SHEFFIELD RECRUITS LOCALS FOR THUNDERBIRD TEAM

Written on the 10 July 2017

Sheffield Resources is pleased to advise the Community of three key appointments to its local team as it ramps up community and Aboriginal recruitment for its construction work-ready program, starting next month in Derby and Broome. All Kimberley locals, Ms Gayle Keys joins Mr Justin King and Mr Terry Marshall as development of the Thunderbird Mineral Sands Project takes its first steps.

Located on a pastoral lease mid-way between Derby and Broome, construction of Thunderbird is planned to commence later this year.

Thunderbird offers local, inter-generational jobs and business opportunities over 42 years, at the drive-in drive out mine site, and at Derby and Broome ports, from where the products will be exported.

While the environmental approvals are progressing, the Native Title claimants, through their representative Arma Legal (KRED) have lodged an appeal with the Federal Court of Australia in relation to the Native Title Act negotiation process. This appeal places jobs at risk.

Sheffield Managing Director Bruce McFadzean, said he was proud of the local Sheffield team.

"We will build a sustainable business, the engagement of locals Gayle Keys, Justin King and Terry Marshall demonstrates Sheffield's commitment to create a project for the community. The detail of our Aboriginal Work Ready Program for up to 18 people commencing next month will be communicated shortly.

"These jobs signify that momentum is growing, benefits are starting to flow, and that we have listened to the Traditional Owners and the wider Kimberley about the need for real work.

"More locals can join the Thunderbird Project as soon as we get through the environmental and Native Title processes, so please help us to help your community by getting right behind us in this final phase.

"There is a great pool of talent in Broome, Derby and surrounding communities, and I am asking for a partnership approach, with shared responsibility, to deliver long term local jobs. We cannot do it on our own; it will only succeed working side by side."

As Senior Community Adviser, a Karrijarri Traditional Owner from Bidyadanga and recruited in October 2016, Mr King's role has a focus on developing Sheffield's Aboriginal employment and training strategy, management of Aboriginal cultural awareness and mentoring Aboriginal employees. Mr King brings highly valued experience, most recently as Aboriginal Liaison Officer for six years with Rio Tinto and FMG.

Mr Marshall, a Nyikina Traditional Owner from Bidan just 30 kilometres from the Thunderbird site, joined Sheffield in June 2017 as a Ranger, assisting the development and implementation of an environment and heritage management system. Mr Marshall has highly regarded practical and supervisory skills achieved in previous Ranger jobs.

Ms Keys, raised in the Kimberley and a long term Broome resident is an experienced and qualified environmental professional and will assist in the development and implementation of environment and heritage management systems, ensuring community expectations and regulatory compliance is met.

For further information please contact: Kim Pervan, Senior Advisor External Affairs Tel: 08 6555 8714 Mobile: 0407 083 832 kpervan@sheffieldresources.com.au www.sheffieldresources.com.au