Earlier this year we started direct flights from Western Australia’s South West (Busselton) to our central Pilbara mine sites, making travel to site much easier for employees at our Mining Area C (MAC), South Flank and Yandi operations.

We sat down with three employees who are now on the direct flight to find out how it has impacted them and their families.

Tom Mitchell, Plumbing Technician, MAC and South Flank

For Tom Mitchell, the new flight arrived at a great time because he and his wife are expecting their first child.

“The ability to fly from Busselton directly to site has given me so much more time to be able to help prepare for bub’s arrival,” he said.

“I’ve had more time to put into setting up the room for bub and having the extra time at home means I’m able to go to more scans and medical appointments too.

“My wife loves that BHP has implemented the Busselton flights because it means more quality time spent with family and that I can be around more often to assist her with daily tasks.

“Plus, she no longer has to worry about my safety knowing that I’m not driving back home tired after finishing nightshift.

“For me, I now arrive onsite feeling fresh, rested and motivated, ready to hit the ground running.

“I have lived in Busselton my whole life and love the great weather, beautiful landscapes, nice people and relaxed environment with room to move.

“I’m so glad our baby will be able to grow up down here too and that I’ll be around so much more because I can fly straight back home from site.”

Sian Tiltman, Village Operations Supervisor, Yandi

When Sian Tiltman got a seat on the new flight she was grateful for the extra time at home with her family.

“I’ve lived down south since 2006 and worked FIFO for most of that time,” she said.

“I used to drive up to Perth the night before my flight up and pay for a hotel room so I could be well rested before arriving for work.

“I love my job and was happy to make that sacrifice but it was really starting to take its toll, not just financially but also the extra time away from my family was hard.

“When they announced the new direct flights my 16-year-old daughter cried – and she doesn’t cry about anything! – because she knew it meant I could be around for her so much more.

“The first time I flew out of Busselton, both my kids got up early so they could come to the airport and see me off. And it was school holidays so that’s how big a deal it was!

“My entire family is so grateful to BHP for introducing this new flight.

“It really shows they care about us as people and are willing to spend money and resources to help make our lives just a little bit easier.”

Andrew Dawson, Autonomy Maintenance Technician, South Flank

For Andrew Dawson nothing beats life in the South West.

“I was born in Narrogin and moved to Perth for my apprenticeship, but moved back to the South West as soon as I could,” he said.

“I love it because there is a quieter atmosphere and easier nature, and access to fishing, 4WD and camping, all within 10-15 minutes from the doorstep.

“Before the new flights I would have to leave home at midnight to get to the airport for the 5am flight out and coming home I wouldn’t get into Perth until 5 or 6 at night, and then wouldn’t be home until 8 or 9 depending on the traffic. That’s a long day on the end of a shift.

“Now it’s only 40 mins away from home which has made a huge difference to my quality of life.

“I’m less fatigued and happier being home more, and I get a lot more done while I am at home. I’m actually getting my shed built now.

“It makes the working day start a lot easier too when you get to work.

“You’re more focused on the job because you’re not so tired which is a big win for safety.

“For me the best thing about being on the new flight is the home life and work life balance.”