We had an amazing time in Perth for Reed Mining Events' inaugural Mining & Engineering WA expo in early July.

More than 40 mums, dads and kids attended our free forum on Mining: Making it work for you and your family, with some even travelling from as far away as Mandurah to hear from MiningFM creator Alicia.

Alicia offered 20 quick tips to help families survive and thrive despite the pressures of FIFO living. Here they are:

1. Be very clear about why you're doing FIFO - what you want to get out of it and what the biggest challenges are going to be
2. Take an interest in how your other half lives
3. Discuss big issues on the phone before your partner comes home (ie don't throw him/her in the deep end the minute they walk through the door)
4. Tackle issues as a united couple
5. Don't let sad feelings become negative thoughts
6. Write out a list of jobs that need doing around the house - then don't nag
7. Talk often on the phone but don't force conversation
8. Make sure you understand each other's sexual needs
9. Don't dwell on being apart. Remember why you're doing it and stay positive
10. Agree on the amount of time you'll spend with friends and extended family during R&R (and don't waste precious time arguing)
11. Maintain a united front with the kids
12. Be smart about money
13. Give Dad space to be a parent too
14. Make time for each other without the kids
15. Also remember to ensure you both get time to yourselves
16. Help your kids to cope with separation by talking openly and honestly about their worries
17. Make big events special, even when you're apart
18. Dad/Mum is never 'going away'. Dad/Mum is 'going to work'
19. Take the time to create some family rules - involve the kids so they feel like they've got some control
20. Be on the same page with discipline, especially as your children get into their teens

Above all, don't be afraid to get help from company employee assistance programs if the going gets really tough, and tap into available resources and support groups.

M&E WA was the first major mining exhibition we've attended and we received a great response on our stand. It was excellent to see so many miners and WA company representatives showing such a keen interest in our initiatives to support mining workers and their families.

Here's a pic of the stand and some of the happy folk who attended our forum. Thanks to everyone for making such an effort to be there.

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 Reed Mining Events, 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