In 1994 Tiwest developed a partnership with the Billinue Aboriginal Community that led to the establishment of a new community north of Perth and a successful indigenous business called Cataby Seeds.
Cataby Seeds was specifically created to pick and supply local native seed to Tiwest for rehabilitation projects at its nearby Cooljarloo mine site. Use of local seeds ensures that the company's rehabilitation activities have a greater chance of success.
Tiwest provided 12 hectares of bushland to the Billinue Community to give them an area of freehold land on which to build a community and establish and expand their seed picking business.
The perseverance and dedication of members of the Billinue Community has seen them successfully grow Cataby Seeds into a viable business, generating regular income. They have also expanded the community from the initial basic campsite to a modern village comprising a number of houses and other facilities with access to all modern amenities
Tiwest maintains its commitment to buy a minimum A$120,000 worth of native seed each year at commercial rates. Seed picking targets are set by Tiwest annually and reviewed monthly with the community.
The partnership with the Billinue Aboriginal Community is part of Tiwest's overall sustainability goal of making a lasting contribution to the Western Australian community and is believed to be one of the longest unbroken commercial relationships between a mining company and an Aboriginal community.
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