Working with us
Northparkes Mines offers its employees many attractive
benefits, including access to a study assistance scheme, staff
insurance schemes, medical assistance schemes and healthy lifestyle
programs.
As an organisation committed to making a difference, Northparkes
is also investing in its workforce in other ways, including skills
development and employing locally.
Developing the skills of individuals
Northparkes invests significantly in training and development of
its employees, working from the principle that more skilled
employees will offer immediate benefits to the organisation as a
whole, as well as delivering long-term benefits to the individuals
concerned, their families and their communities.
Staff are encouraged to gain a range of knowledge and experience
during their employment with Northparkes and are provided with
ongoing training opportunities to broaden their skills base. This
gives them the chance to progress through the different levels of
their trade or profession and/or to explore other career options.
Work opportunities at Northparkes span a whole range of disciplines
- from electrical and mechanical trades through to business
administration, sales and marketing, environmental science,
training and engineering, just to name some of the many and varied
positions found throughout the organisation.
Employees are assisted to gain various tickets and licences
associated with their trade, and the company is supportive of
employees engaged in external study, such as TAFE diplomas,
undergraduate or graduate degrees.
Employee Assistance Program
Northparkes has an employee assistance programme available for
employees requiring support or counselling. The Employee Assistance
Program allows all employees to access qualified counselling
through designated external and independent providers. Any service
provided is entirely confidential.
Employing locally
As part of its localisation' policy Northparkes gives employment
preference to the Parkes Shire residents and is particularly
committed to providing training and employment opportunities for
indigenous people.
Northparkes Mine site
At any given time, hundreds of people may be working on the mine.
That number is comprised of employees, a range of contractors,
apprentices and trainees.
A standard working shift is 12 hours. Several different rosters
are in place according to the job requirements.
The town of Parkes
Parkes is a modern town of 11,000 with a shire population of
approximately 15,000 persons which includes the vibrant smaller
towns of Peak Hill, Trundle, Tullamore and Bogan Gate. The resident
population has remained relatively stable in recent years with
projections for an increase over the next 25 years.
Parkes has the relaxed and friendly atmosphere expected of a
country town with an extensive range of services and facilities.
The town boasts a strong community spirit with high participation
in sporting, recreational and community activities.
Affordable lifestyle
The housing market in Parkes has recorded double digit growth in
recent years though remains a very affordable place to live.
Local economy
The Parkes economy is quite diverse in comparison to other
regional areas. While most regional areas have a heavy reliance on
either agriculture or mining, Parkes is strong in several sectors
including the following:
Agriculture
The agriculture sector in Parkes is primarily comprised of sheep
grazing and the production of grain crops such as wheat and barley.
Recent developments in sustainable farming techniques have
positioned Parkes at the forefront of innovation in the
sector.
Tourism
Parkes has a thriving Tourism industry with numerous activities
and a large number of passing visitors along the Newell Highway.
The primary attractions are The Dish, which attracts over 130,000
visitors each year, and major annual events including the Elvis
Festival, Tullamore Irish Festival, Trundle Bush Tucker Day and the
Peak Hill Spit and Spud as well as major sporting fixtures, car
rallies and conventions. Overall, the tourism industry generates
over $40 million to the Parkes economy.
Retail
The retail sector in Parkes is particularly strong with a
flourishing CBD and other shopping precincts. Major retailers
located within Parkes include Woolworths, Coles, Target, Big W and
Harvey Norman with a new Aldi store that has DA approval. In
addition to the growing retail sector in Parkes, new government
service offices and facilities are currently being constructed and
represent Parkes progression towards a thriving commercial
centre.
Education & Training
A range of tertiary centres provides Parkes with a highly skilled
workforce and many learning opportunities. Several campuses of
Charles Sturt University are easily accessible from Parkes and
offer a large range of university courses across most major
disciplines.
Schools
The Parkes school system is recognised through its excellence in
education. Several leading public and independent schools are
located in Parkes offering high quality learning in modern,
well-equipped facilities.
Health
Parkes has well developed, quality health facilities including
hospitals and community health services. The Parkes District
Hospital is the major hospital in the region and offers a variety
of services including surgery, obstetrics, aged care,
rehabilitation, palliative, paramedical and community health.
Further development is planned for the Parkes Hospital and Health
Service expected to be completed by 2010-11 to provide the
community with an improved health system. Construction of the $110m
Parkes Garden Estate Retirement Facility is imminent. Further
health and hospital services can be accessed in the larger centres
of Orange and Dubbo which is approximately an hours drive from
Parkes.
Child care
There is an extensive range of childcare facilities located in
Parkes to accommodate for a future increase in population.
Sport
Sport is a major component of the Parkes community and this is
reflected by numerous top-class sport and recreation facilities.
Other opportunities to participate in social activities are with
the Northparkes social club. The social club undertakes fundraising
activities for internal and external causes, and hold events such
as barbecues, quiz nights and other fun activities
Communication with staff
Because Northparkes is an organisation in transition - with open
pit mining operations nearing an end and the current development of
an underground mine, communication with staff is seen as extremely
important. Employees are regularly updated on business initiatives
so that individual staff can manage any change that affects them,
or their job, and can assess how these changes fit with their
personal goals.