Alcoa awards inaugural bushfire grants

Eight bushfire brigades and an Aboriginal Ranger program across WA and Victoria will share in almost $140,000 granted as part of the 2025 Alcoa Bushfire Ready Fund.

The recipients will use the grants for much-needed equipment and facility upgrades, capacity building and support services.

Alcoa launched the Bushfire Ready Fund in February this year, committing $1.3 million over the next three years to support initiatives in WA and Victoria that prepare and protect communities, or provide funding for regional scale impact projects which address challenges related to fire and the drying climate.

Focused predominantly on the Peel and South West regions of WA where Alcoa operates its bauxite mines and alumina refineries, and the Glenelg Shire in Victoria where the company’s Portland Aluminium Smelter is located, the program also includes initial small grants of $6500, which were awarded to 24 recipients earlier this year.

For the most recent grants, recipients were able to apply for funding of up to $20,000. 

The Gnaala Karla Booja (GKB) Aboriginal Corporation’s Ranger Program was one of the successful applicants and intends to use grant funding to support a Bushfire Readiness Capacity Building initiative. 

Jackie Parker, CEO of GKB Impact – the business division of the corporation that oversees the ranger program – said the funding would enable rangers to develop essential skills in traditional fire mitigation practices. 

“A lot of the knowledge about Noongar forest management practices has been lost over time and it is vital for the health of our South West forests to bring it back,” Ms Parker said. 

“This grant from Alcoa will go a long way towards rebuilding some of that knowledge so our rangers can play a leading role in fire management into the future.”

Alcoa Australia President Elsabe Muller acknowledged that bushfires posed a significant threat to communities throughout Australia, including in areas close to the company’s mining, refining and smelting operations.

“We value the tireless work of local brigades, rangers and volunteers, and recognise the exceptional efforts by people working behind the scenes and on the frontlines to protect lives and property,” Ms Muller said.  

“The Bushfire Ready Fund was established to empower communities to take proactive steps in fire preparedness and response. These inaugural recipients reflect the kind of grassroots leadership and projects we are proud to support.” 

Ms Muller added that Alcoa has contributed considerable funding and research to fire management and had special leave provisions for the many members of its workforce who worked with fire services. 

LIST OF GRANT RECIPIENTS