Peer Support Groups bolster wellbeing on Pilbara project ,Project delivery in remote regions often relies on a fly-in, fly-out (FiFo) workforce.
CPB Contractors is currently constructing the Western Range Main Infrastructure (WRMI) project in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, and along with project delivery, the site team are building a supportive FiFo community through an innovative Peer Support Group (PSG) initiative.
Created to complement CPB Contractors’ 24/7 Employee Assistance Program, which includes free and confidential information and support services to all employees and their immediate families, the WRMI project’s PSG is essentially a formalised network of trained mentors who provide face-to-face emotional support, guidance, and resources to anyone on camp at the time.
Currently, ten mentors and CPB Contractors employees, and an accredited Mental Health First Aider, make up the project’s PSG; each member is deeply passionate about the importance of building connections and making people from all walks of life feel comfortable reaching out for help.
CPB Contractors Project Safety Lead and PSG mentor Gabrielle Targett shares that the mentoring and support program positively impacts day-to-day life on the FiFo project. Some of the group’s standout initiatives include:
- Mental Health Muffin Morning Tea – created as another way for PSG mentors to casually connect with FiFo workers on site, regular morning teas are held to encourage more connection and open conversations about mental health.
- The WRMI Women’s Group – providing a safe space for female FiFo workers to connect, the site-based Women’s Group is run by female PSG mentors focusing on self-development, building one another up, and mutual support.
- Trademutt advocates – All Mental Health First Aiders in their own right, the PSG are enthusiastic advocates for CPB Contractors’ innovative partnership with TradeMutt. The team proudly wear the conversation-starting PPE and promotes its free This Is A Conversation Starter (TIACS) mental health services to subcontractors, suppliers and trade partners on site.
“I am really proud to be a PSG mentor and love playing a role in creating a more supportive, connected FiFo environment and helping other people thrive both professionally and personally”, shares Gabrielle.
CPB Contractors is delivering the Western Range Main Infrastructure (WRMI) project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Delivering main infrastructure bulk earthworks for Rio Tinto, the project includes the construction of structural earthworks to allow the installation of new materials handling infrastructure and sustaining production at the Paraburdoo Central Facilities
