9 July 2007

BHP Billiton Nickel West forms awesome partnership

AWESOME Arts Australia today commences a new partnership, with BHP Billiton Nickel West stepping into the role of AWESOME’s Principal Partner.

“We are delighted with the new partnership, which starts this year and will continue at least until 2009,” said AWESOME General Manager, Jenny Simpson.

“BHP Billiton Nickel West is an excellent match for AWESOME, with both organisations being driven by innovation, a commitment to deliver only high quality products and a firm belief in developing relationships which create value for all parties, especially the WA community.

“BHP Billiton Nickel West’s involvement as AWESOME’s Principal Partner will allow us to maintain the diverse and international flavour of the AWESOME Festival, and enable confident planning for future festivals,” added Ms Simpson.

BHP Billiton Nickel West has supported AWESOME for the past two years through a partnership that delivers creative learning programs into schools in Nickel West’s regional communities.  This year, Nickel West expressed an interest to extend their involvement and support programs that engage youth in the metropolitan area.  Nickel West’s decision to become Principal Partner reflects this interest.

BHP Billiton is the world's largest diversified resources company with more than 100 operations in 25 countries.

BHP Billiton Nickel West is the world's third largest producer of nickel in concentrate, providing 16% of global production. Nickel West's operations include the Ravensthorpe Nickel mine and processing facility, Mt Keith operation, Leinster Nickel operation, Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter, Kambalda Nickel concentrator and the Kwinana refinery.

AWESOME Arts Australia works to inspire and encourage creativity among young people. It has a year-round presence throughout WA with diverse community cultural development programs and hosts an annual international festival. The 2007 festival runs from 16 - 25 November.