The 2025 beneficiaries of BHP’s largest ever Telethon donation have been announced at the annual Telethon Beneficiaries Breakfast.

One of the programs to get a boost from the $5.5 million BHP donation, made last year, is the East Pilbara-based Upstream Health Project.

Run by Puntukurnu Aboriginal Media Service (PAMS), the project ensures there is a permanent, culturally appropriate maternal and child health service in the region – and it’s already having a life changing impact.

Martu woman Jennifer Landi is a single mother of five and said the program had been instrumental in helping her across multiple aspects of her life.

From maternal health services, specialist referrals, telehealth consultations, child support, and transportation to and from medical appointments, both locally and to Perth, Jennifer expressed her gratitude for the support.

“Raising a child on your own is already difficult, but caring for multiple children is incredibly overwhelming.”

“I’ve been doing this on my own, and without PAMS clinical services and the Upstream Program, I don’t know where we would be or if we would have made it this far."

The program has empowered Jennifer and many other women in her community through education on self-care and child health.

“Thanks to what we’ve learned, we can now raise awareness among other women on how to improve their health and that of their children.”

BHP’s Telethon donation will also help fund the establishment of a Rare Care Centre Pilbara Hub for earlier detection and intervention of rare diseases and support Julyardi Aboriginal Corporation in Hedland to expand its wraparound health services for vulnerable families.

BHP Manager Community WA, Rachel Donkin, said: “Through our social investment program, we are always looking at how we can make these communities not only better places to live and work, but sustainable, thriving and empowered centres for future generations.”

“Access to healthcare is a key part of that commitment and we are thrilled to partner with these incredible organisations to help improve long-term health outcomes.”

BHP has partnered with Telethon for 11 years, contributing $45.5m to WA programs over this time.

Note: Jennifer’s name has been changed to protect her identity.
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