February 03, 2023

Workers get busy for good causes

Alcoa employee Elise Mills volunteers with Mandurah Joey Marsupial Care.

From busy bees at schools through to revegetating public spaces, more than 830 Alcoa employees devoted about 3,500 volunteer hours in the past year to support around 90 community groups and charities near the company’s Australian operations.

In some instances, the volunteering efforts also came with financial support. Through the Alcoans Coming Together in our Neighbourhood (ACTION) program, the company matches employees’ volunteering effort with a $3,000 grant. Last year, the ACTION program resulted in $141,000 in grants being awarded to 47 groups.

Employee volunteering is just one way Alcoa supports local communities near where it mines bauxite and refines alumina in the Kwinana, Peel and Upper South West areas of Western Australia and its aluminium smelter near Portland in Victoria.

In 2021, the company contributed $4.8 million toward community initiatives and activities.

Alcoa Corporate Affairs Director Jodie Read thanked employees for their volunteering efforts and community spirit.

“Alcoa is proud to be an engaged and supportive partner in our neighbouring communities and we encourage and support our employees to also be active community members,” Ms Read said.