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March 2015
coalfacemagazine.com.au
de
insi
special
12-page feature
ready, set...
coal!
Hunter festival
off and running
Plus newsprofilesindustryeventsand more...
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IN THIS ISSUE
Michael Johnsen
There will be plenty of action to
entertain every member of the
family at the Hunter Coal Festival
Community Day.
21
Protecting Hunter Jobs
A strong track record as a local mayor
As Upper Hunter mayor, Michael was instrumental in securing funding for the Scone bypass and Murrurundi water pipeline.
And as a member of the Hunter Councils board, he understands the issues facing communities right across the valley.
Local priorities
Michael raised his family here and now his children are starting their own families. He has a real stake in the future of
our region.
A plan for our community
Michael will act to protect jobs and create a strong future for the mining industry. He will also work to diversify our economy
to make sure that our children and grandchildren have the opportunities that they need to live and work in the Hunter.
At the Coalface
March 2015
Hunter Coal Festival lights a spark in mining community
Coal mining is one of the biggest
contributors to the Hunter.
day it opens up to the broader community, giving the
public an opportunity to learn more about the innovative
things miners and suppliers are doing.
It has fuelled the region’s economic growth and
development and has become a major source
of employment.
Another highlight is the Mining Legend’s Lunch at
the Singleton Rugby Club, which features a panel of
high profile speakers from Glencore, Bloomfield, Coal
Services, Blackwoods and the NSW Minerals Council.
You can read more about the lunch and other festival
events from page 12.
Over the years the industry has evolved dramatically,
thriving on a culture of innovation and improvement
to help enhance safety, productivity and reduce
environmental impacts.
But despite this, these great things miners are doing
are often overlooked or overshadowed by the few loud
voices who do not support mining in the Hunter.
So now, at a time when the region could particularly
use a boost, the community has come together to
launch a new, first-of-its-kind festival that pays tribute
to coal mining in the Hunter.
To be held from March 9-29, the Hunter Coal Festival
will bring the community and industry together across a
range of business, industry, sporting and charity events,
including the inaugural Hunter Mining Show from
March 12-14.
What’s unique about the trade show is that on the final
Make no mistake, the
March state election
is primarily about two
things - jobs and
the economy.
Contact Michael
email [email protected]
MichaelJohnsenforHunter
Authorised by George Souris, 34 Falkiner Cres, Singleton 2330
natsforhunter
We’ve also pulled together a special 12-page feature
dedicated to the festival, which focuses on what’s
happening at the Community Day, starting on page 21.
The Community Day has something for everyone to
enjoy, like a simulated emergency rescue demonstration
involving Mines Rescue and the Westpac Rescue
Helicopter, a freestyle motorcross performance, an
aerobatics display, music for all ages and competitions
inviting community participation, like the coal and
spoon races for kids, as demonstrated on the cover by
mini miners Archie and Sophie.
So if you’re a proud member of the Hunter mining
community, please join in the festivities and help ensure
that the first Hunter Coal Festival is a success.
Feature
14
WHS & Training
33
Tools & Toys
36
Sport
40
Time Out
48
Michelle Meehan and Shannon Noud
the start of 2012 to over nine
per cent at the end of 2014
- well above the overall state
increase from 4.8 per cent to 5.8
per cent.
The Hunter has already been hit
hard by the downturn in mining,
with more than 3000 jobs lost in
mining during the last two years.
There are also thousands of
jobs hanging in the balance,
awaiting determinations by
the government’s Planning
Assessment Commission, like
the 1300 workers and their
families waiting on a decision
regarding the continuation of
Coal and Allied’s Mount Thorley
Warkworth mine in the Upper
Hunter Valley.
In the Upper Hunter in particular,
the unemployment rate has
jumped from 2.3 per cent at
In a region like the Hunter it is
important to remind our elected
representatives and those who
Publisher: Shane Davey 0408 759 088
[email protected]
General Manager: Anthony Swinsburg,
0419 604 571
[email protected]
Design: Jason Higgs
Cover photography: Brock Perks
Editor / Associate Publisher:
Michelle Meehan
[email protected]
Deputy Editor: Shannon Noud
[email protected]
Contributors: NSW Minerals Council,
Brett Murphy, Suni Golightly
The NSW Government knows
it. The Opposition knows it. And
you can be sure the thousands
of people in the Hunter who
have lost their jobs, or whose
jobs are on the line know it.
5
News
want to take their places that the
mining vote matters.
For example, there are 4400
mining families in the electorate
of Upper Hunter and it’s going
to be hotly contested because
of the retirement of longstanding
Nationals MP George Souris.
Luckily in this electorate
we have three excellent
candidates, Martin Rush,
Michael Johnsen and Lee
Watts, who all understand that
there are thousands of mining
workers and their families in
the electorate who rely on
a strong mining sector for
their livelihoods.
In particular, Lee Watts has
Production and
Distribution Manager: Matt Hann
[email protected]
Sales and Business Development
Manager: Julie Wicks 0429 363 847
[email protected]
Advertising Account Manager:
Michelle Lebrocq 0456 233 880
made very strong public
statements supporting both
the Drayton South and
Mount Thorley Warkworth
extensions, which have been
warmly welcomed by the
mining industry.
It is important that we take the
opportunity in the lead-up to the
election to remind our elected
representatives in these marginal
seats that it’s going to be the
votes of mining communities
that decide who wins.
The mining vote also matters in
seats like Cessnock with 3000
mining families, Maitland with
nearly 800 mining families, and
almost 500 mining families in
Port Stephens.
These are key marginal
electorates and the importance
of the mining vote is made even
clearer due to the over 4000
local Hunter businesses that are
part of the mining supply chain.
[email protected]
Advertising Account Manager:
Greg Harris 0431 065 667
[email protected]
Office Manager: Lucy Archer
[email protected]
Published by People Brands T/A
Coalface Magazine
Stephen Galilee
CEO, NSW Minerals Council
ABN: 21 139 736 600
HUNTER VALLEY: Shop 7, 157-159
John Street, Singleton NSW 2330
NEWCASTLE: 526 Hunter Street,
Newcastle NSW 2300
SYDNEY: Pier 8/9, 23 Hickson Road,
Sydney NSW 2000
coalfacemagazine.com.au | March 2015 3
INDUSTRY & COMMUNITY NEWS
UKNIGHTED WE STAND.
Coal industry leads $1 million trial to reduce rail noise
A wall is being constructed near Singleton’s railway line to trial
whether it can help reduce noise for nearby residents.
The 248 metre long wall is being
constructed along Victoria St, Glenridding,
which is located just behind the rail line
and is hoped will mitigate noise impacts
for 10 identified neighbouring properties.
Costing around $289,000, the wall will
take approximately four to five weeks to
build and is anticipated to reduce noise by
six decibels.
The project is one part of a $1 million trial
rail noise abatement program being driven
by the Australian Rail Track Corporation
(ARTC) together with Hunter Valley coal
producers in order to better understand
rail noise and find ways to reduce it.
ARTC Executive General Manager
Jonathon Vandervoort said the program is
funded by the industry and reflects leading
Hunter CEO appointed to
national industry board
Hunter Valley Training Company CEO Sharon Smith will be
on the front line of group training development in Australia
after being appointed to a national board.
The Rutherford-based executive was
named on the board of Group Training
Australia – the national association
representing a network of around 150
Group Training Organisations (GTOs)
located throughout metropolitan,
regional and remote areas of Australia
apprentices and trainees.”
Ms Smith said her new role is timely
given major industry reforms including
the Federal Government’s introduction
of the Australian Apprenticeship
Support Network (AASN) from July
this year.
Ms Smith is passionate about the
value of group training and said she
hopes to help secure the future of
GTOs in Australia.
VOICE FOR
MINING
FAMILY DAY
HUNTER STADIUM
SATURDAY, 28 MARCH 2015
The Newcastle Knights play the Penrith Panthers
in hi-vis to show they support our miners and all
the good things mining brings.
This year, Voice For Mining Family Day is on
the same day as the NSW state election, so
standing up for our miners has never been
more important.
Wear orange or your hi-vis workwear to the game
to make a big visual statement about how
important mining is to you and your family.
Sign up to be a supporter at voiceformining.com.au
#VOICEFORMINING #UKNIGHTED
Collectively, GTOs employ around
35,000 apprentices and trainees,
with more than 100,000 businesses
using a group training organisation
to manage the employment of their
apprentices and trainees.
investment in environmental management.
“We are already meeting our legislative
requirements, but this program is
completely voluntary,” he said.
“It is important to have a willingness
to engage with the community and
respond to community concerns using
direct dialogue.
“The aim of the program is that it’s
about finding a fair and feasible means
of responding to noise levels that will be
sustainable in the long term.”
Mr Vandervoort said the other important
aspect of the program is the framework
for the process to select the locations to
receive noise abatement, which is also
being trialled.
The NSW Minerals Council has launched
its plan to sustain and strengthen the
industry into the future, with a focus on
fixing the state’s planning system; better
infrastructure for mining communities;
and greater protection from illegal access
safety risks.
“The top priority is to fix the broken NSW
planning system and restore confidence
in NSW as a place to invest. This will
Resources inject funds into region’s roads
Mineworkers and tourists alike will benefit from a multimillion
dollar injection into the upgrade of Hermitage and Broke roads.
The NSW Government has announced
it will allocate $16.734 million to the
project from the Resources for Regions
program, which is designed to improve
infrastructure in mining-affected areas.
As part of the project, 12km of
Hermitage Road and 1.1km of Broke
Road will be upgraded, including their
intersection, while other features include
the installation of tourist facilities such as
signage and rest areas, lighting for safety
and way-finding; and the construction
of an on-road cycleway connecting
the Hunter Expressway/New England
Highway with Broke Road.
The project spans across both
the Singleton and Cessnock local
government areas and has a total
value of $17.134 million, with the
councils kicking in $100,000 and
$300,000 respectively.
Singleton Council General Manager
Lindy Hyam said Hermitage Road was a
vital transport link between Broke Road
He said the noise is something you get
used to, but commended the ARTC
and industry for being on the front foot
and implementing a program to reduce
its impacts.
The $1 million program kicked off in April
2013 and is expected to be completed
in August this year before moving into
the review phase.
Stephen Galilee
Political parties and wannabe
MPs have been left in no doubt
as to what it will take to keep
the future of mining in
NSW strong.
“This plan provides a clear policy
direction for whoever governs NSW after
the March election and the message is
clear - if you hurt mining, you hurt NSW,”
NSW Minerals Council CEO, Stephen
Galilee said.
“GTA has a key role in advocating
and ensuring government response
to these issues is effective and
appropriate for business and industry,
as well as for current and future
Singleton Mayor John Martin has lived in
a property just down the road from the
Singleton train station since 1967.
Election candidates given
insight into policy
priorities for mining
industry
The document is designed to inform the
major political parties and all those vying
for votes at this month’s state election
just what policies are needed to ensure
the mining industry is able to deliver jobs
and help sustain regional economies
across the Hunter and wider NSW.
“I am passionate about the value and
benefits of group training particularly
in addressing issues of high youth
unemployment in a nation with well
documented skills shortages,” Ms
Smith said.
Using a database of noise complaints
collated over the years, the ARTC
consulted with 29 residents across the
Hunter Valley rail network who had to
meet a strict criteria to be eligible. Noise
modeling was then undertaken to help
prioritise residents based on noise levels
and benefit of treatment.
and the Hunter Expressway.
“It provides access for residents,
workers and visitors between Singleton
and Cessnock and is a key location for
tourism and accommodation providers
contributing to Hunter Valley Wine
Country,” she said.
“The regional importance of Hermitage
Road has increased significantly since
the opening of the Hunter Expressway
and it is now a gateway to the
wine tourism region from the north
and south.”
Ms Hyam said the Broke and Hermitage
roads are also heavily utilised by mining-
help reverse the job losses we’ve seen in
mining over the last two years ­of more
than 4500 across the state.”
Mr Galilee said this must include
streamlining the process and shortening
assessment timeframes, including for
modifications, as well as reforming the
PAC process.
With the risky activities of protestors
at mines, coal loaders and train lines
continuing to hit the headlines across the
state, the NSW Minerals Council is also
calling for stronger protection from the
safety risks posed by illegal access to
these sites.
Policies that support mining exploration,
and the expansion of the Resources for
Regions program are also part of the
NSW Minerals Council’s plan.
For more details about the plan, NSW
Mining Beyond 2015, visit
www.nswmining.com.au
related traffic travelling to mines in the
Upper Hunter.
“This creates great stress on road
infrastructure, degrading it at an
accelerated rate,” she said.
“The existing state of road infrastructure
in the region has a negative impact on
the visitor experience.
“This project will improve access and
safety for cars and bicycles and lift the
local amenity to ensure the region is
able to meet the future demands of
the industry.”
A project control group will be
established by the two councils to
prepare tender documentation for the
survey and design of the project.
coalfacemagazine.com.au | March 2015 5
INDUSTRY & COMMUNITY NEWS
INDUSTRY & COMMUNITY NEWS
Mine extension
plans on public view
A view of the Mount
Owen North Pit
A proposal that would extend a Hunter mining operation by 12
years and secure hundreds of jobs is currently on exhibition to
the public.
Glencore is looking to extend mining
at its Mount Owen Complex with
existing resources at the Mount Owen
(North Pit) and Ravensworth East
(West Pit) predicted to be depleted by
2018 and 2021 respectively.
As part of its Mount Owen Continued
Operations Project, Glencore is
seeking to tap into a new pool of coal
resources located to the south of the
North Pit and to the east of West Pit.
In addition to securing jobs for
existing employees, the project
will create an additional 330 jobs
during construction.
It will also deliver significant
economic benefits for both the region
and state, including an initial capital
investment of $153 million, as well as
$1.3 billion expected to be directly
and indirectly injected into the Hunter
economy over the life of the project.
If approved, Mount Owen will extract
an additional 74 million tonnes of
run-of-mine (ROM) coal at the North
Pit at the current approved extraction
rate of 10 million tonnes per annum
(mtpa), extending the life of the North
Pit for another 12 years until 2030.
It will also see the extraction of
12 mtpa of coal from the northern
portion of the Ravensworth East
Mine referred to as the Bayswater
North Pit (BNP), plus 6 mtpa of coal
from the proposed Ravensworth East
Resource Recovery Mining Area at
the current approved rate of 4 mtpa.
To support the extension, Glencore
will need to upgrade or install
new infrastructure and facilities,
including a northern rail line turnout and new rail spur; upgrades
to the coal handling preparation
plant and tailings, changes to the
site water management system
and construction of a new Hebden
Road bridge crossing over
Bowmans Creek.
The Environmental Impact Statement
is on public exhibition until March
6 at Singleton Council or online at
www.planning.nsw.gov.au
Awards set to recognise
Singleton’s best in business
Don’t let modesty get in the
way of deserved recognition.
