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17/02/2012 - Keeping Relationships Strong – the Decmil FIFO Support Seminars

As part of the Decmil Shield program we are pleased to announce the launch of the Decmil FIFO Support Seminars.

A bit of background
Families experiencing the Fly In Fly Out (FIFO) work lifestyle are faced with a set of challenges that many families are ill prepared for. Many of these are challenges that most families face, but are magnified by the repeated cycles of long separations and short reunions.

The concept of the Decmil FIFO Support Seminars grew from discussions with Decmil site staff on approaches we can take toward helping our people, their partners and families manage these FIFO lifestyle issues.

The aim of this program
Each 45 minute seminar is designed to promote family harmony and assist couples withstand the stresses and strains of the FIFO work lifestyle.

Should you attend?
This session is designed for all staff members and their partners whose work involves substantial periods of being away from home.

What do the seminars deal with?

• Being realistic about the benefits and disadvantages of a FIFO workstyle
• Holding onto the ‘fun stuff’ in a relationship
• Intimacy and fidelity
• Making time for each other and for yourself
• Issues of boredom, isolation and loneliness
• The role expectations placed on a family - the transitions for the worker (worksite culture to “domestic bliss”) and for the partner (single parent to intense couple situation)
• Reunions and partings – the unmet expectation of both partners
• The importance of developing effective communication skills and techniques
• The maintenance and consistency of parenting

When are the Seminars held?
A seminar from the series is held each quarter at our Perth office. We will be inviting partners of staff members to join us to participate in guided discussions with our appointed Employee Assistance Provider: People Sense, on a range of topics including 'FIFO Working', 'Keeping Relationships Strong', 'Parenting' and 'Communication'.

Join us for the first session - 'Keeping Relationships Strong'

When: Thursday 8 March, 4pm to 6pm
Where: Decmil Head Office, 20 Parkland Road, Osborne Park

You're welcome to bring your children who will enjoy supervised activities during the 45 minute session and then together we'll enjoy a light supper and refreshments.

Please RSVP no later than Friday 2 March to events@decmil.com.au with:

• Name and number of attendees
• Children attending and ages
• Any dietary requirements

You will find parking in front of the building or opposite in the reserve carpark.

This positive and empowering program will trial in Perth and we look forward to implementing it in Queensland soon after!