Kimberley training program delivers again

By PETER ROWE

An Indigenous training program in Western Australia is celebrating another milestone in its mission to empower local communities.

The Ellendale-Bunuba Trainee Program has awarded a second set of nationally recognised qualifications as part of its efforts to rehabilitate the former Ellendale diamond mining lease in the Kimberley.

Six trainees received a combined 20 National Certificates of Attainment after successfully completing the 2024 works program at the site.

The certificates covered a range of skills including the safe operation of skid-steer loaders, excavators, graders and bulldozers.

All the trainees are from the Kimberley Region with five being Bunuba people, the Traditional Owners of the land covering the Ellendale area.

“Congratulations to the successful trainees and Buru Rehab for their dedication and hard work in achieving such outstanding results,” Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael said.

“The State Government remains committed to strengthening employment opportunities in regional communities, and the Bunuba training program underscores the value of locally backed initiatives.”

This year’s success follows the 2023 intake, which awarded a total of 20 certificates to 11 Indigenous participants.

Buru Rehab, an Aboriginal mine rehabilitation company, is working in partnership with the local community and the Cook Government’s Abandoned Mines Program to provide trainees with the skills required for a successful career in the mining industry.

The trainee program will have one further intake in 2025 before the next phase of the rehabilitation works commences.

Ellendale was declared an abandoned mine in December 2015. Since then, the Cook Government has supported ongoing landform stabilisation at the site through the Mining Rehabilitation Fund.