Rio Tinto x Swans Partnership

The Swan Districts Football Club’s Roebourne social impact programs have received a huge boost with a new three-year partnership between the club and Rio Tinto.

The partnership allows Swans Roebourne to help bring more positive impact to the region, with the addition of extra resourcing and staff.

The three-year commitment will strengthen Swans’ Roebourne program, which focuses on improving the lives of young people and their families by supporting personal growth, facilitating meaningful connections and helping reduce the likelihood of at-risk behaviours.

Thanks to Rio Tinto’s support, the Roebourne “team” will increase with the appointment of two new Social Impact Coordinators, helping Social Impact Manager Jimmy Westbrook to deliver programs focused on improving physical health, mental health, individual development, social and community development, and access to opportunities (environment).

In 2024, more than 200 regional activities were delivered by Swans in Roebourne, engaging 291 young people in mentoring and other engaging activities. These programs will now expand to include more outside of school hours initiatives and extend to the Wickham community.

Rio Tinto General Manager Communities Molly Singline said the partnership reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to support communities in the regions where it operates.

“The impact of the Roebourne program is already clear – supporting young people, creating safe spaces and helping families access opportunities,” Molly said. “We’re proud to support Swan Districts Football Club and excited to see the partnership grow, as we continue to build strong, connected communities in the Pilbara.”

Swan District Football Club Head of Social Impact Jason Burton said the partnership aims to address the challenge of living remotely and the barriers faced by the local community.

“Our partnership with Rio Tinto enables our Swans staff to be immersed in the community, not just as a service provider,” Jason said. “Community partners are integral to the impact of all our Swans’ programs, where the focus is on improving the lives of people and the community.”

“We do this through greater engagement in education, improving health and wellbeing and deeper community connections. This all leads to increased opportunity and stronger futures.”

For more information please follow the Swans Roebourne Facebook page.