- Successful Woodside Energy initiative expanded to improve education outcomes for more students in the Pilbara
- $7 million, five-year Karratha and Roebourne Education Initiative builds on the successful work already being done in the region
- Investment will support ongoing education programs at Karratha Senior High School and Roebourne District High School in addition to seven primary schools
An award-winning initiative in the Pilbara is set to benefit more students with a $7 million, five-year expansion to improve education outcomes and opportunities.
Education Minister Tony Buti today announced the five-year Karratha and Roebourne Education Initiative with Woodside Energy and its joint venture partners which extends the agreement beyond Karratha Senior High School and Roebourne District High School.
The program will now also be delivered to seven primary schools: Karratha Primary School, Dampier Primary School, Tambrey Primary School, Peg's Creek Primary School, Baynton West Primary School, Millars Well Primary School and Wickham Primary School.
Woodside Energy first launched the initiative with Karratha Senior High School in 2007 and was last year recognised for its work over the past 16 years receiving the Community Development Excellence Award at the 2023 Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association Excellence Awards in addition to the Chair's Award for the most outstanding program across all award categories.
The initiative provides educational opportunities for students and supports pathways to employment with its comprehensive suite of career awareness programs. The programs inform students of career paths, industry insights and hands-on experiences to equip them with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their futures.
A coordinator will be employed to oversee additional ATAR support, industry and STEM programs, and extracurricular activities that promote leadership and teamwork at the schools.
As stated by Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"I'm thrilled this partnership between Woodside Energy and the Department of Education will continue for years to come, benefitting even more students in the Pilbara.
"It has proved to be a very successful partnership over the years helping many students achieve their best and guiding them to a range of careers.
"I'm sure the new schools participating, and their communities are excited about what is to come, and I look forward to hearing about the work they are involved with."