That’s the key message the Singleton
Business Chamber wants to get out to
local businesses considering entering
the 2015 Singleton Outstanding
Business Awards.
SERVICE EFFICIENCY
INNOVATION SAFETY
Nominations are now open for the awards
in the following categories:
The Leaders in Maintenance
and Supply Services
• Young Business Executive (age 18-35);
• Business Leader (age 36+);
• Employer of Choice;
• Excellence in Business (less than 20 fulltime employees);
• Excellence in Business (more than 20
full-time employees);
Gill Eason is encouraging local people
to nominate their favourite business
in this year’s Singleton Outstanding
Business Awards.
MiNe MAiNTeNANce
• Excellence in Innovation;
Delays to Hunter coal mine
extension costs sector more jobs
Anglo American has announced that approximately 45 employees
will be made redundant at its Drayton coal mine near Muswellbrook.
With mineable coal resources set to run
out this year, a review of the operations
identified that current staff levels could not
be maintained.
It follows growing uncertainty about the
mine’s future, with the proposed Drayton
South extension knocked back by the
Planning Assessment Commission
(PAC) for the second time last October
due to the potential impacts on nearby
horse studs.
However the company still hopes to
maintain the workforce long-term, with
plans to submit a third proposal for
Drayton South to the NSW Government,
which includes a larger 2km buffer
between the operation and the
horse studs.
“The redundancy positions will
be subject to the business needs
and will be determined with full
consultation with employees and our
employee representatives.”
Mr Heaton added that the aim is to keep
as many jobs for as long as possible,
with the company now working on the
third proposal.
This proposal has reduced the mine size
by 25 per cent to extract 75 million tonnes
of coal over 15 years, cutting the project’s
predicted revenue by about $7 billion.
Anglo American Executive Head of
Open Cut Mining, Mark Heaton said
the company had hoped Drayton South
would provide continuity for Drayton’s 500
employees and 140 local suppliers, but
last year’s outcome meant redundancies
were now unavoidable.
Coal Services
welcomes
new directors
Two well-known figures in
the NSW coal mining sector
have joined the team at
Coal Services.
• Owner/Operator Business Excellence
(less than 5 FTE employees); and
• Employee of Year.
Singleton Chamber is partnering with the
Hunter and NSW Business Chambers
to allow winners to progress through
to the state awards, except in the last
three categories.
Gill Eason from the Chamber said many
businesses don’t want to toot their own
horns, but the awards are a good way
to raise your profile and acknowledge
hard work.
David Moult
David Moult and Andrew McMahon
are the two newest directors on
the Coal Services, Mines Rescue
and Coal Mines Insurance boards,
replacing outgoing board director and
former chairman, Tony Haraldson and
director, David Gunzburg.
“I am pleased to welcome Mr
McMahon and Mr Moult to the
Board. I look forward to their
valuable contribution, particularly as
we progress towards reaching our
strategic goals in the coming years,”
Coal Services Chairman Wayne
McAndrew said.
“I would also like to take this
opportunity to thank Mr Haraldson
and Mr Gunzburg for their
contributions during their time on
the Board.”
“…we now find ourselves in the difficult
position of balancing depleting coal levels
with extending the mine’s life for as long
as possible without approval for Drayton
South,” he said.
• Excellence in Customer Service (less
than 20 employees);
Mr Moult was appointed director
in January this year and is also
the managing director and CEO
“That is why this year in addition to
encouraging businesses to enter, we are
also asking the general public to nominate
their favourite business,” she said.
“After being nominated the business will
have to complete their entry form, but it’s
a good way for business to know they are
being recognised within the community.”
elecTRicAl
Entries for the awards close at 5pm on
March 20, with the awards presentation
night to be held on May 1 at the Singleton
Civic Centre.
Kirfield
HigH
VolTAge
The theme for the event is ‘Making
the impossible, possible’ – and who
better to resonate that theme with the
audience than world champion wheelchair
athlete Kurt Fearnley, who will be the
guest speaker.
of Centennial Coal and a director
and former chairman of the NSW
Minerals Council.
Mr McMahon was appointed to the
Board in November last year and is
also director, safety and health at the
NSW Minerals Council (NSWMC) and
senior advisor health and safety for
the Minerals Council of Australia.
If you would like to enter the awards
or purchase tickets visit www.
singletonchamber.org.au, or if you would
like to nominate a business please email
[email protected].
They will join five other members
currently on the Board.
EXPERIENCE • QUALITY • RELIABILITY
Celebrating 37 Years
Politics made its way into the pit last month, with the Greens
announcing they wanted to phase out coal mining across NSW.
The pre-election policy, which centred
on a rapid movement away from
coal mining operations in favour
of renewable energy, attracted
widespread criticism.
Among those speaking out against
what he called the Greens’ “war on
the coal industry” was Liberal MLC
Scot MacDonald, who visited the
Myuna underground coal mine at
Wangi Wangi to talk to the workers
about their thoughts on the policy.
“They had a very clear understanding
that the Greens’ plan was a direct
threat to them and their families,”
he said.
“The NSW Greens have escalated
their war on the coal industry.
Liquid Nitrogen Service & Supply
Mobile Line Boring Solutions
“They have committed to ending
exports within five years and
production for domestic consumption
phased out as rapidly as possible.
coNSTRucTioN
“This is all predicated on a switch to
100 per cent renewable energy within
a few years. Economic adjustment is
to be funded by a new levy on coal.”
The Greens hold five seats in the
Upper House at the moment and
with no single political party holding
a majority, Mr MacDonald said this
enabled the Greens to “hold the
House to ransom”.
Weld Reclamation
Caterpillar Service Exchange Components
Light Fabrication
159 Maison Dieu Road Singleton 2330 P 02 6572 2032 M 0400 122 485 M 0423 407 780 www.morganengineering.com.au
6 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
FAbRicATioN
Poly WeldiNg
“The State election on the
28th March is critical for
the resources sector.
CNC Machining
SHuTdoWNS
“In the lead up to the March 2015
NSW election, the Greens are now
promising to phase out the industry
as soon as possible.
“Their latest thought
bubble to destroy one of
the State’s key industries
is a live threat,” he said.
General Engineering
TeST ANd TAg
Tickets cost $100 per person or $950
for a table of 10, which includes food
and beverages.
Greens policy labelled a war on coal
Andrew McMahon
Construction, Commissioning, Completions & Maintenance Services
Liberal MLC Scot MacDonald talks to miners at
Myuna cola mine.
“I urge miners and
their families to think
carefully about their
choice, including
who they back in the
Legislative Council.”
[NOThINg]
COMpROMISE ON
46 Wallarah Rd Muswellbrook
NSW 2333 Australia
Tel +61 (0) 2 6541 5300
kirfield.com.au
coalfacemagazine.com.au | March 2015 7
INDUSTRY & COMMUNITY NEWS
Hunter coal mine extension closer to approval
A multimillion dollar Upper
Hunter coal mine extension
that would secure the jobs
of hundreds of workers for
another 24 years is one step
closer to fruition.
The Planning Assessment Commission
(PAC) has found that the $689 million
Bengalla Mine Continuation Project
could be approved subject to a
number of conditions after completing
its review of the proposal.
It has now referred it back to the
NSW Department of Planning and
Environment for further consideration
before a final decision is made.
A spokesperson from Rio Tinto
Coal Australia said they welcomed
the finding and looked forward to a
“timely decision by the Department of
Planning and Environment”.
“Bengalla has been operating since
1998 and is seeking approval to
continue mining, moving away from
Muswellbrook to the west on land
owned by Bengalla and Coal & Allied,”
he said.
“This continuation will provide ongoing
employment for our existing workforce
of 500 people, with the potential to
increase employment if we decide in
the future to ramp up our production to
the maximum 15 million tonnes a year.”
According to its review report, the
Commission found the project would
have a number of project-specific and
cumulative impacts, but these could be
managed through stringent conditions
and management of operations
surrounding dust, noise, blasting
operations and water.
This included the requirement to
contribute to maintenance and
recurrent operating costs associated
with air quality mitigation measures
installed at privately-owned residences
impacted by the mine’s operations.
The Commission also made
recommendations around voluntary
acquisition rights.
Project engineer Alek Duerksen
is one of the Bengalla employees
whose job will be secured if the
Bengalla Continuation is approved
If approved, the project would expand
the mining area to the west to extract
15 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of
run-of-mine (ROM) coal over 24 years.
It would potentially create 500 new
jobs, plus 315 construction jobs during
the first three years of the project while
contributing more than $1.2 billion
in royalties.
THE HunTEr vallEy’s OnE sTOP sHOP fOr TOrquE
TOOl salEs, sErvicE, calibraTiOn and HirE
Mining scholarship a boost for Aberdeen engineering student
One local engineering student will have a little peace of mind
when she kickstarts her degree this year.
Aberdeen’s Renee Hirst no longer has
to worry about the cost of her education
after receiving a substantial leg-up from
Bengalla Mine to assist with her studies.
Renee will study a Bachelor of Chemical
Engineering and a Bachelor of Science at
the University of Newcastle.
Renee Hirst and
Bengalla’s Jo-Anne
Scarini
Not only will she receive $8500 each year
for the next four years, totaling $34,000
in financial assistance, she also has an
upfront career advantage of 10 weeks
paid vacation work at the Bengalla mine
near Muswellbrook, which will provide
valuable experience in the industry.
The graduate from St Joseph’s Aberdeen
high school said she was overwhelmed
and excited to win the Bengalla
Engineering Scholarship this year.
pursue a career in engineering.
Bengalla general manager operations JoAnne Scarini said the initiative is a way for
Bengalla to encourage more young people
to pursue engineering.
“I am most looking forward to completing
vacation work at Bengalla where I can get
a real feel for what chemical engineering
is like, gain valuable insights from
experienced professionals and have firsthand experience in my field,” she said.
“We want local students to achieve their
study and career goals and build capacity
to sustain our local communities, which
is why we are pleased to provide this
scholarship to a local student like Renee
each year,” she said.
Renee is the ninth person to receive the
scholarship, which aims to assist a local
student in the Upper Hunter wishing to
“I look forward to welcoming Renee to
site to develop skills and gain real-life
engineering experience on a mine site.”
SALES AND HIRE OF ALL
TORQUE EQUIPMENT
COME ALONG TO A FREE
COMMUNITY BBQ
TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
FOR DRAYTON SOUTH.
There’ll be free face painting, jumping castles and you can help out the
Singleton Neighbourhood Centre with a gold coin donation for the BBQ.
Saturday 21 March, 11.00am
Town Head park, Singleton NSW.
@AngloAmericanAU
8 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
Independent Candidate
Candidate
Independent
facebook.com/AngloAnerican
The only candidate to consistently and fully support
Authorised by Lee Watts 29 Parker Street, Scone NSW 2337 Printed by Hunter Valley Printing 6 Wilkins Street, Muswellbrook NSW 2333
the workers at Mt Thorley Warkworth and Drayton South.
Authorised by Lee Watts 29 Parker Street, Scone NSW 2337 Printed by Coalface Magazine 526 Hunter Street Newcastle NSW 2300
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UNIT 5, 19 Balook Drive,
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Contact: Peter Elford
NSW Branch Manager
E-mail: [email protected]
Mobile: 0418 950 527
For more information please call (02) 49641996 or come visit us @
www.radicaltorque.com.au
INDUSTRY & COMMUNITY NEWS
Bengalla Mine Monitoring Supervisor Jo
Corliss was a finalist for the inaugural
Women in Industry Awards in 2014
Prospect awards now open
High-vis women in the spotlight
Hunter miners will have
the chance to compare
themselves against
examples of best practice
across the country at the
2015 Australian Mining
Prospect Awards.
• Hard Rock Mine of the Year;
Nominations are now open for
the annual awards, which in
2014 saw two Hunter miners Bengalla employee Jo Corliss and
HVTC Indigenous trainee Nathan
Anderson – take home an award.
• Minerals Processing of the Year;
This year marks the 12th
anniversary of the Prospect Awards,
which were developed to recognise
excellence and innovation in the
mining sector.
The achievements of women
working in non-traditional
fields will be recognised in
the second annual Women in
Industry Awards.
in 2014 as a finalist in the Excellence in
Mining category and nominations are
now open for 2015 across 10 awards:
• Excellence in Engineering
Awards will be presented in the
following 13 categories;
Nominations are now open for the
accolades, which recognise and reward
the achievements of women working
within the mining, engineering, and
manufacturing industries.
• Excellence in Manufacturing
• Community Interaction;
• Excellence in Mining
• Contractor of the Year;
• Industry Advocate
• Contribution to Mining;
The awards were launched in 2014
by Australian Mining, PACE and
Manufacturers’ Monthly with a goal of
breaking down barriers and creating
new possibilities for the next generation
by highlighting the achievements of
successful women in industry.
Bengalla Mine Monitoring Supervisor
Jo Corliss flew the flag for the Hunter
• BDM of the year
• Employer of the Year
• Coal Mine of the Year;
• Excellence in
Environmental Management;
• Excellence in Mine Safety
and OH&S;
• Explorer of the Year;
• Manager of the Year;
• Innovative Mining Solution;
• Young Achiever of the Year; and
• Mine of the Year.
The awards presentation will be
held later this year with more details
to be finalised.
Some of the sponsors already
backing the awards include Mining
Machinery Developments, Atlas
Copco, Sew Eurodrive, Metso,
Nautitech Mining Systems and
Townley Group International.
For more information or to make an
award nomination please visit
www.prospectawards.com.au.
• Marketing/Communications
• Mentor Award
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THE MORE WE RECOVER
AT SITA, WE UNDERSTAND THE VALUE OF NATURAL RESOURCES
BOTH ABOVE AND BELOW GROUND
Our total waste management solutions for the mining and resources sector include:
Waste collection and recycling services
Specialised industrial services
On-site landfill and transfer station management
Waste segregation and scrap metal handling
Hydrocarbon management
• Rising Star Award
2014 Health and safety Innovation Award Winners
with Stephen Galilee and Minister Ian Macfarlane
• Social Leader.
Composts and mulches for mine rehabilitation
Nominations close on April 9, with the
finalists announced on April 30.
24/7 emergency support
The winners will be revealed at an event
in Sydney on June 25.
Complete audits, tracking and reporting
For more information visit
http://womeninindustry.com.au.
Over 100 year of experience...
•
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Save the date:
NSW Minerals Council announces
new HSEC awards event
There is one important
industry event Hunter
miners should not miss.
The NSW Minerals Council has made
a major change to its annual awards
calendar by combining two of its key
events into one.
For the first time, the Health and
Safety and the Environment and
Community conferences and
excellence awards will become one
event – the 2015 Health, Safety,
Environment & Community (HSEC)
Conference and Awards Dinner.
The event will take place at Crowne
Plaza Hunter Valley from August 31
to September 1.
