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May 2013

message from alan cransberg, chairman and managing director, alcoa of australia

How many of us have reached the big ‘five-O’ or another significant milestone recently? If you have, congratulations! I reckon fifty is fabulous (speaking from experience) and I say that because Alcoa of Australia celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Our year of celebration is certainly underway; on 17 April our Point Henry smelter in Geelong, Victoria, celebrated five decades since it poured its first molten metal, signifying the beginning of aluminium production in Australia.

Across the years many thousands of locals have worked at the smelter. Today with a workforce of 1000 at Point Henry, more than 300 current employees have proudly worked for Alcoa for more than 25 years. And Point Henry’s longest serving employee only retired last year after an incredible 48 years with the company. Point Henry has certainly made an outstanding contribution to the lives of many and to the communities and governments we have worked with over many years. I must say I am really touched by the community support both at the event and over the last 50 years – we know how important the relationship with the community is to our success.

Our WA mining operations and Kwinana refinery are also celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2013 and plans are well underway to observe these milestones. To hear more about our journey read Alcoa celebrates first 50 years in Australia.

Fifty years of operation is an extraordinary milestone and it is testament to the many talented, courageous and industrious people who have worked and currently work for Alcoa. Being in a diverse, inclusive work environment where respect is a core value is a key part of keeping employees engaged and motivated. Ensuring we maintain that inclusive workplace culture is an important goal for me. I firmly believe we must treat all people equally, with no limitations imposed apart from their ability and the opportunity they earn. To that end we recently became the first mining and resources member of diversity organisation Pride in Diversity and we’re now rolling out inclusion training for ALL employees, including my lead team. Great opportunities arise from more inclusive workplace cultures, especially in today’s ever-changing, diverse and multi-cultural society.

On a totally different topic, Alcoa’s Sculpture by the Sea review event was a sight to behold, despite the inclement mid-March weather. During the three week exhibition 240,000 people admired and interacted with more than 70 pieces of art on display at WA’s iconic Cottesloe Beach in this our ninth year of this hugely rewarding partnership. Read more on the event inside this edition.

And congratulations to everyone involved in the Swan River Trust and Alcoa Landcare Program during the last 15 years. It’s an almighty achievement and I’ve seen firsthand the achievements of 1000s of Perth people. Read more about this sensational environmental care program.

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Alcoa celebrates first 50 years in Australia
2013 is a time to reflect on past achievements, challenges faced and celebrate the people who made the first 50 years of operating and investing in Australia possible.

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Miracle metal shines by the sea
Thunder storms did not dampen spirits at Alcoa’s annual partnership celebration for Sculpture by the Sea at iconic Cottesloe Beach in Perth.