Sherena’s Visit to Our Onslow Team

In her role as a Waalitj Hub Business Coach for the Pilbara, Bardi-Jawi woman Sherena Bin Hitam has the opportunity to visit the towns of the Pilbara to connect and work with local Chamber of Commerce and industry staff, as well as other Waalitj Foundation staff.  

She recently visited Onslow, a small coastal town with a hive of activity for business with mining industry leaders established for operations in proximity of the town, including Chevron, Onslow Salt and now Mineral Resources Limited.  

During Sherena’s visit, she spent some time with our Onslow Family Support team, including Program Manager, Suzanne Wilson. 

As a part of our Onslow Family Support Program, local mentors work with the community and local services to provide support to overcome any barriers that may prevent children from regular school attendance. Intensive mentoring is provided to families and covers support for establishing routines, such as school pick-ups. 

Sherena joined Suzanne on one of her morning school runs. She said it was a great service provided with love and care by Suzanne, who knows each family intimately. 

Most of the children were ready to be picked up on the curb, even some family puppies trying to jump on the bus. As each student jumped on board, they were excited to share their yarns on the morning run to school. They chatted about the local happenings and their weekend activities, including fishing, hunting or which kid was back home after travelling to other towns in the Pilbara, Broome and Kununurra. 

“It was amazing to listen and hear the excitement from each child to share their stories with Miss Suzanne.” Sherena said.  

Reflecting on her time in Onslow with Suzanne and the team, Sherena said “The Onslow Family Support Program provides simple, effective, and valuable supports and comfort to the Aboriginal families, knowing their children are being cared for and engaged in their learning. The environment allows the children to have security in their education and learning.” 

Supported by Woodside Energy, Mineral Resources and the National Indigenous Australians Agency, the Onslow Family Support Program is aimed at Aboriginal families in Onslow and the Bindi Bindi community with the primary focus of improving school attendance and capacity in parents and caregivers. Find out more here.