10 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
The conference will bring together
industry experts, decision makers
and business representatives to
discuss the challenges and issues
the industry is currently facing,
solutions to drive improvement and
opportunities for the future.
It will be followed by the new HSEC
awards to recognise those within
the industry who are leading the way
toward better HSEC outcomes.
Further details about the event will
be provided in coming months.
For more information visit www.
nswmining.com.au/events/health,safety,-environment-communityconference or email info@
nswmining.com.au.
For information contact Todd Armstrong, Business Development Manager:
Mining and Resources on +61 427 803 155 or [email protected]
suppliers
rockwell automation
Name set to change
for MTU Detroit Diesel
Automation injection
ready to educate Hunter industry
The drive for industry automation will hit the highway to Newcastle this
month as Rockwell Automation brings its technology tour to town.
The company’s Automation
University will showcase leadingedge automation solutions in
a one-day event on March 24,
offering a series of interactive
demonstrations, hands-on labs
and presentations that show
real-life industry environments
and scenarios.
Matthew Treeby said the
Automation University will
provide a unique, in-depth
experience with technology.
University will provide the
platform to bring together
people and products, as well as
technologies and solutions.”
“We have designed a program
that is full of insight, vision, ideas
and practical solutions to help
participants stay ahead of their
competition,” he said.
The event is part of Rockwell
Automation’s wider tour of
regional centres across Australia
and New Zealand during 2015,
including three NSW stops –
Newcastle, Wollongong (March
26) and Bathurst (March 31).
“Technology is moving at such
a fast pace that organisations
can’t afford to be left behind,
but may also be short of
time to keep up with the
latest advances.
The event is targeted at
everyone from engineers
and end users to machine
builders and consultants,
offering up-to-date, views,
trends and technologies of
integrated information and
automation solutions.
Rockwell Automation
commercial marketing executive
“To help organisations meet
their business and plant
requirements, Automation
Entry is free, but places
are limited. For more
information visit:
www.rockwellautomation.
com.au
McDougalls Hill branch rebranding to Penske
Power Systems.
From April 1 this year MTU
Detroit Diesel Australia,
a division of the Penske
Automotive Group, Inc., will
be rebranded as Penske
Power Systems, Inc.
This will apply to all
operations across the
country, including the
Hunter Valley branch in
McDougalls Hill, near
Singelton, with all continuing
to operate as MTU Detroit
Diesel throughout February
and March.
MTU Detroit Diesel Australia
is a leading distributor of
the world’s finest diesel
and gas engines and
power systems, with
prestigious brands such as
Rolls-Royce, Daimler and
Mercedez-Benz products
available through their
Australia‑wide branches.
After the name change
the company will continue
to distribute Rolls-Royce
Power Systems.
The company also provides
a comprehensive range
of products for mining
applications ranging from 30
to 3,000 kW, specialising in
the design and installation
of complete power solutions
for mine sites, as well as
the supply, service and
support of engines for
dump trucks, excavators,
drilling equipment, and
lighting towers.
penske power systems inc
SERVICINg ANd REPAIRS
• Rego inspections - pink slips (Rta/Rms)
• 24hR onsite seRvice and RepaiRs
• local supplieR of automotive electRical
components to local industRies
mine spec vehicles and equipment to site
standaRds
• automotive aiR-conditioning and RepaiRs
• ReveRse cameRa and moniteRing systems
MECHANICAL
WORKSHOP NOW AVAILABLE
18 Macquarie St Singleton
12 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
phone: 02 6572 4188 / mobile: 0407 451 792 (brad) / fax: 02 6572 4961
email: [email protected] / Web: www.bradshell.com
coalfacemagazine.com.au | March 2015 13
feature
feature
Sophie Meehan and
Archie Williams get in
the spirit for the coal
and spoon race at the
Hunter Coal Festival.
variety pit to port car rally
at 8am on Saturday, March 14, the
location of the Hunter Mining Show
and Community Day, the rally will
tour various historic mining towns
and locations.
If you’ve ever watched The Amazing
Race on television and bragged to
your spouse or kids: ‘I could do that’,
well now’s your chance to prove it.
Teams will have to answer questions
that tell the history of coal mining in the
area, before finishing up at the historic
Carriage Sheds in Foreshore Park
Newcastle at approximately 1.30pm.
Organisers behind the Hunter Coal
Festival have created the inaugural
“Pit to Port” car rally, which will
send participants on a scavenger
hunt around the Hunter to test their
knowledge of the coal industry
(and probably patience), all the
while raising money for Variety, the
Children’s Charity.
Coal
Festival
a shot in the arm for region
Coal mining is a vital thread
in the Hunter’s social and
economic fabric.
Aside from providing the main source of
energy we all need to go about our daily
lives, many communities rely on mining
to provide local jobs and inject vital
funds in the economy.
That is why the Hunter’s mining
communities have come together
to create the inaugural Hunter Coal
Festival, as a way of paying tribute to
the positive things mining contributes to
the region.
come and see what we do and learn
about the good things we are doing,
like rehabilitation.
The festival will be held from March 9-29
across Singleton, Muswellbrook and
Newcastle - three of the region’s key
mining areas.
“The festival is an opportunity for
everyone to come together to celebrate
mining and get more positive news
out there.”
As a proud Hunter miner, Damien
Williams knows how important mining
is to the region and thinks a festival
dedicated to celebrating the interaction
between the industry and community is
a great idea.
Damien’s son Archie is also looking
forward to the festival and is particularly
excited about the kids’ coal and spoon
race, which is one of the special
events to be held as part of the festival
Community Day (see page 25). He
and his new friend Sophie, daughter
of Coalface editor Michelle Meehan,
were more than happy to get in some
early practice for the event as part of
this month’s cover shoot … we might
just have a couple of budding coal and
spoon racing experts on our hands!
Damien is both an OCE and the
dragline, drill and blast supervisor at
Mount Thorley Warkworth, one of the
mines that will open its haul roads to
the public for a series of mine tours on
the festival’s Community Day (see the
dedicated festival feature on page 21 for
more details).
He said the festival’s focus on involving
the community is important as it will
highlight other aspects of mining that
people might not know about.
Damien Williams and
his son Archie.
“The festival is a big thing for Hunter
mining, which will help people better
understand what it is we do and why it’s
important,” he said.
“The mine tours in particular will
allow people and families to actually
Hunter Mining Show
in conjunction with Coal Services.
Health and safety is a highlight of this
month’s Hunter Mining Show.
On Thursday, two safety panels will
put the spotlight on mental health and
emergency preparedness.
The mining show - a trade show
exhibition for the industry - is being
held on Thursday, March 12 to
Saturday, March 14 at the Singleton
Civic Centre.
In addition to the 70 plus exhibitors
who will be showcasing their goods
and services, many of which are
focused on improving health and
safety, a series of free health and
safety panels and workshops have
been scheduled to deliver life lessons
on the importance of managing risks.
These presentations will be held on the
first two days of the show, which are
trade days for the industry, and will be
held in the show’s Blackwoods Pavilion
14 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
The panel consists of Beaconsfield
Mine tragedy survivor Brant Webb,
NewPsych Psychologist Tarnya Davis,
Senior Mine Safety Officer with NSW
Trade & Investment Matt U’Brien,
and Mines Rescue State Manager
Steve Tonegato.
These panels will be followed by
workshops on Friday covering key
industry health and safety issues like
synthetic drugs, first aid, the effects
of noise and hygiene and an update
on regional health statistics and
emerging trends.
General Manager Mines Rescue
and Regulation & Compliance
What’s unique about the festival is that
it is being driven by the community,
not the industry. It’s this approach that
festival Chairman Peter Eason believes
has really resonated with businesses.
The festival has attracted a lot of
support from across the business
community, from the sponsors
backing the festival, to the not-forprofit organisations and business
representatives putting their hand up as
Matthew Fellowes said the panel
discussions and workshops will start a
conversation about health and safety
topics concerning today’s miners.
“They will be a unique opportunity
to hear from some of the industry’s
leading experts on the health and
safety state of our industry, and
discuss ways in which we can
continue to challenge our already high
standards,” he said.
“This is also a great forum to talk
about mental health issues affecting
our miners.
“Brant Webb tells a compelling story
about the Beaconsfield tragedy and
The rally is open to Variety Bash cars,
suppliers with company cars and the
general public in their own family cars.
Entry is $20 per car, which includes
a barbecue breakfast for two people
Departing Singleton Civic Centre
mining careers day
On Thursday, March 19, Hunter mining
suppliers are teaming up to host an
industry careers day in Newcastle.
Co-ordinated by HunterNet, the careers
A ‘Pit to Port’ car
rally will take
a tour through
mining’s history
day is an opportunity for predominantly
Year 10 students across the Hunter and
Lake Macquarie to learn more about
careers available in the mining industry
by touring three world-class industry
training facilities in the area.
volunteers and the companies helping
co-ordinate events.
Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce
& Industry President Mike Kelly said the
Hunter Coal Festival is a first of its kind
for the region.
at the starting point and a barbecue
lunch for two at the finish line
in Newcastle.
An awards presentation will be held
at the finish line for the winning
teams, while prizes are also up for
grabs thanks to donations from the
To register for the Pit-to-Port Rally,
please visit the festival website.
Additional donations to Variety, the
Children’s Charity are welcome
and can be made during the online
registration process.
Around 100 students from Glendale,
Cardiff, Toronto, Morisset and Lake
Macquarie high schools will be touring a
simulated coal mine at UGM’s NewSAFE
training centre in Teralba.
through the NewSAFE Pathways
Programs has been integral in giving
students valuable “work experience”
to help them make informed
career decisions.
The tour will give students a realistic
idea of what it’s like
to work in a mining
environment, from
walking through
mud and water,
to showing them
the various types
of operational
equipment used
underground.
After touring UGM the 100 Lake
Macquarie area students will then tour
the Mines Rescue station at Argenton
where they will learn about mine safety
and the importance of Mines Rescue
as an emergency response and training
function for the industry.
He said a lot of businesses in the Hunter
depend on mining and as such the
festival will be an important boost for
Muswellbrook and the wider region.
“Something like this involves the whole
community. It increases awareness of
mining and the huge range of connected
businesses,” he said.
event’s sponsors.
Hunter TAFE will be showcasing its training facilities to local students in a careers day, including the mechanical
and marine simulation areas pictured.
The facility was
designed for
the training and
educating of future
mineworkers in a
life-like operational
workplace, but
Students will then gain a first hand
experience of working underground and
the potential hazards that exist in the
underground gallery and virtual reality
(VR) theatre.
Putting students in a life-like simulation
of an underground or open cut mine,
they will learn the basic skills to help
manage risks.
The final tour destination is Hunter
TAFE’s Newcastle campus at Tighes Hill,
“It delivers events that are educational,
fun and entertaining. This will lift spirits
and bring a more positive outlook for the
industry and the region’s economy.
“I expect that the Coal Festival events
will attract visitors to our region and also
give a much-needed boost to our local
hospitality and retail trade.”
Over three weeks, the community will
be invited to join in the festivities across
a range of sporting contests, charity
initiatives, business and networking
functions and industry events.
Your asset, our house...
Peace of mind to all those we service
Here are some of the festival’s
highlights, but flip over to page 17 for
the full program.
its impact on his life, his family, the
community and life after the rescue.
“We are very confident that attendees
will come away not only moved and
inspired, but also with plenty to
think about.”
These presentations are anticipated
to be popular so if you wish to attend
the panel discussions and workshops
please register online at www.
huntermining.com.au/workshops.
The show will culminate in the
Community Day on Saturday March
14, which opens up to the general
public (see page 21 for more details).
QUEENSLAND | NEW SOUTH WALES | NORTHERN TERRITORY | VICTORIA | WESTERN AUSTRALIA | SOUTH AUSTRALIA
T 1300 471 829
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coalfacemagazine.com.au | March 2015 15
feature
which will be open to all schools in the
Hunter region from 8.30am to 2.30pm.
As part of the open day, Hunter TAFE
will showcase its modern facilities
and give students advice on career
pathways, highlighting the career
opportunities for people across the
whole mining supply chain.
HunterNet Project Director Wayne
Diemar said TAFE’s training options
cover a wide range of skills across
the pit to port process, and the focus
of the open day will be highlighting
this diversity.
“Opportunities in the mining industry are
virtually unlimited,” he said.
“We really want to get the message to
students and their parents that there are
still career opportunities in the resources
sector, whether in hard rock mining,
coal mining, or related industry sectors.
feature
schools debating
Primary and high schools around the
Upper Hunter will compete in a debating
competition throughout the Hunter
Coal Festival.
It’s not often you have the opportunity to
get up close and personal with some of
the mining industry’s biggest names.
But that’s all about to change as this
month five of the industry’s most
prominent figures will speak at the
inaugural Mining Legend’s Lunch.
Mount Pleasant Public School Principal
Andrew Morrow is co-ordinating
the primary school category, which
presently involves around 13 Upper
Hunter schools.
The panel of mining legends consists of:
• Glencore Chief Operating Officer –
Ian Cribb;
Singleton High School teacher David
Welsh is organising the high school’s
debating competition. He said there
are two divisions - one for Year 7 and 8
students and one for Year 9, 10 and 11.
• Bloomfield Group CEO –
John Richards;
• Coal Services CEO – Lucy Flemming;
• NSW Minerals Council CEO – Stephen
Galilee; and
Each school’s debating team consists
of four students - three speakers and an
advisor - who will debate about topics
relevant to the mining industry.
• renewable energy should take the
place of coal;
Students interested in participating
in the Hunter Coal Festival’s Mining
Careers Day should email info@
huntercoalfestival.com.au for
further information.
• the mining industry is safe.
• the merits of underground mining and
open cut mining; and
Three Singleton schools; Singleton High
School, St Catherine’s Catholic College
and the Australian Christian College, will
battle it out to determine a winner, who
• Executive General Manager
Blackwoods – Peter Boyd.
At the lunch, the panel will talk about
the current state of mining and provide
an insight into where it is going in the
future. The panel will also discuss
the future of the region, including the
economic opportunities post-mining.
Comedian Vince Sorrenti is the
emcee and will be sure to keep the
audience entertained.
Major sponsors of the event are
Blackwoods, Viva Energy and Sandvik
Mining, while proceeds from the event
will be donated to the Westpac Rescue
Helicopter Service and Singleton
Rugby Club.
HUNTER COAL FESTIVAL CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Some of the topics students will
debate include:
“There are world-class mining areas
throughout this country, which means
there are careers in the resources sector
for many years to come.”
Mines Rescue will show
students its 3D Virtual
Reality simulator
mining legend’s lunch
Brant Webb - Picture
courtesy of Fairfax Media
will then face off against the winner of
a debate between Muswellbrook High
School and St Joseph’s Aberdeen.
In the primary school competition, the
teams will battle it out in a knockout
style before the top two teams in each
category will also compete in the final,
which will be held on Monday, March 23
at Muswellbrook South Public School.
