Chevron digs deep for its most valuable resource

As the impacts of COVID-19 began to hit, Chevron Australia quickly developed a $1 million relief fund to support one of the tightknit communities at the heart of the work it does in Western Australia. 

Assistance was targeted at Onslow, a coastal town in the remote Pilbara region with a community of around 850 people. The Chevron Onslow Relief Fund provided financial support and critical health and social services to help the community navigate the worst of the pandemic.

Well-known for its salt mining, cattle farming, fishing and tourism, Onslow has attracted investment from a range of large businesses including Chevron Australia who operate the Wheatstone natural gas facility near the town.

“The Onslow community is at the heart of the work we do.” - Chevron Australia Managing Director Al Williams.

“The Chevron Onslow Relief Fund is our commitment to lend a hand to local businesses and community members impacted by these uncertain and challenging times.”

As part of the fund, a stimulus package designed to help strengthen community resilience is being delivered by the Onslow Chamber of Commerce and Industry, including:

• local business support for short-term financial hardship and/or long-term business rebuilding;
• upskilling opportunities for residents unemployed as a result of current health and economic challenges; and
• shop local vouchers for eligible residents to use at participating local businesses.

“More than $170,000 worth of vouchers are being posted out and redeemed at local businesses,” said Onslow Chamber of Commerce & Industry President Chantelle King.

“There’s the opportunity that it is supporting local community members themselves, especially those that may have lost their jobs or reduced hours.”

Shire of Ashburton President Kerry White said: “We would also like to acknowledge the $1million made available by Chevron to the Chevron Onslow Relief Fund that will enable the provision of financial support and critical health services to Onslow residents, Aboriginal communities, local businesses and the unemployed and encourage Onslow businesses and residents to get involved in the Shop Local Voucher Program.’’

In addition to the fund, Chevron Australia pledged another $1 million to essential service providers including the Australian Royal Flying Doctor Service, Lifeline WA and Foodbank WA through a collaborative industry effort led by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA to assist COVID-19 patients in remote and regional WA.

“Businesses and the communities in which they operate rely on each other to thrive, create jobs and attract more investment.” - Business Council of Australia Chief Executive Jennifer Westacott.

“The coronavirus pandemic has shown the resilience of our communities and businesses, working together for a stronger Australia.”

To learn more about what business is doing to assist their employees, customers, stakeholders and communities through COVID-19 visit: www.bca.com.au/what_our_members_are_doing