Major new funding to bolster WA communities
Woodside has started 2025 with the announcement of significant contributions and grants that support worthy causes in West Australian communities where we operate, including a multi-million-dollar sum to Roebourne District High School.
Woodside has begun 2025 by announcing a series of significant contributions that reinforce our commitment to WA communities.
CEO Meg O’Neill said funding was directed towards programs that deliver tangible benefits for the sustainability and liveability of the company’s host communities. It includes donations to support upgrades to the Roebourne District High School and the redevelopment of Perth Concert Hall which, together, total A$50 million.
“Our investment in the Roebourne District High School upgrades builds on our long-term commitment to positive regional education outcomes through the Karratha and Roebourne Education Initiative,” Meg explained. “The education of our young people in a culturally appropriate environment which sets them up for success was a key consideration in our decision to support the upgrade.
“We are also pleased to contribute to the revitalisation of the iconic Perth Concert Hall, a venue that has been at the centre of much of Western Australia’s modern cultural history. Its redevelopment will secure the long-term future of orchestral music in the state and a home for the West Australian Symphony Orchestra.”
L-R: Roebourne District High School Chaplain Beth Smith, Roebourne District High School Principal Liz Ritchie, Meg O'Neill, WA Premier Roger Cook and Kevin Michel MLA.
Woodside’s contribution derives from its A$50 million commitment to the Western Australian Government’s Resources Community Investment Initiative (RCII) which will see A$30 million allocated to the Concert Hall redevelopment and A$20 million to the school upgrades over five years, subject to execution of the relevant project funding arrangements.
That contribution followed hard on the heels of the announcement of Woodside Anniversary Grants to 10 organisations from the City of Karratha. Worth up to A$100,000 each, these grants are designed to deliver positive outcomes and commemorate both Woodside’s 70th anniversary as a proud Australian company and our four decades of safe, reliable operations in Karratha.
"Karratha is where our Western Australia story began and we understand that being a part of the community is centred on developing strong relationships and making meaningful contributions," explains Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Australia Liz Westcott. "We have done this for 40 years and look forward to continue supporting projects and programs that provide local solutions to local challenges."
In 2022 Woodside and its Joint Venture participants allocated additional funding of up to A$65 million over five years for regional community development in Western Australia. Together with Woodside’s RCII commitment, these two investment streams total A$115 million and build on decades of the company’s active community involvement throughout the state.
Woodside Anniversary Grant recipients include:
- St John Ambulance to help purchase new ambulances and lifesaving equipment across its Karratha, Roebourne and Wickham operations.
- Yaandina Community Services for the installation of air-conditioning in its Roebourne residential detoxification facility.
- Yinjaa-Barni Art to support upgrades at its Roebourne art studio.
- The WA Centre for Rural Health to deliver a business case to support the development of a Centre for Applied Research and Education (CARE) hub in Karratha.
- Reach Us Pilbara for the purchase of equipment for its Karratha cancer support services centre.
- Juluwarlu Group for the delivery of the Yindjibarndi Wellness pilot program for Jadas and Gurri.
- Karratha RSL for the installation of solar panels, battery storage and new air-conditioners in its facility.
- Pilbara for Purpose to support the delivery of cultural competency training for community service providers.
- Karratha Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services to assist with the upgrade of storage facilities to support year-round storage of firefighting equipment.
- Dampier Community Association for the purchase of kitchen equipment to support the activation of the Dampier foreshore kiosk.
