New children’s book release, FIFO & Me, educates little minds on the FIFO world

Carat Perth employee Kiara Ellis has published a children’s book that sets out to educate little minds on the Fly In, Fly Out world. Ellis’ mission is to educate the little ones on the importance of mining, the process and that there is a reason why their family member leaves them.

FIFO life is not for the faint hearted. Numerous studies cover the mental health concerns for FIFO workers and FIFO partners, with 33% of FIFO workers and FIFO partners reporting high or very high levels of psychological distress however it’s the children of FIFO families that are often overlooked.

Where does my dad go? What does he do?

These questions are Ellis’s inspiration for creating the FIFO & Me children’s book collection. As a FIFO wife herself, her children thought her husband lived at the airport while working away. It is this reason Ellis has created a fun rhyming and engaging book to educate children about the mining process, developed in a language they would understand.

Diversity and inclusion are also an important factor in this collection, with the books featuring characters of multiple ethnicities and genders. The FIFO & Me: Mum edition is also close to her heart. With more and more women joining this sector and the FIFO workforce, Ellis felt it’s important to shine a light on women thriving in a heavily dominated male sector. The intention of FIFO & Me: Mum edition is to not only celebrate women in mining but to also inspire and empower little girls that they too work in the mining industry and achieve great things.

The FIFO & Me Collection is proudly authored, illustrated, and printed in Australia and Ellis is honoured to display the Australian Owned & Made logo on each book.

FIFO & Me is available to purchase at www.kiaraellis.com.au.