New addition to artistic landscape

Drivers passing through Paraburdoo will notice an addition to the landscape after a public sculpture was unveiled last month.

For the past 18 months, more than 140 Rio Tinto miners and community members have worked with WA artist Alex Mickle to create a landmark of significance for the community and visitors to the region.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Mental Health Andrea Mitchell and Rio Tinto Pilbara mines managing director Michael Gollschewski unveiled the 4.2m sculpture, titled Resilience.

Mr Gollschewski said the story behind the artwork was remarkable, with volunteers coming together as part of the FIVE project, which aimed to address the stigma of mental health by using art to bring the community together.

"Our challenge was to develop a partnership that would support people beyond the gates of their workplace, build community connections and raise awareness around mental health," he said. "It has helped change perceptions about what it means to be creative and part of a community, while promoting a culture where it is OK to talk about how you are feeling."

One volunteer, Jo Wilkie, was at the Men's Shed almost every day for the past three months of the project, cutting large pieces of hematite stone for the sculpture.

She said the project not only offered a creative outlet but also helped break down barriers and forge friendships.

"I see the sculpture as the endpoint, but the project itself encompassed so much more than art, for me it has become a passion," Ms Wilkie said.

"It has given the opportunity to people like myself who have never picked up a rock saw or jumped into the bobcat or picked up a welder, and that in itself is empowering. Without that project that would never have happened.

"The Shire has approached myself to help run a project for Youth Week. The idea is to keep using the skills we've gained from this project to continue to pay it forward to the community."

Rio Tinto Paraburdoo general manager Scott Wilkinson said the project had far-reaching benefits.

"Alex (Mickle) has worked tirelessly with our community to deliver a visually striking legacy for the region that reflects the resilience of our residents and the grit of our workforce," he said.