We’re proud to expand our partnership with Child Australia on the Thriving Futures Educator Recognition Program, which is focused on attracting and retaining a quality childcare workforce and ensuring sustainability within the sector for generations of families to come.

The Educator Recognition Program (ERP) is designed to be the catalyst for a new benchmark in raising the professional status of the workforce entrusted with the critical role of caring, nurturing and educating our children in their early years.

BHP Head of Corporate Affairs WA Meath Hammond said we were looking forward to continuing our partnership with Child Australia for the benefit of the entire Pilbara community.

“The Educator Recognition Program provides an opportunity to set a new standard in supporting the childcare workforce in the Pilbara,” Meath said.

“It is vital we support our educators – we know that by doing so, it has positive flow on effects for all working families in our communities. These professionals make a real difference in the lives of not only children but their families.”

Our $2.5 million commitment over a three-year period, will see childcare professionals access generous wage subsidies, professional development, scholarship opportunities, supported mentoring, career pathways, and more. The program is designed to improve staff attraction and retention, strengthen educator’s capabilities, increase childcare availability for families, and ensure a robust sustainable childcare sector in the Pilbara region for years to come.

CEO of Child Australia, Tina Holtom stated, “More than a third of candidates applying to be part of the Thriving Futures program identified cost of living in the region as a significant barrier to considering the Education and Care sector as a career choice. It was important to address this while simultaneously recognising the critical importance of sector professionals more broadly.”