The program focuses on improving school attendance and engagement, with mentors working directly with young people and families to provide practical, relationship-based support.
The partnership recommitment builds on three years of collaboration between the organisations, which began when MinRes developed its Onslow Iron project.
In the time since, the partnership has helped families establish routines through school pick-ups and navigate services, paperwork and appointments.
MinRes’ funding has also helped bring Waalitj Foundation mentors to town to work directly with young people and families. Importantly, it has also supported on-Country activities promoting a stronger connection to culture.
Waalitj Foundation Onslow Family Support Manager Suzanne Wilson said the partnership provided consistency and stability.
“The continued support from Mineral Resources allows us to deliver meaningful, long-term outcomes for young people and families in Onslow,” Wilson said.
“Through the Onslow Family Support Program, we can build trusted relationships, support school engagement, connect families with services, and create opportunities for young people to strengthen their connection to culture."
Wilson said the partnership allow the program to be a reliable presence in the community and continue making a positive difference in the lives of local families.
“We are proud of what has been achieved together and excited about the opportunities the next three years will bring,” she said.
MinRes Manager Communities and Stakeholder Engagement Daniel Barker said the Onslow Family Support Program played an important role in the community.
“By partnering with organisations such as the Waalitj Foundation, we’re able to support programs that drive school attendance, engagement and on-Country mentoring,” Barker said.
“This new longer-term partnership provides continuity for the Waalitj Foundation to build trusted relationships with young people and families to provide consistent support in the community.
“We’re proud of what the Waalitj Foundation continues to achieve and look forward to the next three years of partnership.”
The Onslow Iron project exports iron ore through the Port of Ashburton, located 15km south of Onslow.
The project reached its nameplate capacity of 35 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) in August 2025, just 14 months after first ore on ship. In FY26, Onslow Iron exported 34.1 million tonnes.
Learn more about MinRes' partnership with the Waalitj Foundation.