According to Mr Welsh there has
been an enthusiastic response to the
debating competition and he said it’s
great that the festival has allowed this
engagement with students.
“Any topic that engages students to
think about the future of the community
is essential,” he said.
“We are aware of the criticisms of the
mining industry, but it’s important that
we let students learn for themselves so
they can be better informed about both
sides of the argument.”
people and place, coal and
community
If the Hunter Coal Festival is all about
celebrating mining then the People and
Place, Coal & Community exhibition is a
perfect fit.
WEEK ONE
March 9 - 11
• Brant Webb motivational talks
and presentations to various
Upper Hunter mines, schools and
community organisations.
• Hunter Mining Show: Singleton Civic
Centre, Singleton, 8am - 4pm.
• FREE Miners’ Breakfast from 7am.
Saturday, March 14
• Hunter Mining Show: Singleton Civic
Centre, Singleton, 10am - 4pm.
The event is the Singleton Rugby Club’s
first Legend’s Lunch event of 2015,
which in the past has featured speakers
like former Australian rugby union player
George Gregan and Prime Minister
Tony Abbott.
Tickets for the Mining Legend’s Lunch
cost $1150 for a table of 10. If you are
interested in an individual ticket please
contact Bernie Wood on 0419 992 482.
The lunch will be held in Friday, March
20 from 12pm to 4pm at the Singleton
Rugby Club.
For more information or to purchase
tickets visit www.huntercoalfestival.
com.au.
and TAFE; this includes tours and
experiences at three Newcastle
industry locations for students
interested in a career in mining.
Friday, March 20
• Mining Legends Lunch: Information
session and networking lunch,
Singleton Rugby Club, 12pm - 4pm.
• Variety Pit-to-Port Car Rally, Hunter’s
historical mine sites to the Port of
Newcastle and return.
• Upper Hunter Show: A familyfriendly celebration of the agricultural
and industrial sectors, with rides,
amusements and entertainment for
the whole community, Muswellbrook
Showground, Muswellbrook.
Thursday, March 12
Sunday, March 15
Saturday, March 21
• Hunter Mining Show: Singleton Civic
Centre, Singleton, 9am - 5pm.
• Newcastle Surf Day, Nobby’s Beach
8.30am - 3pm.
• Country Fair: An old-style community
fair, Singleton Christian College.
Tuesday, March 10
• Singleton Business Chamber
breakfast: “Meet the Candidates” for
NSW state election campaign, 7am 8.30am (breakfast included).
• Networking Event: Singleton Golf
Club, 5pm - 8pm.
Friday, March 13
From Monday, March 9 to Saturday,
March 28 the exhibition will be displayed
at Singleton Library, right near Singleton
Civic Centre if you’re attending the
Hunter Mining Show or Community Day.
An initiative of the University of
Newcastle, the exhibition brings
together a collection of photographs
and other historic artefacts gathered
over the years that tell the story of life in
the coal community and celebrate how
mining has shaped the region.
You might even recognise yourself, or
someone you know, in the thousands of
images on display.
• Community Day, Singleton Civic
Park, 10am - 10pm.
WEEK TWO
Tuesday, March 17
• Newcastle Forum: A night at the
Museum! My Hunter,
My Industry – what
mining means to
me. The Hunter
Business Chamber
is proud to bring an
opportunity for the
wider community
to have its say
with a high-profile
panel reviewing
the coal industry’s
contribution to the
Hunter. Sponsored
by Blackwoods and
Viva Energy.
Thursday
March 19
• Mining Careers
Day sponsored by
UGM, Coal Services
For more information about the People
and Place, Coal and Community
initiative, visit
www.coalandcommunity.com.
Sunday, March 22
• Rix’s Creek Invitational Golf Day:
Singleton Golf Club, 7.45am (first
round tee-off), 12.30pm (second
round tee-off).
• Singleton Mailrun Cycle Ride:
Singleton and surrounding districts,
beginning from 7am.
WEEK THREE
Monday, March 23
• Hunter TAFE Muswellbrook open day.
• Schools Debating & Competition:
Debate final, Muswellbrook South
Primary School.
Tuesday, March 24
• Newcastle Knights: Training day,
Pirtek Park, Singleton, from 9am.
Wednesday, March 25
• Hunter Research Foundation
Breakfast: A six-monthly update on
the Upper Hunter economy, 7am 9am, Muswellbrook RSL Club.
Bloomfield’s John Richards is one
of the speakers at the inaugural
Mining Legend’s Lunch
Thursday, March 26
• Mine Rehabilitation Conference
2015: presented by Newcastle
University’s Tom Farrell Institute for
the Environment (TFI). Conference
includes: Mine site rehabilitation
and re-use, dealing with mining
voids, etc, presentations and panel
discussions, Singleton Diggers Club,
9am - 5pm plus dinner.
Friday, March 27
• Hunter Business Chamber
Infrastructure Lunch – Energy
Security: Paul Broad, Chief Executive
Officer, Snowy Hydro Ltd, discusses
the broader and vital role energy
plays in national security and food
security and the better attention it
warrants from policy makers. Noahs
On The Beach, Newcastle,
12pm - 2pm.
• Coalminers ‘n’ Cocktails Aged Care
Ball, an afternoon of fun, laughter
and dancing, including refreshments,
afternoon tea, raffle prize and band,
Alroy House, Singleton Heights,
1.30pm - 4.30pm.
Saturday, March 28
• Festival Touch Football Competition:
Olympic Park, Muswellbrook.
• NRL Voice For Mining match:
Newcastle Knights Vs Penrith
Panthers, Hunter Stadium,
Newcastle, 3pm.
Sunday, March 29
• Muswellbrook Race Day:
Muswellbrook Race Club,
lunch to evening. Incorporates:
Muswellbrook Community Day,
celebrity chef charity lunch, full
race card sponsored by coal
mining companies.
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16 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
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coalfacemagazine.com.au | March
2015 17
11/02/15 3:04 PM
COAL faceS
COAL faceS
Abel stalwart calls time on career
After half a century in the coal industry, Cessnock
mine worker Chris Van Wyck has swapped his hard
hat and high vis for bridge, blooms and a boxer.
The Donaldson Coal
employee, who has worked
at the Abel Mine for the past
14 years and in the industry
since 1959, officially retired on
February 20, just a few weeks
shy of his 73rd birthday.
Sent out with a barefoot
bowls day and farewell
dinner at Beresfield Bowling
Club, ‘Wicky’ (as he was
known around the pit) said
he would be sad to leave the
industry – despite it being a
far cry from his school-day
ideas of becoming a vet or
an architect.
“Over the years I’ve just about
covered the whole spectrum,”
he told Coalface in the
lead‑up to his retirement.
“I’ve seen a greenfield site
from exploration to production
then the products being
sent overseas.
“I’ve superintended and done
consulting along the way
and I’ve found that it’s all
been interesting.”
Born in Holland, Chris was
raised and did most of his
schooling in Maitland.
But unlike a lot of school
leavers these days, Chris
didn’t have much of a break
between school and work: “In
those days we didn’t have a
gap year – I didn’t even have
a gap week. I did my leaving
certificate on the Thursday
and started the following
Monday at Courtaulds
Australia (at Tomago) as a
trainee chemist.”
He remained there for three
years before he joined the
Joint Coal Board as a chemist
– a job he stayed in for the
next 27 years.
Several other industry-related
positions followed before
he ended up working at the
Donaldson open cut and
Abel underground mines for
Donaldson Coal, eventually
becoming the Logistics and
Coal Quality Manager.
Along the way (during his time
at the Coal Board) he was
asked to become a technical
assessor for NATA, while he
also formed an association
with Standards Australia –
roles that took him around
Australia and across Asia and
Apprentice of the month: Bryson Walters
continued until only last year.
As a kid Bryson Walters would always pull apart
his toys and try to fix them.
“I’ve been round every lab in
Australia over the years and to
labs in Indonesia and some in
China,” he said.
Now at the age of 22 he’s still
doing the same thing – but this
time it’s for his career.
“The best part of going
around the labs auditing was
that you were always learning
something new, which you
could use wherever you were
working at the time.
Bryson has recently started
the fourth year of his
electrical apprenticeship
with Hunter Valley Training
Company (HVTC).
He is hosted by Lake Coal’s
Chain Valley Colliery, an
underground mine located
near Doyalson.
“I enjoyed my years with
Standards Australia and
NATA, they were interesting
times and I’ve still got friends
all over the country who I met
over the years.”
Initially Bryson, who grew
up in Edgeworth, was
planning to go to university to
study engineering.
While many people dream
of an early retirement, Chris’
love of his job ensured he was
more than happy to continue
on into his seventies.
But with two children and six
grandchildren all still living
in Cessnock, a wife who is
also retired, 50 rose bushes,
a passion for playing bridge
and a new boxer puppy he will
pick up not long after his calls
it quits at the pit, he’s certainly
got more than enough to keep
him occupied.
“I never had a grand plan or
anything but I’ll miss it (when
I retire).
“I was interviewed some years
ago when I’d been in the
But after completing some
weekend work experience at
Valley Coast Air Conditioning
he became intrigued with
electricity and decided that was
his perfect career path.
So when Bryson saw the ad for
an apprenticeship with HVTC
he jumped at the opportunity.
“I chose to complete a trade
as I enjoy hands-on activities
and learn a lot more efficiently
when in the field watching and
listening, then doing it myself,”
he said.
“I also wanted to travel and get
ahead financially.”
Despite not pursuing
engineering at university,
Bryson has been studying an
advanced diploma at Hunter
TAFE on a few nights each
week for the past two-anda-half years, in addition to
his apprenticeship.
“I always like going an extra
step to better myself, which is
why I wanted to do the course,”
Bryson said.
“I’m doing it to get as many
skills as I can, open up more
career options and be more
employable. It will also give
me more comprehension of
electrical equipment.”
Bryson’s supervisor
from HVTC, regional
co-ordinator Karen
Eveleigh, said his
willingness to go the
extra mile is the key to
his success.
“I have found Bryson to
be extremely educated
and well-mannered at all
times,” she said.
industry for 50 years and I told
them that my favourite day
was Monday. I like coming to
work on Monday morning and
finding out what’s happened
over the weekend and what
was happening for the rest of
the week.
“I enjoy the routine of work
– it’s going to be a big
adjustment but I think I’m
going to lower the average
age of the company a bit
when I retire!”
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“He has a very good
work ethic and is
proactive in ensuring he
is receiving the particular
work required to meet
his competencies for his
electrical trade.
As apprentice of the month, Bryson has
scored himself a $250 pre-paid VISA card
thanks to OYA Financial.
He’ll also take
home a nifty Gerber
Suspension Multi-Plier.
If you would like
to nominate an
outstanding apprentice or trainee in your workplace please
email [email protected] and tell us a little
bit about your star in the making.
“And his advanced diploma
has meant attending Tafe
up to three to four nights per
week after work and also
completing assessments.
“This demonstrates his passion
for the electrical trade and also
his commitment and dedication
to achieving very good results.”
Bryson will finish his engineering
course in six months and
complete his apprenticeship at
the end of the year.
“I like that there’s so much
hands-on work and there is
a broad range of equipment
to work on. I am particularly
fascinated with our continuous
miners and how so much
power can be acquired from
low voltage machinery.
“I’ve also made a lot of great
friendships with the boys down
in the pit.”
His immediate goal is to
become a qualified tradesman
and gain as much experience
as he can, but in the long-term
would like to progress into
electrical engineering.
He hopes to secure a fulltime role with Lake Coal
next year as he enjoys the
mining environment.
“From the very first time I
went underground I loved it,”
Bryson said.
“It might sound cheesy but it
just felt right. I knew I would
love working here.
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18 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
newcastle
Saturday, March 7th
9am-4pm
Crowne Plaza Hotel
singleton
Sunday, March 8th
9am-4pm
Quest Singleton
John Osborne
Michelle Brown
coalfacemagazine.com.au | March 2015 19
Whs & training
First aid tips:
tips for treating burns
March 2015
Burn injuries range from the minor to the most severe and
devastating of injuries.
The vast majority of burns are superficial
in depth and should heal in 10 to 12
days without complication, whereas
large burn injuries and burns in sensitive
areas require immediate emergency and
possibly surgical treatment.
Be aware of the risk factors on your
mine site including electrical, chemical,
mechanical and workshop hazards.
Protect yourself and your workmates
by conducting regular SLAMs, Take 5s
or JSAs.
There are three categories of burns:
superficial, partial thickness and
full thickness.
First aid treatment
Cool the area with running water for 20
minutes but avoid hypothermia (useful
up to three hours after the burn).
Do not apply ice or ice slush.
Burns to the eyes require water or saline
to be flushed into the eyes immediately.
Chemical burns require treatment with
immediate and large volumes of water.
Plastic (cling) wrap can be wrapped
around burn sites after cooling, before
seeking medical attention. This limits
evaporation and heat loss and reduces
the risk of infection.
Cold water compresses (changed
frequently) can be used on smaller burn
sites, but can cause
hypothermia on larger
Depth
burn sites.
Superficial
The Australian and
New Zealand Burn
Association advises that
whilst gel‑based burn
Partial thickness
products are a great
-superficial
secondary treatment, the
(superficial dermal)
ideal primary treatment is
Partial thickness still water.
deep
(deep dermal)
Information provided by
Full thickness
Jim Delaney from Hunter
Valley Mines Rescue.
Cause
Surface/colour
Pain sensation Action
Sun, flash,
minor scald
Dry, minor blisters, red
skin, brisk capillary
return
Moist, reddened skin
with broken blisters,
brisk capillary return
Red mottled, sluggish
capillary return
Dry, charred whitish.
Absent capillary return
Painful
Scald
Scald, minor
flame contact
Flame, severe
scald or flame
contact
Painless
Cold water
for 20
minutes
Cold water
for 20
minutes
Call 000
Painless
Call 000
Painful
Hunter TAFE student of the month: Eila Mills
Age: 21
What course did you
study at Hunter TAFE?
In 2014 I studied
the Certificate II
Electrotechnology career
start program. I have
just started my Electrical
Apprenticeship at Hunter
TAFE’s Mining Skills
Centre in Muswellbrook.
When do you graduate? I
completed my Certificate
II in December 2014 and
will finish my apprenticeship
four years from now in 2019.
Why did you choose this course?
It has always been my dream to
gain an apprenticeship. I was
fascinated by electrical trades
and wanted to give it a go, so I
enrolled in the Certificate II to help
get some basic qualifications and
help gain an apprenticeship, and it
has paid off.
What do you like most about
Hunter TAFE? All of it! There
is such a range of things to do
and learn about. The training
is relevant; everything you
learn is going to help with what
you do later. The teachers
are really insightful and very
approachable. If you have a
problem with anything they are
always happy to help and there
are no stupid questions. The
Mining Skills Centre is also great,
I really like the auto shop, which
is decked out with all of the
latest equipment.
