New Regional FIFO Model attracts huge interest South Australia

More than 750 people have attended information sessions across the south east of South Australia region to learn more about a regional Fly In, Fly Out (FIFO) Hub pilot.

Initiated by the District Council of Grant in the south east region of South Australia, the pilot is being facilitated by leading jobs website for the Australian resource sector, The Resource Channel.

Information sessions were run in Mount Gambier, Millicent, Portland, Hamilton and Naracoorte during June and provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of employment in the sector, together with the benefits and challenges of fly in, fly out work.  

Managing Director of The Resource Channel, Jody Elliott, says the model provides a highly cost effective and practical mechanism to engage Australians in the resource sector from regions that may not otherwise have that opportunity.

Two online surveys were launched on Friday 22 June; one for potential job seekers and one for businesses.  The survey results will provide a thorough understanding of the products and services available for supply to the mining industry, together with a skills profile of the region and the willingness of locals to do FIFO work. 

Both Surveys will close at midnight on Sunday 22 July and a report with recommendations will be tabled with the Council by Friday 17 August.

The Resource Channel will present outcomes of the surveys to major industry employers where the skills and business profile of the region match identified employer or project need.  According to Ms Elliott, at least four major employers have already shown strong initial interest in the pilot.

Achieving a significant response to both surveys is critical in achieving this outcome.  Within the first week of launch, more than 200 individuals had completed the Skills Profile and 22 businesses had completed the Business Profile.

District Council of Grant Mayor, Cr Richard Sage says, “The model is a ready-made and practical solution for employers seeking skills.  This solution will include airport and plane load availability, skills profiles and ascertain the level of interest in participating in FIFO and on what rosters.” 

 “The report will very quickly enable employers to assess if the region offers the types of skills they require.  Because we also include an analysis of local business, airports and support infrastructure, it offers a quick, simple and effective option for employers to move in and commence recruitment and engage with local industry to support the mining sector,” Ms Elliott says.

According to Ms Elliott, there is a huge benefit to the local regions that might not otherwise have had an opportunity to join the sector, may now be able to do so, while retaining and possibly expanding the population with the benefit of FIFO and thus not having people moving away to seek employment in the sector. 

“Importantly, it enables future employees to retain their home base where their families, friends and support infrastructure exist, and at the same time, alleviates pressures on other mining locations already struggling with the supply of housing and infrastructure.”

Ms Elliott says the south east of South Australia is a logical location to pilot the program because it boasts outstanding trade, engineering and operator skill sets from the transport and logistics, building and manufacturing industries.

Once survey results are presented, employers will be invited to engage with the District Council of Grant to continue discussions on commencing direct employment from the region.