Employees from Alcoa’s Wagerup Alumina Refinery have launched into their annual month of recognition volunteering initiative, where they roll up their sleeves to support local not-for-profit organisations in and around Waroona.
Every October since 2006, Alcoa employees substitute their daily duties with activities such as gardening, donating blood, building playgrounds and much more.
The Exies Hockey Club in Bunbury received a fresh lick of paint when both Wagerup refinery employees and club committee members spent the day together restoring club premises in readiness for a community ‘busy-bee’.
Tasks undertaken included removing an infamous tree stump trip-hazard, re-fitting the storerooms, cleaning and re-painting exterior walls, doors, veranda railings and the roof frame, pressure cleaning plastic tables and chairs and a cleaning blitz on the kitchen.
The project was also the recipient of a $3,000 ACTION (Alcoans Coming Together in our Neighbourhoods) grant.
Long-time member Pat Repacholi said the clubhouse was built by volunteers in 1990 so the help from Alcoa employees to revamp the facilities and funds for extra works were greatly needed.
The Greener Pastures Sanctuary in Waroona was also a beneficiary of volunteer support and now has a new 10m x 4m aviary to house domestic birds thanks to the efforts of refinery crew members.
Greener Pastures is a not-for-profit animal sanctuary which provides a permanent or temporary home to rescued animals such as horses, cows, sheep, chickens and pigs.
Wagerup refinery’s administration assistant Jaclyn Evans is a supporter of the sanctuary and said the assistance from the crew was invaluable.
“In between helping all the animals and doing general housekeeping chores, finding the time for larger jobs can be difficult, so to have the crew pitch in was fantastic,” Mrs Evans said.
Wagerup Refinery manager Mark Hodgson is also passionate about volunteering.
“Alcoa employees are known for their commitment to community and we all enjoy getting involved,” Mr Hodgson said.
“The month of recognition is another opportunity where we enjoy making a difference.”
Across Alcoa’s WA and Victorian operations, almost 50 month of recognition volunteering events are planned this year. Organisations to benefit include the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation, Country Women’s Association, Waroona Bowling and Social Club and the Red Cross.