Making a difference in our communities in 2021

Queensland Metals funded more than 60 community organisations for capacity building projects in 2021, in what was a crucial year to get community events and initiatives kick-started after many were cancelled in 2020.

Our Community Assistance Program provides funding for local events, projects and initiatives across our North Queensland communities to make them safer, happier, healthier and more sustainable.

We believe the communities that support our operations should benefit from our activities.

Here’s a look at some of the initiatives we funded during 2021.

North West Hospital and Health Service, Midwifery Group Practice

With Glencore funding, the Midwifery Group Practice purchased equipment to screen and identify hearing issues in newborn babies. The Newborn Healthy Hearing Device is used for mobile hearing screening at the clinic and in family homes of two-week-old newborns.

North West Hospital and Health Service, Maternal Child Youth Health

The Maternal Youth Health department purchased a Spot Vision Screener to assist with vision screening in children from one year old. The new equipment takes only 30 seconds to screen a child’s eye sight.

Mount Isa Underground Hospital and Museum

Glencore funding was granted to the Mount Isa Underground Hospital and Museum to restore the timber support. Maintenance was required to replace the timber support system to preserve the heritage listed site for locals, school groups and visitors to the region.

Happy Valley Community Kindergarten

The Happy Valley Community Kindergarten in Mount Isa installed a new fence at the kindergarten, with funding from Glencore.

Estelle Cardiff Community Kindergarten

The Estelle Cardiff Community Kindergarten replaced sand in the kindergarten’s sandpit and installed a new sprinkler system. Estelle Cardiff is the oldest running kindergarten in Mount Isa, and was originally located opposite the old Mines Fire Station on South Road on Mineside more than 60 years ago.

Mount Isa Community Ensembles (MICE)

MICE held the 'Symphony Under the Outback Stars' in October, featuring orchestra and ensemble members from the local community. Glencore Queensland Metals funding supported the project, which involved hosting a professional development workshop series for brass, woodwind, percussion and strings musicians to develop the young orchestra in Mount Isa.

Brighter Lives Townsville Hospital Foundation

Thanks to Glencore funding, the Brighter Lives Townsville Hospital Foundation were able to improve birth suites at the Townsville University Hospital.

Magnetic Island Community Development Association

The Magnetic Island Community Development Association received Glencore funding to construct a wildlife aviary for rehabilitation and special wildlife care service for birds. The wildlife aviary will provide a tourist attraction aligning with ecotourism plans for the island.

2021 Events

2021 saw the return of events to North West Queensland, after many were cancelled during the COVID-related restrictions in 2020.

Glencore provided funding for events across the region, including the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, Gregory River Canoe Marathon, MINEX 2021, Glencore Overlander’s Way Festival of Sport, Opera Queensland’s 'Are you Lonesome Tonight', Mount Isa Agricultural Show, Apex Rock Pop Mime Show, Northern Outback Business Awards, Mount Isa City Council’s 'Christmas in the City' and Mission to Seafarers Golf Day.