Care for Hedland and BHP are celebrating two decades of collaboration with the renewal of their partnership for another two years.  

Care for Hedland supports ongoing conservation through initiatives like community gardens, waste management, Containers for Change and school education sessions, which are key to healthy environments and sustainable living.  

The Care for Hedland team are also widely recognised for their Flatback turtle monitoring program, with volunteers monitoring the species on local Port Hedland beaches during nesting and hatching season.  

In the past decade alone, they have helped save more than 63,350 eggs from predators, recorded 16,933 nests and tagged more than 532 turtles for monitoring.  

One of the many volunteers walking the sand searching for evidence of turtle activity is Care for Hedland Operations Manager, Kelly Howlett.  

Kelly said the partnership has been key to providing the organisation with the essential resources and equipment it needs to operate.  

“With more than 260 volunteers and engagement with thousands of visitors each year, BHP’s support has allowed us to transition from an organisation that was heavily reliant upon individuals, to one with a structured plan and key deliverables.” 

“We now employ over 25 staff at any one time and have plans for more circular economy focussed initiatives like a Hedland Repair Café, Timber Pallet Recycling initiative, Food Waste Diversion and Tip Shop.”  

BHP Manager Community WA, Rachel Donkin, said the two-year renewal is an important part of ensuring the Pilbara’s unique natural wonders remain for future generations to come.  

“We’re incredibly proud to celebrate two decades of collaboration with Care for Hedland.” 

“There is nowhere else on earth like the Pilbara and its ongoing conservation is key to BHP and part of our commitment to healthy environments and sustainable communities.”  

BHP has been the principal partner of Care for Hedland since 2006.