House of Representatives Standing committee report into FIFO etc

http://www.aph.gov.au/parliamentary_business/committees/house_of_representatives_committees?url=ra/fifodido/media.htm

Above is the link to the House of Representatives web page where you can down load a copy of the paper emotively entitles “Cancer of the Bush or Salvation for our Cities”. This document recorded the findings that came out of the investigation into FIFO workplace practices and its impact on regional Australia. The tone of the document is set in its title and with Tony Windsor prompting the inquiry its clear that not too many positives were mentioned about this growing workplace phenomenon. The overriding message of the paper is that the data the committee was able to obtain was inadequate and or too theoretical in nature to provide an accurate picture of what is really happening in the lives of FIFO workers and their families today.

 

If you are an FIFO worker or FIFO partner with family or know an FIFO family I urge you to pass this blog on or take the time to complete the growing number of surveys that are presently calling for participants. Here is the current list I am aware of as at today!

1. FIFO workers – Creating communities and FIFO families WA

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/fifolife

2. FIFO workers – WA lifeline survey

http://blog.fifobids.com.au/are-you-a-fly-in-fly-out-or-drive-in-drive-out-worker/

3. FIFO workers and FIFO families – Murdoch University WA

http://www.fiforesearch.com/

4. FIFO Parents – University of Queensland

http://www.uq.edu.au/news/?article=26142

Keep the conversation going for positive adaptation to change

Survey for the FIFO, DIDO, BIBO worker

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/fifolife

Above is a link to another new study on the FIFO lifestyle.This time the focus is the actual FIFO worker.

FIFO families and WA’s Creating Communities have joined forces to launch this fully independent and confidential survey.  Data collected in surveys like this one will go along way to address the imbalance of research available on the FIFO work place practice and its impact on workers and their families. The survey needs respondents who are working FIFO, DIDO or BIBO to complete the questions.  This will take about 15 minutes. The findings will then be used to help inform companies and community stake holders about how they can best support FIFO workers and their families. Please take the time to pass this on to your contacts and let’s all help get some real data out there so industry, community stakeholders and governments can support the FIFO lifestyle.

Female FIFO works are healthier because………….

Below is an article that appeared in the Sunshine Coastal Daily on 6th May 2013. What continues to appear essential is the need for more research into all areas of the FIFO debate.

The findings of this preliminary research suggest that communication, planning, exercise and a positive attitude are attributes that female FIFO workers display which means they suffer less health issues and are fundamentally happier.

See what you think.

THE life of a fly-in, fly-out worker can be tortuous, spending days and nights away from their families, friends and healthy habits.

Unless of course, you’re a woman.

New research by a national mental health group reported women FIFO workers enjoyed better general health, better mental health, more lifestyle positives and more lifestyle satisfaction.

The Australasian Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health spent more than 12 months with a FIFO construction operation in Western Australia, operated by contracting giants Thiess.

It already has programs promoting women in its operations and working to ensure the mental health of its workers.

Centre managing director Dr Jennifer Bowers said she was absolutely surprised there was such a significant difference between how men and women coped on these isolated and far flung sites.

“They (women) were more positive in relation to their family and relationships with less family stress.”

This is in stark contrast with long-standing research suggesting workers -particularly men – often struggled with depression, isolation, a feeling of disconnection from their families and even obesity.

Dr Bowers said women drank less alcohol and were more likely to exercise while on the sites, two acts that could stem a tide of anxiety or stress.

But until more research is done, women may handle the conditions better, but we are yet to find out why.

Dr Bowers suggested these women may be better communicators and could be more inclined to do detailed planning before leaving the house for the site.

She said her sense was that these findings would apply not just in WA but across all underground, open-cut and gas projects across Queensland, even though this study was done at a construction site.

“My sense is that generally speaking, this will apply across all areas,” she said.

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/female-fifo-workers-handle-conditions-better-men/1856470/

FIFO Wife Blog

The FIFO wife

This wonderful blog came onto my radar some months ago. Deb is a FIFO wife and has been for 13 years now. She is funny, creative and thoughtful. She has embraced the FIFO lifestyle with grace and charm. She writes almost daily and always has something interesting, topical, thought provoking or funny to say. Most importantly she shares recipes, hints and tried and tested tips for the FIFO partner staying at home. I find her writing honest and sincere.

Check out her blog and see what you think.

http://thefifowife.com.au/

FIFO Family survey University of Queensland

In the past few days I have come across Dr Cassy Dittman who is working at the University of Queensland.

She is a psychologist and Curriculum Development Leader at the Parenting and Family Support Centre, University of Queensland.   She is also the daughter of a miner.

She has just commenced a research project looking at the impact of FIFO work practices on the family. This project is probably the first research program to look specifically at the impact FIFO has on the family.

I’ve just had a chat to her and she is very committed to gathering information and eventually developing some resources for FIFO families.

She is looking for FIFO families to participate in an anonymous online survey. I attach the link to the article about her project if you are interested in contributing.

http://www.uq.edu.au/news/?article=26142