Pilbara Mentors

Supported by

Pilbara Mentors is an initiative of the Roy Hill Community Foundation delivered by EdConnect Australia. The program commenced in 2016 and has since developed and grown. It runs in five local schools in Port Hedland, Western Australia and relies on the volunteering of local community members, who are recruited from local businesses and the community. The program prepares and connects intergenerational community volunteers with disadvantaged or at risk young people for educational success.

Our Pilbara Mentors

• Provide one-on-one support to a vulnerable student to improve their emotional and social well-being and academic performance.
• Volunteering can be flexible and work around an individual’s work, family and other commitments.
• Assist for 1 hour a week for duration of the school year.

The Roy Hill Community Foundation

The Roy Hill Community Foundation was established in 2015 as a collaborative social investment program. The Foundation brings together a diverse group of organisations, businesses and Traditional Owner groups. It is a charity made up of 13 companies who all contribute funding and participate in the programs.

Their strength as a Foundation lies in what they can achieve together, allowing them to leverage and invest in health, education and the arts in the Pilbara.

“We are a proud supported of EdConnect and the Pilbara Mentors program. Having seen firsthand the impact this wonderful program has not only on the kids but also our mentors, I strongly encourage those considering participation to get involved.”

– Nathan Miller,
Network Aviation

About The Pilbara

The Pilbara region in the north of Western Australia covers over 500,000 square kilometres and is located over 1,200 kilometres from Perth. The Pilbara experiences a harsh climate featuring high temperatures, cyclones and humidity. In 2016, the Pilbara region had a resident population of approximately 60,000. Around 16% of this population is represented by the Aboriginal community.*

Despite the wealth generated by industry in the Pilbara, the collective of Port Hedland schools, for example, is one of the most disadvantaged in Western Australia.

*Source: https://app.remplan.com.au/pilbararegion/community/summary

The Future of the Program

The partnership builds upon community engagement and development in the Pilbara, and is currently focused on Port Hedland with a view to extending its reach to the town of Newman in the future.