What industry do you hope to
work in? I want to work in the
mining industry, that’s what I’ve
been working towards.
What’s your ideal job? To be a
BDV Safety &
ComplianCe SolutionS
Risk Assessments - WHS Audits - Training - Incident Investigations
Health and Safety Support - Safety and Integrated Management System Specialists
PROFESSIONAL, COST EFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE IN HEALTH & SAFETY COMPLIANCE
AND PREQUALIFICATION FOR MINING, INDUSTRY & GOVERNMENT
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20 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
qualified mining electrician. I love
the way that you can figure out the
problem using maths, even before
you are on site doing anything
hands-on.
What are your long-term career
goals? I’d like to work my way
up and eventually become
a supervisor.
Areas you excel in or enjoy the
most? So far I have really enjoyed
metal fabrications, it’s quite fun
and I feel I am the most confident
at this. I also particularly like
the electrical theory involved in
the courses.
Do you have any advice for
someone looking to start study?
If you are thinking about doing a
course just do it. Don’t hesitate,
just jump in. It’s the best way to
find out if you like it.
PH: 0428 899 484
[email protected]
terry@ devriesetal.com.au
www. devriesetal.com.au
Community Focus:
hunter coal festival
preview
coalfacemagazine.com.au | March 2015 21
community day feature
View of Mount Thorley
Warkworth from the lookout
“Proudly supporting the Hunter Valley
mining community with
All Your Workplace Needs”
David Biddles
Branch Manager, Blackwoods Singleton
Community Day gives public
a backstage pass into mining
It’s not often that the community gets the opportunity to go
behind the scenes of a mine site.
But this month two Hunter coal mines
will open their gates to give the public a
better understanding of the ins and outs
of a mining operation.
Kicking off at Singleton Civic Centre at
10am, free bus tours will be travelling
to Mount Thorley Warkworth every
15 minutes.
On Saturday, March 14, free tours
are being offered by two open cut
mines near Singleton - Coal & Allied’s
Mount Thorley Warkworth Mine and
Bloomfield’s Rix’s Creek Mine - as
part of the Hunter Coal Festival
Community Day.
The tour will take guests to the
mine’s lookout, which offers a view
of the entire operation, in addition to
showcasing the mine’s rehabilitation
and the great work the operation
is doing to restore the land after it
is mined.
It’s all part of the Community Day ethos
- giving the wider public a better insight
into the positive things miners are doing
in areas like safety, innovation, the
environment and community, which are
often overlooked
The bus will also travel along the
mine’s haul roads so you can get an
understanding of just how big some of
the trucks really are, while employees
will talk about the day-to-day
operations, including the different types
of equipment and tools used to manage
issues like dust and noise.
“Mount Thorley Warkworth mine
has been part of the community for
more than 30 years and we look
forward to opening the doors and
giving the community an insight
into our operations,” the mine’s
general manager operations, Mark
Rodgers said.
A tour of the mine will show
how big haul trucks are
The final bus departs Singleton Civic
Centre at 4pm, with each tour lasting
approximately 90 minutes.
You can also see the great work Rix’s
Creek mine is doing in the rehabilitation
space, with tours to the mine
commencing at 10am and concluding
at 3.30pm.
These tours, which will last
approximately one hour, will take visitors
along some of the mine’s active haul
“With more than 80 haul trucks moving
around 12 million
tonnes of coal last year
and more than 104
All tours are free but bookings are
hectares of progressive
essential. To book your spot call the
rehabilitation completed
Singleton Visitor Information and
last year, we have plenty
Enterprise Centre on 6571 5888 or book
of interest to offer the
online at www.huntercoalfestival.com.au.
community on the
mine tour.”
Mining Industry
First Aid Training
Mines Rescue have introduced
an accredited First Aid course,
specifically tailored
for the mining and
$110 n
resources industries.
erso
per p . GST)
(incl
The areas of competence include
management in:
• Crush injuries
• Industrial injuries
• Hydraulic injuries
• CPR
• Common medical emergencies
• Trauma
A detailed overview of the one-day course in Provide First Aid
(HLTAID003) is available on our website.
Contact your local Mines Rescue station for further information and
bookings.
Mines Rescue Pty Limited: ABN 15 099 078 261 RTO ID 90508
Lithgow
Mudgee
Newcastle
Singleton
Woonona
T: +61 (2) 6350 1000
T: +61 (2) 6350 1000
T: +61 (2) 4922 4400
T: +61 (2) 6573 9000
T: +61 (2) 4286 5499
F: +61 (2) 6352 3684
F: +61 (2) 6352 3684
F: +61 (2) 4958 3504
F: +61 (2) 6573 2007
F: +61 (2) 4285 1397
3 Proto Avenue
3 Proto Avenue
533 Lake Road
6 Lachlan Avenue
558-580 Princes Highway
Lithgow NSW 2790
Lithgow NSW 2790
Argenton NSW 2284
Singleton Heights NSW 2330
Woonona NSW 2517
www.minesrescueservices.com
22 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
BLA/SINGLETON/KUD/0115
community day feature
community day feature
Aerial shot of Rix’s Creek
rehabilitation
Tug O War at a mine picnic
day in the 1950s
COMMUNITY DAY PROGRAM
1.30pm: Paul Bennet Air Show
11.15am: Welcome to Country
1.30pm: Coal and Spoon races for
the kids
11.30am: Introduction to the
Community Day from Big Brother
host Mike Goldman (emcee of the
event)
11.45am: Simulated mine rescue,
featuring Mines Rescue and Westpac
Rescue Helicopter evacuation
12 noon: Indigenous concert
1pm: Kids Concert
roads and will showcase various mine
infrastructure, although the main focus
is the mine’s rehabilitation program.
Rix’s Creek will highlight how it has
been reusing waste from Hunter
Water’s Treatment Plants for its
pasture rehabilitation program to
return mined land to grazing land and
regenerated forests.
It will also show visitors a recently
rehabilitated tailings dam, tree
rehabilitation and regeneration, forestry
plantation on the mine site, areas that
have been directly seeded by tractor
or hand and rehabilitated habitat
structures, such as dams, rock/timber
piles, stag trees, and nest boxes.
Rix’s Creek Environmental Officer Jason
Desmond said the mine was proud of
its success in re-establishing former
mine workings and looks forward to
showing the community what Rix’s
Creek – as a coal mining company –
is doing for the environment.
Due to safety requirements tour groups
will remain on the bus at all times. For
both mine tours, children must be at
least five years old for the tours while
children under the age of 12 must be
accompanied by an adult. Everyone is
also required to wear covered-in shoes.
Coal Services are also opening up
the doors to their Hunter Valley
Mines Rescue Station in Singleton,
with tours departing from the Coal
Services building (directly across from
Singleton Civic Centre) at 1pm, 1.45pm
and 2.30pm.
Visitors will get a taste of life as a
miner in the underground training
gallery, which has been built to look
and feel like a real underground coal
mine environment.
They will also be shown the 3D Virtual
Reality simulator – a modern training
method that utilises a 360-degree
24 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
2pm: Coal Shovelling competition
2pm: Tug of War competition,
Singleton Civic Centre
2.30pm: JC Action Sports Freestyle
motorcross
4pm on: all ages concert:
8pm: Fireworks
computer screen to simulate emergency
response scenarios underground.
This is just one of the many things Coal
Services are doing on the Community
Day. Some of their other activities
include a mock rescue demonstration
with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter
Service at 11.45am at Civic Park.
Coal Services will also be providing free
blood pressure and cholesterol tests,
CPR demonstrations and virtual reality
simulation experiences at their trade
stand at the Hunter Mining Show, which
will open up the general public that day.
“The show will give us a unique
opportunity to demonstrate our services
and capabilities to the entire Hunter
Valley community,” Mines Rescue and
Regulation & Compliance General
Manager Matthew Fellowes said.
Hunter Coal Festival Chairman, Peter
Eason, said this interaction with the
community was a trademark of the
Hunter Mining Show and is really what
helped attract many industry suppliers
to take part.
coal festival a whole of
community affair
The Hunter Coal Festival is all about the
mining sector and community joining
hands to celebrate the industry that
underpins the region - coal.
And there is certainly no shortage of
ways to celebrate coal at the Hunter
Coal Festival Community Day, which is
being held at Singleton Civic Park, right
near the Hunter Mining Show.
Kicking off at 10am, the Community Day
program is jam-packed with plenty of
entertainment for the whole family.
At 11am, Mike Goldman - former host
of Big Brother - will officially open the
festival with the help of a local Aboriginal
Elder, who will deliver a welcome
to country.
Straight after the opening is the
simulated Mines Rescue demonstration
with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
An emergency rescue is an experience
we all hope to never face in real life,
so be sure not to miss the opportunity
to see how it’s done in a safe and
controlled environment.
All day activities include free rides, face
painting, stilt-walkers, balloon twisters,
performances from the Upper Hunter
Conservatory of Music, rock climbing,
markets, food stalls and an interactive
mine experience for kids hosted by Coal
& Allied.
But after lunch kids will be invited to
participate in a coal and spoon race,
which has been demonstrated by this
month’s cover models Archie Williams
and Sophie Meehan. There will be an
open event for kids on the day, plus a
schools race with teams from primary
school students in the Upper Hunter
racing against each other for the glory
of winning.
Mount Pleasant Public School Principal
Andrew Morrow is the primary schools
champion for the festival and is
organising the coal and spoon race,
plus the school tug of war, captain ball
and tunnel ball competitions. Tug of
war heats will be held in the lead-up to
the event to narrow it down to the two
finalists who will fight it out for the title
on the Community Day.
But who said kids can have all the fun?
There will also be tug of war and coal
shoveling competitions for the adults (or
big kids at heart) at 2pm.
The inaugural Hunter Coal Festival
Charity Golden Shovel will see who can
move the coal the fastest across three
divisions; open individual half tonne,
men’s doubles half tonne and women’s
doubles quarter tonne.
If you need some tips, seven time
World Champion coal shoveller Stuart
Turner will be on hand as a trainer,
mentor and of course competitor.
Community members are also invited
Mines Rescue and the Westpac Rescue
Helicopter Service will be doing a
rescue demonstration
“This approach has really resonated
with suppliers of products and services,
many of whom are keen to reinvest in
the community through what is a very
regionally focussed event,” he said.
“We are also working closely with
community groups to involve them in
key elements of the show, such as
catering, customer service, registration
and other important tasks – and
ensuring that they get something back
from this event.
“Our Community Day is really shaping
up to be a big day for Singleton and the
Hunter Region, with a fantastic range
of events that we think will engage
the entire community, and showcase
the mining industry and what it has
to offer.”
coalfacemagazine.com.au | March 2015 25
community day feature
to register to compete for the inaugural
Hunter Coal Festival Tug Of War
Charity Shield.
Tug Of War has had a closer connection
to mining than you might think, as
miners used to compete against each
other at company picnic days. Just look
at the image on page 25 (from Barry
Howard’s albums held by the University
of Newcastle’s Cultural Collections),
which shows employees facing off at the
Northern (Rhondda) Colliery pit picnic
in 1957.
Now, it’s time to see how today’s
miners face up to the challenge. Each
team can have six participants to
compete in either the open amateurs or
professionals divisions, where the latter
will compete against NSW and interstate
teams as a practice run in the lead-up
to the national titles.
Both competitions are free to enter
with first place getters names to be
etched onto the Golden Shovel and
Shield respectively, as well as having a
donation made in their name(s) by the
Hunter Coal Festival to their nominated
registered charity.
For further information or to register visit
the festival website or contact Chris
Cork on 0447 226 466.
At 12pm there will be an Indigenous
concert featuring didgeridoo performer
Blake Griffiths, the local Indigenous
dance group - a collective of Indigenous
students from five local schools - plus
a men’s Indigenous dance group
from Newcastle.
This will be followed by a kids’
concert with performances from Little
Scallywagz, as well as Peppa Pig and
her brother George.
Paul Bennet Airshows will heat up
the entertainment with an exhilarating
aerobatics display at 1.30pm, while
JC Action Sports freestyle motorcross
The Potbelleez
riders Pete Anderson, Joe Sheppard
and David Irwin will demand the
crowd’s attention with their gravitydefying stunts.
Rounding out the Community Day is
an all-ages concert at 4pm featuring
performances by soft-rockers Shaka,
country rock stars Rob Wilson and
Richard Ball, plus pop singer Sarah
de Bono, a Singleton local who was a
contestant on The Voice in 2012.
Popular Australian electronic group
the Potbelleez, who have produced hit
singles like ‘Don’t Hold Back’, ‘Are You
With Me’ and ‘Hello’, are the headline
act, so be sure to swap your steel caps
for dancing boots in time for their set!
Singleton Shire Council Mayor John
Martin said he was looking forward
to the Community Day as part of the
Hunter Coal Festival.
He said it is particularly important to do
something like this now when times are
Sarah de Bono
Singleton Shire
Mayor John Martin
tough, to give people a bit of incentive
and hope for the future.
“We need events like this that draw the
community together,” Cr Martin said.
“One of the most important aspects of
the festival, particularly the Community
Day, is that the wider public can better
understand the good things miners
are doing.
“One example is rehabilitation. There is
a lot of talk out there that ‘mines don’t
do this’ or ‘they don’t do that’, well with
the mine tours being offered people can
actually go out to sites like Rix’s Creek
and see for themselves the great work
they are doing.”
For more information about
the Community Day visit www.
huntercoalfestival.com.au and see
page 14 in this edition for coverage of
more Hunter Coal Festival events.
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stand number: 273
26 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
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community day feature
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28 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
BLA/MINING/KUD/0115
community day feature
A big
commitment
to the future
of coal
Our big tyres have been making a big difference to the
performance and safety of mining vehicles in the Hunter for
decades. Bridgestone’s commitment to the region includes
a specialty tyre and wheel repair facility, along with on-site
servicing to help miners increase productivity and lower
operating costs. We see a big future for the Hunter and we
are committed to being a part of it.
In celebration of the Hunter Coal
Festival and in
recognition of all
miners in the
Hunter, enjoy
a small gift
on us!
Simply present this
ad at the Chandler
Macleod stand during
the 3 days of the Hunter
Mining Show at the
Singleton Civic Centre –
(12th -13th March Trade Only,
14th March wider community) for your free
travel mug. While stocks last so get in quick.
Viva Energy
Australia
Viva Energy brings together the strength of two
of the world’s foremost energy companies,
Vitol and Shell, to create Australia’s newest
but highly experienced energy provider.
Dependable. Committed. Energetic.
vivaenergy.com.au
www.chandlermacleod.com
www.bsem.com.au
WorkPac
Group
Proud to be the
official recruitment
sponsor of the
Hunter Valley
Coal Festival
Delivering Human
Capital Solutions
to Newcastle, the
Hunter region and the
Gunnedah basin.
