MINING Families Rock, the world's first self-help book for mining families was launched Australia-wide yesterday, and one of its three authors says she speaks from first-hand experience.
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Alicia Ranford, Mining Family Matters co-founder, co-author and mining mum said the 176-page book offers professional advice and practical strategies for the growing number of mining workers coping with fly-in/fly-out (FIFO), drive-in/drive-out (DIDO) or life in isolated mining communities.
She said the issues facing Mount Isa and Cloncurry are no different to those in coal mines or in Western Australia.
"My family has just finished doing five years fly-in-fly-out with little kids.
"We were living residentially and the kids weren't seeing much of their dad, so we chose FIFO because we thought it allowed for us to have more family time.
"The kids didn't cope.
"I sought some advice for my own use from (psychologist and co-author) Angie (Willcocks).
"Angie gave me some helpful tips and our web site, Mining Family Matters was born out of that."
Ms Ranford said she, Ms Willcocks and Lainie Anderson, Mining Family Matters co-founder and journalist, then created the Mining Survival guide which has sold 51,000 copies nationally.
"We've worked with many mining companies and they are increasingly aware of the need to address these human issues to improve staff retention and productivity."
She said Mining Families Rock features professional advice by a psychologist, personal anecdotes from mining family members, and a raft of simple tips for keeping relationships healthy and kids happy.
The book is also aimed at Australians hoping to tap into the mining boom, with timely advice on where to start when you want a job in mining and what to expect from life on a mine site.
It's published by the award-winning online support network Mining Family Matters, with 70 chapters including:
Staying connected when you work away; Helping children (from toddlers to teens) cope; Using time wisely on precious days together; Rebooting your sex life in a mining marriage; Beating the 'black day' blues; Building a new life in a mining town; and Mine site etiquette and what to pack for your first shift.
Ms Ranford said: "The mining boom offers great opportunities for families.
"But after six moves in a decade and eight years of FIFO I know it can also put intense pressure on couples trying to maintain a strong relationship and raise happy, healthy kids.
"Great communication is the absolute key, and hopefully this book will start a lot of conversations on many personal levels," she says.
Mining Families Rock is available from the Mining Family Matters website www.miningfm.com.au.
