Our Community
Gold Road places a strong emphasis on our engagement with the communities in which we operate. This centres on our engagement with the Yilka people and the wider community through employment opportunities, and a ‘buy local’ philosophy in our procurement and contracting practices. Staff development and participation in community volunteer programmes, charitable causes and not-for-profit organisations whose values align with those of Gold Road is highly valued and encouraged.
Our Company is proud to support and be a member of the Gold Industry Group which promotes the gold sector through a variety of sponsorships that include the Laverton Shooting Stars programme as part of the Netball WA partnership. Gold Road also supports the Royal Flying Doctor Service who provide valuable medical support to the mining industry and settlements across remote regions of Australia. Gold Road joined with Gold Fields in supporting Telethon with the donation of a 1 kilogram gold bar for auction at the annual Lexus Ball.
Our mining and Yamarna exploration tenements sit within the Yilka Talintji Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC native title determination area. The Yilka people are the traditional owners of the land, with members residing in the nearby Cosmo Newberry community situated approximately 90 kilometres south-west of Yamarna.
Along with the Gruyere operations, engagement with our local community provides contracting opportunities for cultural awareness workshops, heritage surveys and environmental rehabilitation work. In 2019, Gruyere and Downer awarded long term contracts to four Yilka businesses for major and minor plant, labour hire and cleaning services. To promote employment in the mining sector, a work readiness programme was developed, and a trainee and apprenticeship programme is anticipated to commence in 2020.
COVID-19 Preparedness and Actions
At Gold Road, COVID-19 and the potential implications of it, is something we are taking very seriously. The health, safety and well-being of our people and our community is of paramount importance. Everyone is feeling the impact and being asked to change their lifestyles and the way they work.
The resources industry in consultation with the Western Australian government have developed a COVID-19 Framework to collaboratively manage the response to COVID-19 and enable the mining and resources industry to continue to operate and contribute to the Western Australian and Australian community and economy.
Our business continues to operate in compliance with protocols aligned to this Framework which includes health screening of personnel, modified shift and roster arrangements, staggered and takeaway meal arrangements, enhanced cleaning, sanitation and hygiene measures, physical distancing on charter flights and modified work practices to avoid working in close proximity and physical contact.
Gold Road has a dedicated COVID-19 Management & Response Team – a small and agile team able to respond to the constantly changing impacts of COVID-19. Both Gold Road and Gold Fields, our joint venture partner at Gruyere, have initiated their Infectious Disease Management Plans, which are being continually reviewed and updated as required.
Through effective consultation and collaboration with our people, we have modified rosters to 15 days on 13 days off, to establish two separate working crews that minimises the risk of any transmission. Our chefs promote physical distancing through the staggering of mealtimes and arranging takeaway meals, there is also enhanced cleaning, sanitation and hygiene measures, health screening and modified work practices to provide employees with flexibility as family carers.
Yamarna Morning Pre-Start
Our Discovery team modifying the morning pre-start meeting outdoors, maintaining social distance
Gruyere & Yamarna Crew Change
Our crews maintaining their social distance, getting ready to board their flight
Yamarna Kitchen
Team member grabbing a takeaway lunch at the Yamarna camp, prepared meals and staggered mealtimes are in place to reduce physical contact
Supporting the Community through COVID-19
Gold Road has joined with fellow resource companies to provide financial support to the Royal Flying Doctor Services, Foodbank WA and Lifeline WA through a Community Support Fund. The financial support will provide essential medical services, food supplies, and mental health support to these vulnerable communities.