Come and see us at the
Hunter Mining Show March 12 – 14.
CONTACT US
1300 967 572
CARDIFF | SINGLETON | GUNNEDAH
workpac.com | A Smarter Alternative
30 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
Shell trademarks used under licence
whs & training
New recruits kick-start mining
careers with Glencore
Sixteen Hunter residents have been given a foot
in the door of the mining industry after securing
apprenticeships with Glencore.
The electrical, plant mechanic
(heavy), fabrication and auto
electrical apprentices have been
recruited across Glencore’s
Hunter operations, with four
joining the team at Bulga open
cut, two at Bulga underground,
three at Ravensworth, four at
Mangoola, two at Glendell and
one at Liddell.
All of the recruits have
been selected from Hunter
council areas, including
Singleton, Denman, Scone,
Muswellbrook, Maitland, Stroud
and Newcastle.
More than 1360 people applied
for this year’s NSW apprentice
intake, with an additional
nine apprentices recruited for
Glencore operations in the
Western and Southern Regions.
Glencore’s apprentice class
of 2015 during a visit to
Ravensworth open cut mine
Apprentices commence their
training off-site at the Hunter
Valley Training Company
skills centre at Rutherford to
gain basic skills and safety
awareness, while also spending
some time on-site.
After the first six to eight months
they will work at the mines fulltime and in their second and
third years will move from site to
site as well as gaining experience
with some of the companies who
supply Glencore’s equipment.
There are currently 112
apprentices in Glencore’s NSW
apprentice program and 94
in Queensland.
Each year Glencore invests
more than $1 million toward
the training and education
of apprentices.
Public comment invited on draft mining code of practice
NSW Mine Safety is seeking public input into a draft Code of Practice - Mechanical Engineering Control Plan (MECP), which aims
to better manage mechanical engineering risks on a mine site or quarry.
The draft code provides important
information about preparing,
implementing and reviewing a MECP
to manage risks associated with
working with mechanical machinery,
equipment, appliances and structures.
Some of the most common risks that
have resulted in injury or death include
the general operation or maintenance
of plant equipment, the unintended
operation of plant, the unintended
release of mechanical energy and
the catastrophic failure of plant
or structures.
The MECP is required under
workplace health and safety laws and
forms part of a mine’s overall safety
management system.
If you would like to comment on the
draft code please email consult.
[email protected] by
Wednesday, March 11.
The draft code is published on the
NSW Mine Safety website, with public
forums also being held across the
state through February and early this
month to better explain the code.
A little movement
goes a long way
NSW Mine Safety is preparing
similar draft codes for an electrical
engineering control plan and mine
shafts and winding systems, which will
soon be open for comment.
For more information visit www.
resourcesandenergy.nsw.gov.au/
miners-and-explorers/safety-andhealth/legislation/consultation.
Image: Dr. Abdullah Naser, Flickr
Welcome to the first Miner’s Health column, brought to
you by Coal Services. Each month it will look at an issue
relevant to both mine workers and the wider community.
We all know that physical activity is
an essential component of weight
management, but it’s also very beneficial
to our general health and wellbeing.
a serious health condition and
improve your quality of life.
The human body is designed to
move, but advances in technology
have resulted in an increasingly
sedentary lifestyle.
Structured physical activity or
exercise such as swimming,
running and other sport or
gym-based activities are
great for heart health and to
build strength.
It may surprise you to learn that
physical inactivity is the second highest
lifestyle‑related cause of disease and
illness in Australia, behind smoking.
Inactivity doubles the risk of chronic
health conditions such as heart disease,
type 2 diabetes and obesity. It also
increases the risk of stroke, various
cancers, depression, anxiety and falls,
as well as contributing to more than
13,000 premature deaths annually
in Australia.
It needn’t be that way.
For as little as 30 minutes a day, you
can minimise your risk of developing
Physical activity can take
many forms.
If you can’t make it to the
gym, incidental activity such as
housework, running errands,
taking the stairs, or playing with
the kids counts too!
Both incidental and structured
physical activity can produce similar
health benefits when performed
regularly and in adequate amounts
and intensity.
Before starting any form of physical
activity you should talk to your GP
and seek advice from other health
professionals to determine which types
of exercise are best suited for your
health needs and goals.
In any case, a general assessment of
your health and any past or current
injuries should be completed before a
specific exercise program is developed
for you. A qualified health professional
such as an Accredited Exercise
Physiologist can help you get started.
You don’t need to train like an athlete,
but a little movement each day is better
than no movement!
Information provided by CS Health www.coalserviceshealth.com.au
coalfacemagazine.com.au | March 2015 33
sustain
community
Minister visits site of study exploring value of rehabilitated mine land
Primary Industries Minister
Katrina Hodgkinson has
toured the site of a major
study into the effectiveness
of grazing on rehabilitated
mine land.
The study, which is being driven by
the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue
and managed by the Department
of Primary Industries (DPI), has
been developed to test whether
previously mined land can sustainably
support productive and profitable
livestock grazing.
Ms Hodgkinson visited a parcel of
rehabilitation land at Coal & Allied’s
Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) mine
site in February, which is being used
as one of the test sites.
Minister Hodgkinson said there has
been a lot of speculation about the
productivity of rehabilitated mining
land and its nutritional benefit.
As part of the trial, 20 steers are
located at Hunter Valley Operations;
10 on the rehabilitated area
and 10 on an adjacent control
property, Wandawoi, which has not
been mined.
Similarly, 20 steers are being
monitored at two study sites at
Mt Arthur Coal and its adjoining
Edderton property, which is run by an
experienced cattle grazier.
To date, the steers at HVO have
recorded an average weight gain of
1.1kg per day on the rehab area,
compared to 0.9kg per day on the
adjacent native site.
“So it’s money well spent and will
provide confidence to the whole
mining versus agriculture debate in
the future.”
Environment (TFI), say new features will be
introduced at this year’s conference, such
as an offsite tour and panel discussion
sessions after selected presentations.
Yamaha Rmax Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle
And with the support of Coal & Allied, local
emergency services will now be able to
improve their response times to incidents
in the Hunter Valley.
Through its Community Development
Fund, Coal & Allied has donated $33,500
towards the purchase of a new emergency
response vehicle that will be the first on
the scene at local emergencies.
Hunter Valley Rural Fire Service manager
Paul Jones said having a dedicated
four-wheel-drive will allow them to
respond to more emergencies, faster and
DPI Technical Specialist Pastures Tocal, Neigh Griffiths with Minister
for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson and Michael Johnsen
Gathering together more than 200
representatives including miners,
environmental professionals,
government representatives,
research scientists and the general
public, the annual conference is
designed to bring mine rehabilitation
stakeholders together to share current
best practices, to discuss what is
being done well and what can be
improved on.
Mr Stace said the new panel sessions
and an increased focus on interactivity
comes as a result of delegate feedback
from previous years.
There will also be presentations on the
importance of bacteria and fungi to
regeneration, and a presentation from
Yvonne Nussbaumer highlighting the
progress of regeneration at the Mount
Owen mine site seven years since
planting was initiated.
“This is one of the few cases where
we have a chance to hear what has
happened to the plant ecosystems
with the passage of time,” Professor
Roberts said.
“Many of the people running mines are
very busy and don’t often get a chance
to talk to other people in the industry,”
he said.
Also new to this year’s program is
a tour of Rix’s Creek mine, where
delegates will get an understanding
of an active mine site and the
valuable rehabilitation techniques that
can be used to provide long-term
sustainable landscapes.
“This is a great chance for them to
re-engage with colleagues and keep
in touch with what is happening in the
fields of science and best practice.
Professor Roberts said the conference
gives valuable information to those in
the mining industry about the advances
being made in regeneration.
“Often it is the unexpected chance
meetings that are the most beneficial.”
“In one day, in one place, all the
most topical aspects of rehabilitation
of mined land will be aired, so the
conference can be a very valuable
source of information,” he said.
Professor Roberts said this year will
include presentations and discussions
on the emergence of unmanned aerial
vehicles and the role they have to play,
with attendees having the chance to
view the new Yamaha Rmax Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle (UAV), showcased by Sky
Land Management.
26 March 2015 - Singleton NSW
Miners, regulators, scientists and community. Great mine
rehab boosts social support.
Be part of sharing and enhancing our best practice in
Ecological Mine Rehab Conference 2015
For enquiries please contact Tim Roberts at 02 4921 7037 or
0418 205 664 or email [email protected] or
visit http://www.tomfarrellinstitute.org/mined-lands-conference.html
Hosted by the Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment, University of Newcastle
In any medical emergency,
time is always of the essence.
As part of Community First Responders,
a joint initiative between the NSW
Ambulance and the Rural Fire Service, the
vehicle will provide initial support at various
emergencies, such as motor vehicle
accidents, child births or remote farming
accidents, before additional help arrives.
“The cost of the trial is $300,000,
which is a significant amount of
money but I think if we are going to
rely on trials properly they have to be
done in the right way,” she said.
Interaction between attendees and speakers will be the key
focus of the 5th Best Practice Ecological Rehabilitation of Mined
Lands 2015 Conference, to be held on March 26, in Singleton.
34 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
pastures over a period of 42 months.
She said this trial is important, as
it will help answer those questions
beyond doubt.
Interaction key feature of
2015 mine rehab conference
Timed to coincide with the Hunter Coal
Festival, organisers Professor Tim Roberts
and Nigel Stace of the University of
Newcastle’s Tom Farrell Institute for the
Throughout the trial the DPI will
measure blood samples from the
steers, conduct pasture measurements
every six weeks and record weights
every three months to compare results
from the rehabilitated land and native
Community safety a priority for Coal & Allied
To register go to
www.uononlineshop.com/index.php/
conference/conferences-events/
tom-farrell-institute/mine-rehabconference-2015.html
2015
$165 Industry
$55 Students and Concession
To secure your place, please book
online at http://bit.ly/1xrxbKV
more efficiently.
It will also ensure emergency vehicles are
appropriately allocated to the incident
at hand.
“We have been relying on using fire trucks,
which are not set up to carry the additional
medical equipment,” Mr Jones said.
“Now we can permanently store lifesaving
equipment in the vehicle, provide better
access to rural properties, improve
communication with other emergency
services through new radios with better
reception, free-up firefighting vehicles
and not be held back with special license
restrictions for driving the vehicle.
“It would take us a lot of time and effort
to raise sufficient funds for a community
first response vehicle, which is outside
the supplied firefighting equipment, so to
receive this donation from Coal & Allied
means a lot.”
Community First Responders are trained
and accredited by the NSW Ambulance
BHP funding helps transform
pre-school into community hub
Community groups and organisations now have a new place
to meet thanks to a partnership between BHP Billiton Mount
Arthur Coal and Muswellbrook Pre-School Kindergarten.
The Mount Arthur
Coal Community
Room was officially
opened on Tuesday,
February 10, providing
a new facility for hire
for the Muswellbrook
community.
The initiative was
made possible through
the pre-school’s $1.1
million expansion,
funded by Mt
Arthur Coal.
“With the additional space created
by our recent expansion project, we
decided we could also offer that to
our local clubs and organisations.
“We are thrilled to be able to
offer a resource that so many
groups have told us was lacking in
our community.
“In recognition of Mt Arthur Coal’s
generous funding contribution, the
company’s name is now permanently
displayed in our original building
where we first discussed our
expansion dreams with their team.”
Peter Sharpe, former NSW
Energy Coal Asset President,
said the creation of a community
room complemented the preschool expansion.
“Mt Arthur Coal was extremely proud
The first response
vehicle will be
stationed at the
Bulga Rural Fire
Station but will be
deployed anywhere in the Hunter Valley
Rural Fire Service region as required.
Chair of the Coal & Allied Community
Development Fund committee and Rio
Tinto Coal Australia managing director
Chris Salisbury, said this extra 20 minutes
might just help save more people’s lives.
He said Community First Responders is
a vital service to the local community and
Coal & Allied is proud to have funded the
light vehicle to help them better respond
The room will comfortably seat
30 adults or playgroups of
approximately 20 adults and children.
It is available for half day or full day
hire on weekdays between the hours
of 8.30am and 5pm.
Priority will be given to activities
open to the broader community and
which support social inclusion.
For more information or for a
booking form, please contact
Kelly at Muswellbrook PreSchool Kindergarten on admin@
muswellbrookpreschool.com.au.
“It’s great to hear first-hand the value this
vehicle will have in the community from the
wonderful local volunteers of the Rural Fire
Service in Bulga,” Mr Salisbury said.
“This project is part of our $3 million
commitment over the next three years
for projects that help build a more
sustainable future for the Hunter Valley
through the Coal & Allied Community
Development Fund.”
Three Singleton community projects will receive a share in
$580,000 as a result of a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA)
between Singleton Council and Liddell Coal Operations.
The VPA, signed in February, follows
the approval of Liddell Coal Operations’
Extension Project in December last
year, which will open up additional coal
reserves for Liddell Coal and extend the
life of the mine by five years.
said the council adopted a Master Plan for
Lake St Clair in December last year that
details a staged improvement program for
the facility, and funding such as that of the
VPA with Liddell Coal Operations will be
the lifeblood of the program.
The VPA will provide developer
contributions to three community projects
in the Singleton local government area.
“The full improvement program will cost
$3.8 million over seven years and will
be heavily reliant on grant funding,” Ms
Hyam said.
Singleton Council will receive the
remaining $300,000, over five years, to
cover the interest for a loan taken out for
the purpose of installing a caretaker facility
and boom gates at Lake St Clair.
Council General Manager Lindy Hyam
“But we are taking immediate steps to
improve security and access to the park.
“Last year the council approved
a $230,000 loan to install a more
permanent caretaker’s cottage and boom
gates at Lake St Clair.
“The funding we will receive under the
Voluntary Planning Agreement with Liddell
Coal Operations will cover the interest
payments we will accrue on that loan and
keep the burden off ratepayers.”
Liddell Coal Operations Manager Dave
Foster, Singleton Council General
Manager Lindy Hyam, Singleton
Netball Association president Kerrie
Koosmen, Liddell Coal Operations
General Manager Steve Hubert,
Singleton Netball Association Publicity
Officer Di Sneddon and Singleton
Council Acting Manager Parks and
Facilities Richard Upston.
“We are equally proud to see that
our investment has now created a
space where community groups and
organisations can meet and plan
their activities.
“We hope the Mt Arthur Coal
Community Room will be put to good
use and serve as a unique meeting
place within our community for years
to come.”
to emergencies.
Singleton community projects
to receive $580,000 from mine
As well as $80,000 for a new Singleton
Netball Association clubhouse, $200,000
has already been spent on relocating and
upgrading the existing Hebden Hall.
