Packaging
Silver Anniversary for Alcoas Wagerup and Willowdale Operations
Wednesday 08. April 2009 - Alcoa of Australias Wagerup Refinery and Willowdale Mine are celebrating their 25th anniversary this week.
The operations in the South-West of Western Australia were officially opened on April 11 1984, bringing jobs and prosperity to the Waroona and Harvey Shires.
Willowdale employee Tony Vergone, who has been with Alcoa for 33 years, said having job security and flexibility in his work were the best things about working for Alcoa.
“I enjoy my job and the people I work with, and being able to live on the coast less than an hour from Perth and work in a mine site environment is great,” Tony said.
Yarloop local and 25-year Wagerup veteran, Andrew “Benny” Goodman, saved a memento from the day Wagerup first began operations.
“As the first conveyor load of bauxite entered the mill I grabbed one of the first rocks to come up the belt. I put the rock in my change room locker and a few years ago, I rediscovered it. I keep it with me to this day,” Mr Goodman said.
Both current managers at Wagerup and Willowdale said that the one thing, above all else, that has contributed to the operations success over the past 25 years is the people.
“Each day more than 600 employees across various shifts make up the Wagerup team. They pull together to make our facility operate safely and productively,” said Wagerup Refinery Manager Eugenio Azevedo.
“To all who have contributed to the Wagerup and Willowdale operations over the past 25 years, my congratulations and heartfelt thanks.”
WA Operations Manager of Mines Bill Knight said that the Willowdale spirit emerged in the early days of the mine.
“Willowdale people have always been motivated by a challenge, proud of their workplace and supportive of their workmates,” said Mr Knight.
“This spirit is the reason that Willowdale is now considered part of the worlds leading bauxite mining operation. People come from all over the world to see our mining operations and rehabilitation. Congratulations and thank you to all who have contributed to this incredible story of success.”