News in brief - December 2009

Kestrel Mine holds first open day

More than 2000 people from the Central Highlands visited Kestrel Mine’s inaugural open day in October. The day included tours and interactive displays, as well as fun activities for children, such as the very popular ‘bling your hard hat’ stand where children used glitter, stickers and rhinestones to give a touch of glamour to their protective gear.

Mines rescue teams celebrate wins

Congratulations to Kestrel Mine’s underground mines rescue team, which came third out of nine teams at the annual Australian Coal Mines rescue competition in Lithgow in October. The team was made up of Gianni Storti, Mick Walther, Shane Cook, Derrin Powell, Jason Kachel, Richard Cooper and Rod Graves.

Congratulations also to Hunter Valley Operations’ mines rescue team which won the 2009 Hunter Valley Open Cut Mines Rescue competition. Pictured right is the team (back row, left to right) Mark Elkins, Troy Smith, John Spiteri, Todd Brooker, Terry Archbold. Front row left to right) Brendan Connor (Capt), Andrew Bonarius and Darren Cassidy.

New equipment at Hail Creek

Hail Creek Mine’s first shovel has been built and commissioned, with the new P&H XPC4100 Shovel taking its first steps in November to its new home on Ramp 3. The mine also took delivery of 19 semi trailer loads of gear to start building its second shovel, a Terex RH340 Shovel, due to be commissioned in early December.

Winning team contributes to cancer fundraiser

A team of Hail Creek Mine employees won the Queensland Cancer Council – Mackay branch inaugural Family Golf Day recently. The event raised $4000 for the charity to help with education, research and the early detection and prevention of cancer. Hail Creek Mine also donated prizes and helped organise the event, setting up and cleaning afterwards.

Knights visit Singleton for Christmas

The Singleton community received an early Christmas present this year, with the Newcastle Knights visiting as part of its Singleton Blitz. The Coal & Allied and Newcastle Knights Community Alliance Blitz was held on Friday 4 December at Singleton Football Ground, ResCo Park.