Kelly Constable,
BHP Billiton NSW Energy Coal Asset President Peter
Muswellbrook PreSharpe and Muswellbrook Pre School Kindergarten
School Kindergarten
Director Kelly Constable proudly display the Mt
director and teacher,
Arthur Coal Community Room’s new wall plaque
said the school is excited
to now be opening its
to contribute to an increase in child
doors to young and old alike.
care spaces in the Muswellbrook
“Muswellbrook Pre-School
community,” he said.
Kindergarten has for years been
focused on providing our local
youngsters with a safe environment
in which they can learn and play,”
she said.
Service. The new
vehicle will allow
them to arrive up
to 20 minutes
quicker than
an ambulance
or paramedic.
Hunter Valley Rural Fire
Service manager Paul Jones
(left) receives the key to
the new Community First
Responders’ vehicle from
Rio Tinto Coal Australia
managing director Chris
Salisbury (right).
Club nets funding boost
The Singleton Netball Association
is one of the big winners after
Singleton Council signed the Voluntary
Planning Agreement with Liddell
Coal Operations.
The council will make $80,000 available
to the Association towards building a
new clubhouse in Rose Point Park.
The funds mean the Association can
commence construction of the new
$500,000 facility at the end of the
2015 season, as their development
application has already been approved.
The new clubhouse will feature
additional toilet and shower facilities,
larger canteen facilities, and a meeting
room big enough to run coaching and
umpiring courses.
Singleton Council has already
contributed $250,000 towards the
project from its 2008 Section 94
Contributions Plan, while the Bridgman
Ridge Community Trust donated
$28,000 for the project in early 2014.
The Association also received $25,000
in funding from the Department of
Sport and Recreation, in addition to the
$110,000 raised by their own efforts.
Singleton Council General Manager
Lindy Hyam said the current clubhouse
is 28-years-old and inadequate for the
needs of the club.
coalfacemagazine.com.au | March 2015 35
tools & toys
tools & toys
mode for a
more responsive
steering feel
or comfort
mode for lighter
steering and
maneuverability
in heavy
traffic areas.
Hyundai reaches new heights
When it comes to mid-priced SUVs, Hyundai is
leading the way according to the latest Car of the
Year awards conducted by the NRMA.
Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander
Price: $53,240
Engine: 2.2L Common rail turbo diesel
Transmission: 6 Speed Auto
Power: 145kW @ 3000rpm
Torque: 436Nm @ 1800rpm
A 2.2L common rail
diesel motor is available
for the Highlander and
is capable of producing
145kW of power at
3000rpm, as well as
an impressive 436Nm
of torque at a low
Power goes to all four wheels
via an intelligent all-wheel-drive
system that incorporates full
vehicle stability management.
This set-up makes pro-active
adjustments to the power
delivery to suit the terrain and
traction requirements.
Further driving enhancements
come in the way of Hyundai’s
Flex Steer function. This
innovative feature allows you
to customise the feel of your
steering according to the type
of environment you’re driving in.
At the push of a button you
can change from normal mode
for day-to-day driving, sports
The electronically-adjusted,
heated and ventilated leather
seats are a stand out feature in
a well-appointed cockpit.
The multimedia infotainment
system comes with a premium
10-speaker surround sound
system with jukebox CD
storage and MP3 compatibility,
satellite navigation with built-in
7-inch touch display monitor,
iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.
There’s also proximity smart
keys with push button start,
an electronic park brake
and steering wheel mounted
controls for the audio system
The list of safety features on the
Highlander is enough to impress
any mine site safety auditor with
active aids such as four-channel
ABS with electronic brake force
distribution and brake assist
system, electronic stability
control, traction control, hill
start assist control and downhill
brake control.
There’s a lane departure
warning system, smart parking
assist, rear view camera
and an automatic dimming
rear‑view mirror.
Driver and front passenger
airbags, dual side front airbags,
front and second row side
curtain airbag and driver’s knee
airbag all help the Santa Fe go
above and beyond the 5-star
ANCAP safety rating.
Combine this with its
outstanding value for money
and after sales support program
and it’s no wonder that the
Santa Fe Highlander is a
trophy‑winning SUV.
PARTS & SERVICE FOR
CONSTRUCTION & MINING
HYDRAULIC TORQUE WRENCHES, FASTENERS, PUMPS &
ACCESSORIES
Titan T and LP series Hi Torque tools
• Technofast Hydraulic Tensioners.
• Power Units.
• Fluidlines.
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• Training.
•LargeModernWorkshopFacilities
•OffSiteRepairs&FieldService
•EmergencyBreakdown
•HydraulicCylinderRepairs
•Fabrication&BodyRepairs
•Sandblast&PaintFacilities
•MachineRebuilds
•New,Used&ReconditionedSpareParts
Ph: 24/7 on 6574 6499
or visit us at
36 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
WAUCHOPE
MACKAY
Hydratight’s 2250P Boring
Bar has been designed to
improve efficiency and minimise
downtime by reducing the need
to take machinery to a machine
shop for boring maintenance.
The Boring Bar’s rigid design
allows the support bearings to
be securely attached, which then
feeds the cutting tool along the
boring bar, creating more stability
to achieve long accurate bores.
MORE INFORMATION:
[email protected]
www.hydratight.com
Brighten up your wardrobe at the worksite
New suspension kit makes for
a smooth ride with Amarok
All-Air has released a new rear suspension kit for
the Volkswagen Amarok to improve safety and
durability when carrying heavy or uneven loads
and trailers.
The Firestone Ride-Rite airbags
fit easily between the chassis
and the leaf spring to provide
levelling and steering control
and ensure drivers maintain
correct vehicle height and
braking stability.
The kit is easy to install and
use, and is simply adjusted by
inflating or deflating.
MORE INFORMATION: All Air
Suspensions | (02) 9807 7641
www.allair.com.au
Looking to combine fashion and safety in one striking work boot?
Forget about the boring
brown and black you’re
used to and check out the
brightly-coloured range of
steel capped footwear from
she wear.
The boots come in a range of
statement shades including
hot pink, blue and bright
purple and feature genuine
nubuck leather, goodyear
welt construction, anti-slip
and static rubber sole, oil
and fuel resistant rubber sole,
electric shock absorbant
heel, cambrelle lining and
extra comfort and padding in
the insole and tongue.
A new range of zip lace‑up
boots specifically for
women in the mining sector
will also be released in
coming months.
MORE INFORMATION:
she wear
www.shewear.com.au
PROVIDING LOCAL SERVICE TO OUR HUNTER VALLEY CUSTOMERS
McLanahan continues to grow our service capabilities to meet the needs of our
Hunter Valley customers. With dedicated Field Service personnel and purpose built
facilities situated in Newcastle, McLanahan offers our customers local OEM repair,
refurbishment and service upgrades.
NEWCASTLE | +61 2 4924 8248
MACKAY | +61 2 4952 3377
PERTH | +61 8 9248 5771
[email protected]
mclanahan.com
NSW REPRESENTATIVE
Greg Thompson
 0408 715507
[email protected]
 [email protected]  www.titantools.com.au
There’s nothing boring about the Boring Bar – except maybe its name!
7
It offers as standard luxury
features such as leather
seats, front and centre row
heated seats, dual-zone airconditioning and integrated
memory seats, which would be
expensive options on top of the
purchase price of a similarlypriced SUV in any
other brand.
For the miner that likes
everything at the push of
a button, the Highlander’s
luxurious interior definitely
doesn’t disappoint.
and Bluetooth functions.
IN 4
W AGE
P
With a price tag that matches
most of its competition’s base
or mid-range models, the
Santa Fe Highlander represents
extremely good value for money.
It’s mated to a six-speed
automatic transmission with an
electronic manual shift option.
New Boring Bar
delivers exciting benefits
SEE
Recent upgrades to Hyundai’s
flagship medium-sized sevenseat SUV helped the Santa
Fe Highlander trump the
competition and reign supreme
as the Best SUV in the $45,000
- $65,000 price bracket.
1800rpm, so there’s plenty of
power on tap for towing the
boat on your next trip away.
Exterior styling
features include
sporty 19-inch
alloy wheels, automatic dusk
sensing HID headlamps, LED
rear combination lamps and a
rear spoiler with integrated LED
stop light for that sporty but
stylish look.
MT THORLEY
PERTH
McLan_246x169CoalFace.indd 1
3/02/2015
11:27 am
coalfacemagazine.com.au | March
2015
37
cool stuff
events
Servicing FamilieS and BuSineSSeS
in the hunter area Since 1989
Expo to inspire brides in Branxton
CLEMENTS
A bevvy of brides are expected to hop off the
Hunter Expressway and breeze into Branxton for
the inaugural Weddings in the Wineries Bridal Expo
this month.
air conditioning electrical
refrigeration & solar
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• EnergyEfficientHeatingandCoolingSolutionsforyour
homeorbusiness
• SavewithanAirconditioning+Solarpackageddeal
• SolarEnergySystems-Standalone,GridConnect
or Hybrid
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commercial specialists
PH: 02 4932 3833
www.clementsairconditioning.com.au
Pack it
right with clever cubes
Travelling around NSW for Coalface, we know just how hard
it can be to cram everything into a suitcase – especially
when you’ve got to leave space in the bag for those steel
caps and other essential PPE.
So when we stumbled across
Eagle Creek’s new Pack-It
Cubes, we were hoping all our
problems would be over!
The Pack-It Cubes come with
a mesh top for visibility and
breathability, while the two-way
zippered opening allows for
maximum compression.
The larger cubes (21L) can
be used to roll and compress
pants, jumpers and shirts,
while the smaller sizes (1.2L)
are great for undies, socks, belts and
electronic cords.
dirty clothes.
Designed to provide the
inspiration and industry
contacts to make planning
your perfect day a piece of
- wedding - cake, the expo
will showcase exhibitors
from across the Hunter,
Central Coast and Sydney
at the Branxton Community
Hall from 10am to 2pm on
Sunday, March 22.
make sure they check out
the make-up and floristry
demonstrations.
Brides and grooms-to-be
will be able to cross plenty
of items off their neverending to-do lists, with
the bridal expo featuring
everything from the coolest
Kombis, stretch Hummers
and luxurious limos to help
get to you to the church
in style, mouth-watering
cake makers to sweeten
the deal and the finest
photographers to capture
those memories that will last
a lifetime.
And organisers Helen Scott
and Terrie-Ann Marsden
also hope the expo, to
be held in the historic
Branxton Community Hall,
will provide attendees with
some inspiration of where
they want to celebrate the
happy day.
Fashion parades of
gorgeous gowns from a
range of designers will be a
must-see, while those DIY
brides keen to take control
of their own look should
Happy couples seeking
suggestions for where they
should tie the knot will be
able to visit a number of
local churches in Branxton
and Lochinvar, which are
opening their doors in
conjunction with the event.
What’s happening around the Hunter
March
the event and the images
looked amazing.”
1st-15th: Absinthe By Spiegelworld, Wheeler Place Spiegeltent
Newcastle, www.premier.ticketek.com.au
More than 100 brides have
already registered to attend
the expo, with a strong
contingent making their
way up from North Sydney
to attend.
7th: Reg Lindsay rodeo and music reunion, Cessnock,
www.reglindsay.com.au
Brides can register
or find out more via
the Facebook page www.facebook.com/
weddingsinthewineries
7th: Flickerfest, James Theatre Hunter Valley,
www.jamestheatre.com.au/cinema/flickerfest
7th-8th: Maitland Taste Festival, Maitland Heritage Mall,
www.maitlandtaste.com.au
8th: 3801 limited heritage train comes to wine country,
McWilliams Estate Pokolbin, www.3801limited.com.au
14th: Hunter Coal Festival Community Day, Singleton Civic
Centre, www.huntercoalfestival.com.au
20th: Mining Legends Lunch, Singleton Rugby Club,
for bookings contact Bernie Wood on 0419 992 482 or
email [email protected]
21st: Nitro Circus, Hunter Stadium Newcastle, www.
ticketmaster.com.au/Nitro-Circus-Live-tickets/artist/1573298
9th-29th: Hunter Coal Festival, various events across Singleton,
Muswellbrook and Newcastle, for the full program visit
www.huntercoalfestival.com.au
27th-29th: Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival (pictured),
www.kurrikurrinostalgiafestival.com.au
“The aim of the event is to
promote both the hall and
Branxton to visitors and
locals alike,” Helen said.
“It is a beautiful old hall, the
largest community hall in our
local government area and
we want to promote it as a
reception venue.
“We just had a bridal photo
shoot there recently for
Worth a look for the regular traveler,
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Road testing them while on a
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them to be the perfect way to help
keep everything neat and tidy on the
way to the hotel and when it
came time to re-pack at the
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38 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
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Image: Ethan Lofton, Flickr
sport
sport
Coal Festival on track for big finale
The Hunter Coal Festival is set
to go out with a bang with the
exciting three- week program
to culminate with a Hunter
tradition - horse racing.
Riders to loop the
lake for a good cause
This month both novice and
experienced cyclists are invited
to get active and take in the
scenery of Lake Macquarie for
the 2015 Loop the Lake charity
bike ride.
Now in its 18th year, Loop the Lake is
a family fun cycling challenge organised
to give families and cycling enthusiasts
a fun, healthy day out, all while raising
money for a good cause.
In 2015 Loop the Lake will be held on
Sunday, March 8 with large numbers
again expected to take part following on
from more than 2000 riders in 2014.
To date more than a million dollars
have been donated to the John Hunter
Children’s Hospital and other charities
through the event.
Loop the Lake includes three different
races to suit all levels of experience; the
16km easy loop, the 50km part loop or
the 85km whole loop.
The 85km event kicks off at Speers
Point Park at 7am, while the 16km
and 50km categories both kick off at
8.30am from Lakeside Park Recreation
Reserve Belmont South and
Morisset Railway Station Dora Street
Carpark respectively.
The event is held by the Rotary Club of
Warners Bay assisted by Traffic Police,
CREST Communications Volunteers and
St. John Ambulance.
Some of this year’s event sponsors
include Kennards Warners Bay, Delta
Electricity, Origin Energy and Paul
Harrison Heavy Vehicle Transport Cardiff.
Entrants over 16 years of age who
register online will pay $50 regardless
of preferred category, which can be
selected on the day. On the day entry
will be an extra $10.
Junior cyclists aged 15 years and
under will be able to ride for free if
accompanied by an adult (to a maximum
of two junior cyclists per adult entrant).
For more information or to register visit
www.loopthelake.com.au
Rugby league is definitely
not just for men.
A new knockout rugby league tag
competition for women is about to kick
off this month.
As part of the A-PLUS Contracting
Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League,
the Ladie’s League Tag Knockout is
played using rugby league rules, except
there is no tackling.
Group 21 secretary Jane Walmsley said
the driver behind the knockout was
to create a new sporting avenue for
women who love football, as well as get
more people interested in rugby league.
She said it was also a good avenue
for those who may not have time to
40 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
Gates open at 11am and entry is free
for punters, with the first race kicking off
at around 1pm.
