- Improved education outcomes for children in priority communities, including First Nations families.
- Place based research collaborations established in priority communities.
- Priority communities become
hubs for STEM educations.
Community investment
At PLS, we are committed to shaping tomorrow. We do this through our products and their role in the clean energy transition, as well as providing support to the communities in which we operate.
We support our priority communities via our Community Investment Program, providing financial support to community organisations through a range of partnerships and programs.
These initiatives support our purpose and ensure our operations contribute to the social and economic prosperity of the communities of which we are a part.
Framework
Our Community Investment Framework identifies the areas and communities we support. This Framework ensures we are supporting programs that align with community need and that any investment has a positive, lasting and sustainable impact.
Our impact
We work closely with our partners to maximise positive impact for communities. Read more about the impact our community partnerships are having in our 2023-2024 Social Impact Report.
Priority communities
Our priority communities are Port Hedland, Yandeyarra, Strelley and Perth.
Focus areas
Education
Investing in our future by improving access to education programs.
Outcomes
Community Resilience
Supporting our communities to be sustainable and resilient through health and wellbeing, economic and capacity building initiatives.
Outcomes
- Improved mental and physical
wellbeing of priority community members and vulnerable groups. - Strong sense of identity and
belonging in priority communities. - Improved employment and supply opportunities for members of priority communities and First Nations people.
Energy Transition
Assisting communities to make a sustainable shift to renewable energy through initiatives, investment, research, innovation and economic diversification
Outcomes
- Increased climate literacy
in priority communities. - Reliable and efficient clean energy access in priority communities.
- Green jobs, skills and training.
Community Grants Program
The annual grants program funds events and initiatives in our priority communities that meet our community investment focus areas of education, community resilience and energy transition.
Applications for the 2025 Community Grants Program have now closed. Successful applicants were announced in August 2025 and the next round will open mid-2026.
Eligibility
Not-for-profit, sport and community groups that are incorporated (or auspiced via another incorporated body) based in Port Hedland, Strelley, Yandeyarra, as well as groups that implement Pilbara-wide initiatives, that align with our focus areas of education, community resilience and energy transition are invited to apply.
With our strong focus on community, PLS will not consider applications from individuals, religious organisations, private or commercial entities, or for activities that encourage the irresponsible use of alcohol or promote gambling, or which are usually exclusively funded by government.
Our community partnerships
Earbus Foundation WA
Focus Area: Community Resilience
Earbus is dedicated to improving ear health as a pathway to stronger educational outcomes, with a focus on supporting First Nations children. By addressing ear disease early, the program helps strengthen speech and language development, creating lifelong benefits in health, learning and social participation.
With the support of PLS, the East Pilbara Outreach Program has enabled Audiologists, Nurses, and Nurse Practitioners/General Practitioners to regularly visit remote communities and towns in the region. These clinics provide comprehensive ear screening, diagnosis and treatment. Importantly, medications are prescribed and dispensed on the spot at no cost to families, removing barriers to care and ensuring timely treatment.
Strelley Community Project
Focus Area: Energy Transition
In partnership with Pacific Energy and the Strelley Community, PLS supported the establishment of a Renewable Energy and Lithium Battery Project at the Strelley Community and School in the Pilbara region.
The Project, which was completed in 2023, comprises 44.2kW of solar PV (96 solar panels) and a 144kWh lithium battery storage system. This new renewable power system has reduced the Strelley Community’s reliance on diesel generators. It is anticipated that this will reduce carbon emissions by more than 150 tonnes per year and will save approximately 170 litres of diesel per day.
The Smith Family
Focus Areas: Community Resilience and Education
The PLS and Smith Family partnership began in 2023 and has since supported 200 primary school students experiencing disadvantage in Western Australia.
Through the Learning for Life program, students receive financial support for school essentials, personal support for both children and families to encourage motivation and engagement, and practical support through mentoring and tutoring programs.
In 2024, all participating students had access to twice-weekly Learning Clubs, where they took part in structured homework sessions enriched with STEM-focused activities. Long-term results highlight the program’s impact, with 84% of Learning for Life students who completed Year 12 in 2022 engaged in education, training or employment two and a half years later.
Teach Learn Grow Partnership
Focus Area: Education
Teach Learn Grow’s Rural Program takes university student volunteers to schools in rural, remote and regional communities twice a year to provide curriculum aligned, one-on-one tutoring to students during a week-long visit.
By targeting remote schools where children experience disadvantage, the organisation aims to improve education outcomes to see all children reach their potential. In 2023 and 2024, the program supported by PLS engaged 111 volunteers who delivered 2,128 hours of mentoring to 272 students in Pilbara priority communities. I
n recognition of the importance of STEM, Teach Learn Grow increased STEM training for volunteers and increased accessibility to STEM education kits in 2024.
Foodbank nom! Schools Program
Focus area: Community resilience
Foodbank’s nom! Schools Program empowers school-aged children in the Pilbara and across Perth with engaging nutrition education sessions, including cooking, to support healthy food choices and food safety.
In 2024, 455 students in priority Pilbara communities were engaged in nutrition education and an additional 1,076 students were engaged in the Perth metro area through the nom! Schools Program. 100% of teaching staff reported that the program was enjoyable and engaging, supported students’ understanding of healthy eating and exposed students to new foods. 94% of teachers surveyed said that there is a need for nom! Schools Program.
Community Grants Program
Focus area: Community resilience
We run an annual program that support local projects and initiatives in the Pilbara region. In the 2023 inaugural year we funded 12 projects and in 2024 we funded 11. These projects are aimed at enhancing education, community resilience and celebrating the local culture of the Pilbara community