Rio Tinto Earth Assist

15 May 2009

Rio Tinto Earth Assist is a hands-on conversation volunteering programme targeted at secondary school students and teachers across the State. It was created in response to a rising demand for volunteering opportunities that arose from the introduction of the Department of Education and Training's Community Service Programme.

The five - year $2.5 million programme is supported by the State Government of Western Australia; the Department of Environment and Conservation is providing access to environmental projects in state managed national parks, nature reserves, regional and marine parks and the Department of Education and Training is promoting opportunities to teachers and students through Community Service Programme Coordinators.

As long term partners of Conservation Volunteers Australia, we have seen first hand the incredible impact that community volunteers have made on the Western Australia environment. With the introduction of Rio Tinto Earth Assist, we can enable students to step outside the classroom and take part in hands-on activities that will make a real and positive difference to their community and natural environment.

Churchlands High School was the first metropolitan school to commence involvement in the programme with twenty students on hand today planting native seedlings along the lakeshore. Pilbara schools will have the opportunity to become involved from 21 July 2009 and the rest of the State will have access to programme materials through teachers delivered training, accompanying modules and exercises available on a purpose built website.

For Rio Tinto the project provides another great opportunity to give back to the community beyond the economic contribution of our business.