FIFO Support WA

Based in Mandurah, Australia, FIFO Support WA has been operating since 2016 as a not-for-profit organisation focused on the unique challenges faced by fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) and drive-in, drive-out (DIDO) workers and their families. Mandurah, located about 75 kilometres south of Perth in Western Australia, sits at the heart of a region heavily reliant on the resources sector. Many workers commute from this coastal city to remote mine sites across the Pilbara and Goldfields, creating a distinct local need for support networks that understand the pressures of rotational work, extended absences, and the strain on family life. FIFO Support WA was founded to address exactly these difficulties, offering a range of community-driven resources and programs.

What FIFO Support WA Does

FIFO Support WA is dedicated to combating the social and emotional difficulties associated with the FIFO/DIDO lifestyle. The organisation provides support networks, resources, events, workshops, and programs designed to help individuals and families navigate the challenges of working away from home. A key initiative is the establishment of FIFO Playgroups, which have proven to be a viable source of support. These playgroups allow families to relate to one another's situations, fostering fruitful relationships between parents and children who share similar experiences. The organisation also runs Sundowner Events during Perth's spring and summer, creating opportunities for the FIFO community to connect in a relaxed, social setting. A membership program is also in development, which will further expand the support available to members.

Who They Serve

The primary audience for FIFO Support WA is the FIFO and DIDO workforce and their families across Western Australia. This includes workers in mining, oil and gas, and construction who rotate between remote sites and their homes in Mandurah and surrounding areas. The organisation also serves partners and children who often bear the brunt of long separations and irregular schedules. By focusing on peer-to-peer support and community building, FIFO Support WA helps reduce isolation and provides practical resources for managing the mental health and relational impacts of FIFO life. The playgroups, in particular, are designed to give families a safe space to connect, while the planned membership program will offer ongoing support and information.

Expertise and Services

As a community-based not-for-profit, FIFO Support WA’s expertise lies in grassroots engagement and understanding the lived experience of FIFO families. While the organisation does not list traditional PR or communications services, its work inherently involves public relations and communications to raise awareness, build community, and advocate for the FIFO workforce. Likely capabilities include:

• Community outreach and engagement programs
• Peer support network facilitation
• Event planning and coordination (e.g., playgroups, sundowner events)
• Workshop and program development for mental health and wellbeing
• Digital communications and social media management
• Resource creation (guides, information sheets) for FIFO families

FIFO Support WA leverages its local Mandurah base to connect with families in a familiar environment, ensuring that services are accessible and relevant. The organisation’s long-term vision includes expanding playgroup locations and implementing a membership program, which will deepen its impact on the community.

FIFO Support WA is an excellent fit for FIFO and DIDO workers, their partners, and children living in Mandurah and the broader Western Australian region. It is also a valuable resource for mining and resource companies looking to support employee wellbeing through community partnerships. For families seeking a supportive network that truly understands the FIFO lifestyle, FIFO Support WA offers practical, peer-led solutions.