Shuttle for FIFO workers

Werner Bernhardt, Esmarie Malherbe and Pauline Pretorius started FiFo Connexion in August, driving an airport shuttle for mine workers from suburbs between Alkimos and Currambine.

Mr Bernhardt worked in the South African mining industry for 20 years before migrating to Australia in 2008 where he became a FIFO worker for six years.

He experienced the difficulties of getting to the airport and back with a family, particularly in the early mornings and late nights.

Mrs Pretorius was a travel consultant in South Africa before migrating with her family in 2008, and Mrs Malherbe, a chartered accountant, moved to Perth with her husband in 2012.

‘Our aim is to assist the mining community and their families with a cheaper and more convenient transport solution to and from the airport,’ Mrs Pretorius said.

They understood the difficulties FIFO workers faced, including balancing their personal lives and wanted to make it easier for them.

‘As most of the workers do night shift as part of their swing, we also look at a safety aspect of fatigue management for driving workers home after a night shift,’ she said.

Based in Butler, the business does the airport shuttle between 3am and 8pm on weekdays and offers a general charter service on weekends.

It can also pre-arrange pick-ups from Yanchep, Wanneroo and Joondalup.