01 May 2020
APPEA is highlighting the work member companies are doing to meet the health, safety and operational challenges of COVID-19, as well as engaging with and supporting local communities as we deal with the impacts of the pandemic.
APPEA’s social media and member communications effort underlines how significantly our industry is responding, with many people going beyond the call of duty to support the recovery of the Australian economy and community.
The response includes oil and gas companies working with supply chains, including many small and medium-sized businesses, implementing new systems to keep workforces and regions healthy, and adjusting operating models to retain local and indigenous employees.
Many companies have also extended this effort beyond their operating environment to support the broader community.
An example is Woodside’s $10 million COVID-19 Community Fund to support community organisations responding to COVID-19. This includes not-for-profit organisations with an established presence in the Western Australian communities where the company operates, namely Karratha, Roebourne, Exmouth, Broome, Dampier Peninsula and Perth. Woodside’s work has included extending its partnership with community charity Orange Sky, which provides laundry and shower services to the homeless.
Similarly, BP Australia is helping the Royal Flying Doctor Service continue their emergency healthcare services with the donation of 35,000 N95 face masks to RFDS staff.
Another initiative is Arrow Energy’s work to demonstrate to the local public that FIFO remains a valid and low-risk workforce option amid the COVID challenges. In central Queensland in particular, Arrow cannot operate without the FIFO component of its workforce.
