Frontline miners and their families are being urged to attend a major mining exhibition coming up at the Perth Exhibition & Convention Centre from 5-7 July.

As a major source of fly-in, fly-out workers for the state's mines, Perth is home to large numbers of off-shift frontline operators (operators, fitters, foremen, supervisors and pit floor managers) at any one time. To encourage these workers to attend the Mining & Energy WA exhibition, one Apple iPad 2 is being given away each day to frontline personnel (current employment ID will be required). They'll also have the opportunity to attend special presentations and networking events. 

That's where Mining Family Matters comes in. As a supporting partner for M&E WA, we'll have an information booth at the show, targeting both mining companies and FIFO workers and their families. MiningFM creator Alicia Ranford will also present two forums during M&E WA – one aimed at mining companies’ HR teams and management, and one aimed at FIFO miners and their families.

"Mining workers, at any level, along with their families will be very welcome at M&E WA, as we recognise that they are not only the key to the on-going success of Australia’s mining industry, but are also often key influencers in decisions to purchase products and services," said Paul Baker, exhibition director with Reed Mining Events. "And for the future of the industry, it's essential that they have the support of their families, who in turn need access to vital information and support services in being part of a FIFO workforce."

As part of the M&E WA Conference, MiningFM will present a session aimed at mine managers and HR personnel, under the theme What FIFO families want. It will cover such issues as:

• A mining wife’s perspective on the pressures of keeping FIFO relationships healthy and children happy
• The biggest challenges outlined by FIFO families on www.miningfm.com.au
• Practical ways that mining companies can support families and make wives/partners ambassadors for the company

Separate to the conference, we'll also run a free forum aimed at existing FIFO workers and their families, as well as at couples and families looking at taking up the FIFO lifestyle.

• Recognising that as a FIFO/DIDO family, you do face unique pressures
• What partners find most challenging about life with a FIFO miner
• How to communicate effectively to tackle any family issues
• Strategies to survive and thrive as a family unit, including how to work together to raise happy kids, house rules for a happy home and tackling loneliness when you’re apart

M&E WA is part of the Reed Mining Events structured portfolio of premium mining industry exhibitions owned and operated by Reed Exhibitions Australia. This portfolio includes:

• Queensland Gas Conference & Exhibition, Brisbane, August 16-17, 2011
• Asia Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX), Sydney, September 6-9, 2011, a flagship event held every four years
• Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition, Mackay, July 24-26, 2012
• Goldfields Mining Expo, Kalgoorlie, October 30-November 1, 2012.

Further information about exhibiting or attending M&E WA, contact Reed Exhibitions' Luke Griffin on (02) 9422 2339 or luke.griffin@reedexhibitions.com.au or Peter Thompson on (02) 9422 2472 or peter.thompson@reedexhibitions.com.au

And check out the website: www.miningandengineeringwa.com.au