BHP Billiton & Alliance Airlines Launch Community Development Support Program
Community groups in the Roxby Downs area will benefit from a community support program from Alliance Airlines as part of its contract to fly to Olympic Dam for BHP Billiton.
As part of its community contribution requirement Alliance Airlines has established a Community Development Support Program (CDSP) which will provide a limited number of airfares per month to eligible community groups.
Under the Qantaslink banner, Alliance Airlines operates the domestic passenger service between Adelaide and Olympic Dam carrying BHP Billiton staff and visitors as well as regular public travellers from the surrounding communities.
Guidelines and application forms for CDSP are available from the Alliance Airlines website at www.allianceairlines.com.au
Scott McMillan, MD of Alliance Airlines said how pleasing it was for Alliance Airlines to be able to contribute in such a positive manner to the development of BHP Billiton Olympic Dam joint venture communities.
“In doing so we are honouring one of the requirements of the contract to fly for BHP Billiton to Olympic Dam. In designing the CDSP we have taken into account the need to support community projects which provide sustainable benefit to the community, and build capacity within the community.
Vice President of Finance for BHP Billiton, Paul Dunn said an important part of awarding the BHP Billiton Olympic Dam contract to Alliance Airlines was ensuring there would also be benefits to the local community.
“Throughout the tender and set-up process, we have worked closely with Alliance in the creation of their Community Development Support Program, which will enable community organisations to apply for airfares to support community activities.
“I urge all not-for-profit organisations to familiarise themselves with the criteria and apply to Alliance Airlines as needs arise,” Mr Dunn said.
An existing example of the CDSP is the support provided to the Roxby Downs Family and Youth Forum being able to send three representatives to attend mentor training for the Operation Flinders program which is a leadership development program for youth at risk.
