Each year on 25 April ANZAC ceremonies are held around the country to remember Australians who have fought and died serving their country.  Australians who live in cities and larger towns have the opportunity to attend ceremonies to pay their respects, but for people who live and work in regional and remote areas, access to services can be limited.

BHP Billiton is contributing to a number of ANZAC Day ceremonies across the nation, to help employees and community members pay their respects.

BHP Billiton’s President Governance and Company Secretary, Jane McAloon, who recently concluded three years serving as a member of the Council of the Australian War Memorial, said it was fitting for the Company to be involved in the occasion.

“From Port Hedland in remote Western Australia, to Muswellbrook in the New South Wales Hunter Valley, BHP Billiton representatives will be involved in ANZAC Day ceremonies and in some cases we will be holding our own,” she said.

“This means community members and employees who work at local mines, many of whom are ex-servicemen and women, can participate, even if they are in a remote location or working at a site which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Ms McAloon explained how BHP Billiton had contributed to Australia’s war efforts throughout its history.

“It’s a little known fact that BHP Billiton made significant contributions to the war efforts for both the First and Second World Wars.  For example, the Newcastle Steel Works manufactured a wide range of steel products which were used in the First World War,” she said. 

BHP Billiton recently announced a A$1 million partnership with the Australian War Memorial to support the redevelopment of the Memorial’s First World War galleries.

“I have been privileged to be a member of the Australian War Memorial Council for the last three years,” Ms McAloon said.

“I am very pleased that the major development of the galleries will form a key part of the Memorial’s commemorations for the centenary of the First World War.  This significant donation will assist in the integration of state-of-the art technologies in the galleries to enhance and support artefacts, works of art and a range of other exhibition items,” Ms McAloon said.

The following is a list of ceremonies BHP Billiton employees and community members can attend in BHP Billiton’s host communities.  Ceremonies are also being held for BHP Billiton employees in many mining camps in the Pilbara.

Western Australia:

- Newman: Meet at the BHP Billiton Town Office at 5:30am.
- Port Hedland: Meet at the Port Hedland War Memorial opposite the Esplanade Hotel at 5:30am.
- Perth: Kings Park and Botanic Garden 4:30am to 7:00am.

Queensland:

- Moranbah: Moranbah Town Square Cenotaph at 5:00am and morning service at 11:00am.
- Dysart: Dysart Civic Centre Cenotaph at 4:28am and morning service at 11:00am.
- Blackwater: Worker’s Club 4.25am and morning service 9:00am.

 New South Wales:

- Muswellbrook: Muswellbrook Cenotaph at 6:00am.
- Singleton: Coffee Royale at Lone Pine Barracks at 4:45am.

 Please see the News Release.