Diversity

The Shire of Wiluna has a population of 706, of which 30.5% are indigenous. In 2019, SO4 participated in three community expos to promote our employment and training programs for regionally based community members. By the end of 2019, Aboriginal people represented 18% of the SO4 workforce across a broad spectrum of roles, with 10 Aboriginal people engaged from the local Wiluna region

SO4 is committed to providing Aboriginal contractors and businesses, in particular Wiluna businesses with opportunities to participate in our supply chain. In 2019, we engaged an Aboriginal business development consultant to identify potential Wiluna based Aboriginal businesses and accompanying development strategies

Solid Opportunity Pathways

SO4’s Solid Opportunity Pathways (SOP) Program is a holistic career development pathway that aims to maximise engagement and retention of local Aboriginal people. The program is tailored to ensure that participants meet the minimum entry level requirements of identified employment opportunities and have an opportunity to develop a long-term career pathway with SO4.

The program includes:

  • Soft skills, such as health and well-being, financial literacy, resiliency and leadership
  • Hard skills, such as Verification of Competence assessments, and TAFE certification
  • Dedicated pastoral care
  • Ongoing health and well-being support
  • Licencing assistance
  • Family engagement
  • Literacy and numeracy support

All participants are guaranteed permanent employment opportunities on successful completion of the program.

Cultural Inclusivity And Gender Statistics

At SO4, we believe in the power of diversity to add value to our business and are committed to driving a workplace culture that practices and promotes diversity. Diverse viewpoints are key to driving innovation and ensuring balance across the different functions of our business. In 2019 SO4 had1:

• 18% aboriginal workforce
• 14 local Wiluna people employed
• 28% female workforce

1Ratios based on SO4 employees only.