Around 1500 residents and families from across the region turned out to the Boggabri Showground for Whitehaven Coal’s annual Community Open Day.
The event brought together people to enjoy a day of free activities, kids’ rides, market stalls and entertainment, as well as information stands for the community to learn more about the coal mining industry.
During the official welcome ceremony, Wade Natty performed a welcome to country and smoking ceremony prior to Whitehaven Coal’s managing director and CEO, Paul Flynn saying it was a fantastic opportunity to say thank you to the residents, local businesses and the broader community who continue to support Whitehaven and its operations in the region.
Mr Flynn went on to say, “Our Community Open Day is one of the most important days on our calendar, and I know it’s one that our people and members of the community look forward to every year.”
“It’s an opportunity for Whitehaven to bring everyone together for a fun family day out while giving back to the community.
“We’re incredibly proud to be a part of this community and we recognise the significant role we have to play as the largest employer in the region to support locals and local businesses.
“We’re especially proud that 75 per cent of our workforce live in the towns around our operational footprint in the Gunnedah Basin – it’s great to be able to share today with them and their families and friends.”
The guided bus tours of the Maules Creek mine were particularly popular once again, with the community jumping at the chance to get a behind the scenes look at how a working coal mine operates.
Local emergency services were in attendance, including the State Emergency Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and the Rural Fire Service.
Whitehaven marked the occasion with a special presentation to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
“We were delighted to present the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service with a contribution of $50,000 to support the organisation as it continues to provide an essential service to the community,” said Mr Flynn.
Whitehaven’s contribution to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service adds to the more than $1.7 million the company and its employees have donated since the Tamworth service was established in 2000.
A proud Westpac Rescue Helicopter community liaison officer, Daniel Gillet accepted the donation on behalf of the organisation.
Those present were delighted to see the Westpac Helicopter land in the middle of the showring and very excited when Mr Gillett invited the community members to come and meet the crew and have a look at the helicopter up close.
Onboard was a doctor, critical care paramedic, air crew officer and pilot who shared some of their experiences as part of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
“We believe the benefits of our operations should be seen and felt locally – last year alone we spent over $660 million here in northwest NSW via salaries and wages, local businesses and suppliers, and community investment, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the local community for decades to come,” Mr Flynn said.
