Up4It

PORT HEDLAND, Western Australia, 17 July 2012 - Fortescue Metals Group’s VTEC team and Role Models and Leaders Australia have partnered for the fifth consecutive year to bring Up 4 It, an Indigenous school based program delivering healthy messages and school attendance incentives to remote schools in the Pilbara.

During the first week of June, the program visited schools and communities in Yandeyarra, Jigalong, Tom Price and Wakathuni with former Fremantle Docker Des Headland, former Perth Wildcat and Melbourne Tigers basketball player Marcus Timmons and ‘Bryte MC’ aka Brian Lloyd who ran their respective football, basketball and music workshops with students.

Michelle Harding, a professional makeup artist, also conducted grooming and deportment classes with students to help boost self-esteem and promote self-care and confidence.

“I’ve seen Up 4 Its good work across WA for a few years and was very pleased that Fortescue was able to bring the program to Tom Price,” said Tom Price Senior High School Deputy Principal Travis Hooper.

Damien Ardagh, VTEC Development Manager said: “The focus of the program is self-esteem, goal setting and achievement delivered by Indigenous and non-Indigenous role models who visit the communities and schools.”