Since establishing the Sisters of the North (SOTN) charity in the wake of the 2019 north west floods, MMG Dugald River and SOTN have forged a strong partnership.

“Sisters of the North commitment to community wellbeing and social engagement is admirable and resonates with MMG’s own values and leadership goals,” said Tim Akroyd, General Manager Dugald River Mine.

“It also helped inform MMG’s decision to donate $50,000 to assist with SOTN’s flood recovery efforts and to contribute financial and in-kind support for Cloncurry community events.

“Good health, wellbeing, and gender equality are two of the six goals of MMG’s Community Sponsorship Program. The Cloncurry Ladies Picnic Day ticked those boxes by hosting an occasion where women can socially connect and hear from nationally acclaimed speakers presenting relevant regional topics. To support the day, MMG also helped five female employees attend and enjoy the occasion.”

Susan Dowling, SOTN co-founder said MMG’s support has been extremely valuable from the outset.

“It just made sense to partner with Cloncurry Shire Council to create a day for women to celebrate International Women’s Day,” said Susan Dowling, co-founder of Sisters of the North (SOTN) charity, after co-hosting a successful Cloncurry Ladies Picnic Day with the support of MMG Dugald River funds and in-kind support.

“MMG donates money and remains involved with SOTN by checking in on a regular basis and forever offering to lend a hand. Let me tell you, this effort goes above and beyond,” she said.

“Volunteers are hard to come by at the best of times. For MMG to help out by volunteering three employees to tend the bar at the picnic was gold. It’s a great example of how business and corporates can get behind regional community events. Plus, the MMG team looked like they had fun, and they got to meet some locals too.

“MMG also gave leave for some women employees to attend the picnic during work hours – how about that? In the spirit of aligning with International Women’s Day, this is a great example for workplace satisfaction, gender support, and commitment to our community,” added Susan.

The Sisters of the North charity is on track to distribute the $1.35 million raised across the six shires they represent.

Both Tim and Susan agree that community events are critical for community liveability and vitality, but they don’t just happen without hard work. “Sharing the load to run these events is just one way of making life a bit easier out here. With combined ideas it’s good to have a bit of diversity with what we can achieve,” continued Susan.

Image: MMG Dugald River ladies at the Sisters of the North International Women’s Day Luncheon.