A former FIFO worker turned FIFO wife has started holding events aimed at bringing families in the same working conditions together and combating loneliness during work swings.
Vicky Pellowe, who was a FIFO worker for six years and now mother of two, said the FIFO working arrangement could have as much of a toll on the family as the worker and without all of the support mechanisms offered on-site.
As a result she decided to start the FIFO Family Project this year.
“As a former FIFO worker and now a mum of two in Perth with a FIFO husband, I was involved with numerous support initiatives for FIFO workers on-site. Since leaving that role, I realised there’s a significant gap in support for their families back home,” Ms Pellowe said.
“These families are living the unique FIFO lifestyle and experiencing similar challenges with isolation, supporting kids, managing relationships and juggling job logistics.
“When you work away you build a really close connection with people up there because you work with them, you live with them, you go to the gym and the mess together, so you can create some really amazing connections on site, but there’s nothing to support FIFO families.”
Ms Pellowe said the initial transition was the most difficult, especially for young families at home — with partners juggling a new dynamic with their significant other while taking on more responsibilities at home with their children during swings.
The project provides free monthly meet-ups with other families in the same position. It will hold its first north-of-the-river meet-up in Kingsley on Saturday.
Only months into the project, Ms Pellowe said she had noted a high number of FIFO workers living in the northern suburbs, especially in the City of Wanneroo.
She hoped the project would grow and eventually provide support and information workshops to support FIFO families, in addition to the social aspect of meeting other families in the same position.
The event is being sponsored by Meerilinga Children and Community Services, which have provided their centre at 48 Peregrine Drive, Kingsley, from 9am-11am on Saturday. Registrations can be made via Eventbrite.