31 August 2012
Celebrations at Cape Kids Childcare Centre
Today marks the official opening of the refurbished and expanded Cape Kids Childcare Centre in Weipa, Queensland.
Construction of the multi-million dollar upgrade kicked off in March 2011 and was completed earlier this year.
Celebrations will include a morning tea and speeches by Rio Tinto Alcan Weipa general manager operations, Jo-Anne Scarini, and the Hon Jan McLucas, Senator for Queensland and Parliamentary secretary for Disabilities and Carers.
Ms Scarini said she was pleased to see the new facilities now being operational as it was much needed infrastructure in the community.
"The expansion is now complete and has more than doubled the number of available places for Weipa families from 28 to 70, and also incorporates a new kindergarten," Ms Scarini said.
"Rio Tinto Alcan Weipa, who currently manages the childcare centre, is committed to building a long-term, sustainable childhood service for the Weipa community."
The construction phase saw new buildings erected next to the existing centre, including an administration building, kitchen, new toddlers' room and a kindergarten. The existing centre was also refurbished.
The expansion would not have been possible without federal government funding.
"We thank the federal government for their generous contribution and support of the childcare expansion. Also, a special thank you to the Hon Jan McLucas for travelling to Weipa to help celebrate with us today," Ms Scarini said.
The childcare expansion was a part of the Australian Government's Early Learning and Care Centres initiative, with $2.1 million being made available to refurbish and expand the existing centre. In addition, Rio Tinto Alcan contributed $2.4 million.
For more information about the Cape Kids Childcare Centre refurbishment, please contact Rio Tinto Alcan Weipa's community freecall hotline 1800 707 633.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and New York Stock Exchange listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, thermal and metallurgical coal, uranium, gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide and salt) and iron ore. Activities span the world and are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in Asia, Europe, Africa and South America.
For further information, please contact:
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Bianca Graham
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Ian McGoldrick
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Mobile: +61 (0) 407 211 900
