BHP has renewed its partnership with the Polly Farmer Foundation (PFF), enabling thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to successfully complete their education and pursues meaningful post-school pathways.

BHP Manager Communities, Chris Cottier, said BHP is proud to celebrate nearly two decades of partnership with PFF and support educational outcomes for young Indigenous people.

“We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the Polly Farmer Foundation. This funding will help drive better educational outcomes in the Indigenous community by supporting Indigenous students through early years, and primary and secondary programs that will prepare them for successful careers.”

Through the renewed partnership, BHP continues to provide financial and in-kind support to PFF’s suite of early years, primary and secondary programs in Newman, Hedland and Kalgoorlie (Western Australia).

BHP also provides funding for two of PFF’s interstate Follow The Dream programs: in Muswellbook (New South Wales) and Port Augusta (South Australia).

Additionally, as part of PFF’s partnership with the WA Department of Education, BHP also contributes towards extra-curricular experiences and operational expenses for all Follow The Dream programs across Western Australia.

Cate Sims, Chief Executive of the Polly Farmer Foundation, says: “With BHP’s support over nearly two decades, we have been able to expand our footprint, develop new educational programs, and, most importantly, empower thousands of students and alumni to achieve their potential at school and beyond.”

Currently, over 2,500 Indigenous students are enrolled in PFF’s 57 primary Learning Clubs and STEM Centres, and secondary Follow the Dream programs around the country.

BHP Electrical Engineer Marty Skiadas is a big supporter of PFF’s programs and regularly visits the Hedland STEM Centre to help students take part in STEM challenges and focus on their problem-solving skills.

“It is so rewarding to support young, bright Indigenous students who are excited about STEM, while also helping them to connect with their cultural heritage and traditional knowledge”.