The weather was perfect as was the Gunnedah Racecourse and surrounds for the Boggabri – Idemitsu Christmas party for their employees and their families over the past two Saturdays. Ben Hiatt, general manager Boggabri Coal at Idemitsu Australia Pty Ltd, said his aim was to continue to integrate the coal mining family and the community family.
The mine supports a workforce of about 836 full time equivalent employees and contractors.
“We draw our workforce from numerous communities, we live and work in these communities, these communities support us and we aim to support them,” he said.
“Integrating Boggabri, Narrabri, Gunnedah, Tamworth, Manilla and Wee Waa services and all areas in between has been a logistic exercise that has taken a lot of planning, however, to see the outcome is very gratifying and management is very appreciative of the large site wide support.”
While adults sat back, relaxed, tried a diverse range of food and drinks, listened to the live music, or caught up with co-workers and met new friends, children were able to have fun in a safe environment.
They could have their face painted, pony ride, jumping castles, water slides, colourful hair extensions, play in the sand pit, drive one of the three simulators, and eat a variety of party foods until their tummies were full.
Just when you thought they couldn’t have any more fun, ‘Bluey and Bingo’ arrived. It was slow going as Sonya Pym escorted Bluey and Bingo around the grounds. Squeals of delight turned into cuddles with Bluey and Bingo.
Santa’s arrival in a sulky pulled by a miniature pony brought the children running again.
Over the two days, more than 1000 people attended the Christmas parties. All children aged from zero to 16 received a present from Santa.
Parents said they were asked to submit their child’s name, age and their area of interest and on the day their child received an appropriate gift. Parents were amazed at the quality and accuracy of the gift for their children.
Mr Hiatt said all the gifts were sourced from Narrabri Toyworld, with food vendors and activities from Boggabri, Gunnedah, Wee Waa, Manilla and Tamworth.
Mr Hiatt and his wife Maureen had their time cut out chatting to the party goers. They both said that was important to them and it was an opportunity for them to get to know the employees and their families, share ideas and address any concerns.
Feedback from the attendees was unanimous in; this is the best venue for a Christmas party, beautiful surroundings, plenty of shade and food, a large variety of activities for the children, love the live music, and the food, wow, wow, wow, was how numerous people described the event.
