Mentors Program’.
Kay comments on the success of the event.
“It was lovely to catch up with some of our past and current mentors and students who dropped by to support and chat to anyone who was curious about the program and share their positive experiences. EdConnect Australia is proud to have a committed presence in the Pilbara region. Thanks to the Roy Hill Community Foundation’s support, it’s possible to have these life-changing mentoring programs here in Hedland.” Kay Corda continued.
“It was a day well spent with good people, delicious food and wonderful possibilities. It was heartening to see so much interest in the program and the desire to do something for the youth of our community. That’s what makes Hedland such an awesome place! Everyone here is happy to pitch in and do their bit.” she explained.
The Pilbara Mentors program trains and supports volunteers to work in local schools, providing a safety net for young people who might otherwise struggle to realise their potential – in school and life.
The program is delivered by EdConnect Australia, in partnership with the Roy Hill Community Foundation, a charity made up of 14 companies who all contribute funding and participate in the programs.
Leanne Ruston, Pilbara Mentor comments on her experience of the event.
“It was a pleasure to attend the Pilbara Mentors event to reconnect with others mentors and meet new potential mentors. As a long time mentor for the program, I cannot express strongly enough the need for our young people to have someone to talk to and connect with,” said Leanne.
“It is important for our students to have a mentor that will just listen without judgement and spend one on one time with them. Please consider becoming a Pilbara Mentor as not only does it benefit our students, it benefits the mentor by providing connection, modelling to students to give back to their communities and it’s generally good plain old fun,” said Leanne Ruston.
Mudmee Vigar, Mentor with Hedland High School eagerly agreed.
Mentoring with the Pilbara Mentors program allows me to continue supporting my community through the next generation of Hedlanders. The program is a good opportunity to provide direction to the younger generation,” she said.
EdConnect Australia are calling for new volunteers to commence in the 2022 school year, for more information about the EdConnect volunteering opportunities contact edconnect@edconnect.org.au or call 1800 668 550.