Celebrity chef George Franciso, who
heads the kitchen at Circa 1876
restaurant in Pokolbin (formerly
Roberts), will be cooking up a special
private lunch to raise money for the
Hunter Medical Research Institute.
Held in the Silks Function Centre,
tickets for George’s celebrity lunch are
$166 per person - but knowing you get
both a delicious meal and are helping
support a good cause, it is worth
every cent.
Off the track, The Voice contestant
Sarah de Bono will be performing
Don’t be fooled by the name though,
the competition is open to both men
and women and there will be some
great prizes up for grabs.
Muswellbrook Gold
Cup in 2013
Sport and
race meets
6th: Newcastle Jets vs Sydney FC,
Hunter Stadium, www.newcastlejets.
com.au/results/a-league
7th: Newcastle Knights vs New
Zealand Warriors, Hunter Stadium,
www.newcastleknights.com.au
play the regular Group 21 women’s
rugby league season, which runs for 15
rounds starting from April 11.
To date, teams from Muswellbrook,
Merriwa, Gunnedah, Murrundi,
Aberdeen and Greta/Branxton
have already signed up for the
knockout competition.
The nomination fee is $150 per team.
For more information or to register
contact Jane on 0467 482 363 or email
[email protected].
Muswellbrook RSL is a sponsor of the
knockout and will be hosting a social
function for the teams on Saturday,
March 14 at 6.30pm.
There will also be no entry fee if anyone
wishes to cheer from the sidelines.
“The Knights and our miners
are both integral to the local
community, and with Voice for
Mining Family Day coinciding
with the NSW election, a big
show of support for our miners
is more important than ever,”
he said.
For the kids, Hunter Valley Zoo will be
setting up a petting zoo giving kids
the opportunity to meet some new
furry friends, plus there will also be a
jumping castle.
Muswellbrook Race Club General
Manager Helen Sinclair said it was nice
to have a Cup meeting that involves
local businesses.
The Knights run out in their
high-vis jerseys through a guard
of honour of miners during last
year’s Voice for Mining Family
Day at Hunter Stadium.
“It highlights the diversity of the region
and is something we would love to
make an annual affair,” she said.
“A big event like the Coal Festival allows
smaller events to align with bigger
events, bringing together sport, music,
culture etc, and creates something that
encapsulated the whole community.”
Ms Sinclair also said it further cements
the close connection between mining
and racing.
For more information visit www.
huntercoalfestival.com.au or www.
muswellbrookraceclub.com.au.
High vis set to swamp
Hunter Stadium in March
Hunter miners will be encouraged to stand up
for their industry and their home team when the
2015 Voice for Mining Family Day hits Hunter
Stadium on March 28.
This is the third year the NSW
Minerals Council event will
be held in conjunction with a
Newcastle Knights home game.
March
The inaugural Ladies’ League Tag
Knockout is a two-day tournament
where up to 16 teams from across
the state will compete for the winner’s
shield and a $1200 prize.
Teams will play one 25 minute half, with
each team to have a maximum of 20
players (11 to be on the field at a time).
All players must be at least 15 years
of age.
There will be seven races throughout
the day, each to be named after the
event’s sponsors.
through the day, while the Hunter
Women in Mining Network (WIMnet)
Committee is also hosting a women in
mining fashions on the field competition.
Each entrant will receive a ride number
(to be pinned to shirt on the back), stops
at the drink stations, a fruit stop and
muffin stop, lunch in Speers Point Park
and swimming pool entry for a swim
and/or shower, an optional fabric patch
and certificate of completion.
Ladies love their league too
Rounds one and two will commence
at 10.30am on Saturday, March 14 at
Muswellbrook’s Olympic Park, while
finals will start at 10am on Sunday.
Held on Sunday, March 29,
Muswellbrook Race Club has dedicated
the TAB meeting to the festival, naming
it the Hunter Coal Festival Cup.
NSW Minerals Council CEO
Stephen Galilee said the Voice
for Mining Family Day will be a
fun and positive event for the
Hunter community, as well as a
chance for miners, their families
and the local community to
have their voice heard by
those seeking election to the
NSW Parliament.
8th: Loop the Lake, Speers Point
Park, www.loopthelake.com.au
10th: Commotion in the Ocean, Caves
Beach Surf Life Saving Club,
www.cavesslsc.com.au/
oceanswim/index.html
21st: Bay Adventure, Shoal Bay,
www.bayadventure.com.au
29th: Shimano Mountain Bike GP
Round 1, James Estate Winery Hunter
Valley, www.rockytrailentertainment.
com/events/MTBGP-overview.html
28th: Newcastle Knights vs Penrith
Panthers, Hunter Stadium,
www.newcastleknights.com.au
29th: Newcastle Jets vs Adelaide
United, Hunter Stadium,
www.newcastlejets.com.au/results/
a-league
Miners and footy fans alike are
encouraged to turn out in force
to show their support for the
Hunter industry and their local
NRL team as the Knights take
on the Penrith Panthers in the
round four clash.
This year the family day will
also coincide with the NSW
Election, making it not just
a big day for league and for
miners, but for the future of
NSW as well.
“The game also represents the
climax of the inaugural Hunter
Coal Festival - a communitydriven celebration of everything
coal mining means to
the region.
“A strong mining industry
means a strong local economy
and more jobs for local people
and their families.
“So if we want a strong Hunter
economy, let’s show our
support for the Newcastle
Knights and our Hunter miners
at Voice for Mining Family Day.”
Once again in 2015 the Knights
will run out for the match
wearing the specially-designed
replica miner’s jersey, with fans
also encouraged to wear high
vis and help turn the stadium
into a sea of orange.
Fans can purchase their
own high vis jersey at the
Knights Club Shop or at www.
newcastleknights.com.au and
will get a second chance to
wear it this season when the
Knights don it again for their
round six clash against the
Sharks at Cronulla.
And don’t miss your chance
to win some great Voice
For Mining prize packs,
including tickets to the game
and a high-vis jersey on this
month’s competition page!
But the Knights’ support for
the region’s miners doesn’t end
there, with the team holding a
training session in Singleton
in the week of the Voice for
Mining Family Day.
Miners and footy fans are
encouraged to come along to
Pirtek Park (formerly Resco
Park) between 9.30am and
12.30pm on Tuesday, March
24, with a chance to meet the
players during the final hour of
the session.
There is a long history to
the connection between the
Knights and mining, with many
past players and relatives of
current players working in the
region’s resources industry.
Knights CEO Matt Gidley said
it was an important partnership
that they were keen to continue
to foster through the Voice for
Mining Family Day.
Celebrity chef
George Francisco
Horse racing
3rd: Aberdeen Cup Race Day,
Muswellbrook Race Club,
www.muswellbrookraceclub.com.au
7th: Prosperity Advisers Group
Race Day, Newcastle Jockey Club
Broadmeadow, www.njc.com.au
10th: Cessnock Race Day, Cessnock
Racecourse, www.njc.com.au
14th: Scone Race Day, Scone Race
Club, www.sconeraceclub.com.au
14th: Lakeside School Race
Day, Newcastle Jockey Club
Broadmeadow
18th: Newmarket Race Day,
Newcastle Jockey Club
Broadmeadow
23rd: Cessnock Race Day, Cessnock
Racecourse
24th: Scone Hospital Equine Race
Day, Scone Race Club
28th: Hunter Valley Granite and
Marble Race Day, Newcastle Jockey
Club Broadmeadow
29th: Hunter Coal Festival Cup,
Muswellbrook Race Club
Harness racing
Newcastle Harness Racing
Club, Broadmeadow,
www.newcastletrots.org.au/home
5th, 7th, 12th, 14th, 19th, 21st, 26th
/newcastle.jockey.club
/njc_info
/newcastlejockeyclub
coalfacemagazine.com.au | March 2015 41
Social media delving
deep into industry
For those who think the mining industry is
pretty impressive, there is nothing better than
seeing pictures of different pits, machines,
and people from around the world.
The best place to find this
is on Instagram – why not
check out this list of some
of the best, compiled by
Mining Australia.
Nedraweek
Nedraweek is a mining
publication out of Russia. The
account does a great job of
picking up photos posted
by people in the sector and
republishing them.
From dirty coal covered faces,
to shots of UG shearers to
phenomenal blasting videos this one has it all.
Thiess Mining
As one of the world’s leading
open-cut contract miners,
Thiess has some of the
greatest mining pictures and
uses them brilliantly to tell a
story about its sites.
Miningpeopleinternational
Real mining workers from
around Australia, with some
handling snakes on site!
Showing the human side of
mining doesn’t get much
better than this.
Heavyequipment
For photos of trucks on fire,
fallen over dozers and broken
cranes – this is the account
for you.
Shutupanddig
The best of iron ore mining
photos from the Pilbara. This
account even features time
lapse videos of trucks at
work; very impressive!
hunter life
hunter life
Nailing a creative
corridor after mining
Bill Blanch has carved a career path through
the mining industry for decades.
But at the age of 71, he is now
engraving his experiences into
mining memorabilia.
Retiring at the age of 68 after
working with industrial-related
companies in the Muswellbrook
and Singleton regions for many
years, Bill turned his hand to a
different tool.
He has moved from being a
mining operator to a wood
smith, carving creations
based on his experiences in
the industry.
Bill spends many hours every
week working in his ”man shed”,
cutting, carving, bolting and
building an incredibly detailed
and aesthetically pleasing
collection of mining machinery
models, from bulldozers to
excavators, dump trucks
and beyond.
Bill was a mechanic for many
years before he turned his
hand to “rehabilitation and bulk
shaping in the mining industry”.
He said he loved his trade, but
no more than the “treasured 50
years married to my wonderful
wife Nancy”.
Nancy said she loves the fact
her husband has a true interest
in the mining trade and
is creating intricate
and “once in a lifetime”
pieces dedicated to
the “manpower” of
what each and every
individual in the mining
industry has endured.
“Love or hate it – it’s
a passion. And it’s a
passion I stand by,”
Bill said.
“Machinery is
a fascination of
its own and can
create wonders.”
Bill’s latest project is
to duplicate what he
describes as the biggest
loader ever made – a
Letourneau loader.
Two weeks in the
making, Bill has spent
tireless hours ensuring
every finite detail
of the replica is
picture perfect.
To find out
more about
Bill’s collection,
email william-blanch@
bigpond.com or visit the
Singleton Information Centre.
From a coal miner to designer
Block Glasshouse contestant finds new calling.
To top it off, they got married
in the middle of it all too!
Karstan and Maxine Smith live
to take the road less travelled.
Now they’re home and things
have settled down, Karstan
is hoping to get back into the
mine. In the meantime he’s
been busy keeping up with
orders on the couple’s new
home decor business, Poppy
Smith Design.
Whether it’s backpacking
around Europe, driving a
Volkswagen Kombi around
Australia or dedicating
each Sunday to travelling
somewhere new in their fourwheel drive - the Newcastle
couple are always chasing
their next adventure.
So it was no surprise that
Karstan and Max signed up to
be contestants on the 2014
series, The Block Glasshouse,
along with 30,000 other
hopefuls across the country.
It took months to hear back
after applying, then Karstan
and Max finally got the call
up for an interview. Three
weeks later in a complete
whirlwind they were on set in
Melbourne, starting to build an
entire house from the ground
up with the other teams.
Karstan, who at the time was
an employee at Yancoal’s
Austar coal mine in Cessnock,
had to give up his job for
the show.
The now 27-year-old had
been at the mine for three
years as a miner driver and
also worked with Mines
Rescue as a brigadesman.
Just before he left was also
in the middle of studying his
deputy’s course, but he had to
put that on hold too.
It was a big risk leaving a
good job, but Karstan said
being on the show “was an
experience money can’t buy”.
Thanks to the show they have
learnt plenty of new skills to
apply at home, which will
come in handy as the couple
look to buy their first house.
Fittingly, the house they’re
looking at is an old
miner’s cottage and is a
“renovator’s dream”.
“As soon as I walked in I could
see in my head how I wanted
it to look and how I was going
to do it,” he said.
“Before there was things we
would have had to pay people
to do, but now we can do
most of it ourselves.”
During the show the couple
were away for more than three
months filming and doing
touch ups on their apartment.
They then endured a massive
1200km walk from Melbourne
back to Jayco Newcastle to
raise $1200 for the Starlight
Children’s Foundation.
concrete planters to lights,
plants and bookshelves.
Their online shop also
features products from other
small local businesses,
including The Timber Trend,
and business has been
going gangbusters.
“I keep selling out of the
lighting stuff and that’s the
fun bit, doing things that
aren’t really out there,”
Karstan said.
The business
is named after
Karstan’s
grandfather,
‘Poppy Smith’.
“We started simple doing the
concrete planters but we’re
now venturing into stuff that
others might be scared to
tackle, like concrete lighting,
concrete furniture.
“The small things are fun but
it is good to make the bigger
things and push boundaries.”
Head to Karstan and Max’s blog www.thediscoverytales.com.au
- to read all about the couple’s
latest adventures.
“He started in the
underground mines
at 14 back when
pit ponies were
still used in the
mines,” Karstan
told Coalface.
“He was someone
who couldn’t exactly
read or write but
was really good
with his hands and
could find a way
to make anything
you said. That’s
fitting because it’s
kind of what I’m
doing now.”
Poppy Smith Design
make a range
of quirky home
décor pieces, from
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42 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
coalfacemagazine.com.au | March 2015 43
hunter life
hunter life
Back row – Deirdra McCracken (Mt
Arthur Coal) and Hunter Life Education
Executive Officer Sally Coddington,
front row – school captains Georgia
Hutchings and Kohen Hall with Healthy
Harold and Hunter Life Education
teacher Sarah Cambridge
Charity event to raise awareness of suicide
Twelve years ago Angie Hamson Woods and her
three daughters were dealt a tough blow when
her girls’ father tragically committed suicide.
Healthy Harold’s big birthday bash
You may remember back to your school days when Healthy
Harold and the Life Education van would come to give students
advice on health, wellbeing and safety.
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Even some of the Coalface team
have their own fond memories of the
Life Education van, from TAMMY the
anatomy doll to the lights on the roof
that looked like stars.
Last month, Harold celebrated an
important milestone – his 30th birthday.
For three decades Harold has been
visiting primary and high school
students around the Upper Hunter
to provide important guidance about
making healthy choices and living
healthy lifestyles.
A party was held to celebrate the
milestone last month at the first school
Life Education visited in this year’s
program, Muswellbrook South Public
School (MSPS).
MSPS caption Georgia Hutchings said
she likes Healthy Harold because she
learns things she has never heard before
and because the games are interesting.
At the event, one of the school’s
teachers, Ms Stafford, also spoke about
her memories of Harold and the Life
Education program.
“I remember my first experience at
the Hunter Life Education van where
everyone came out laughing and
smiling,” she said.
“Now as a teacher I see the impact it
has on kids today. Many things have
changed since my days visiting Harold,
but one thing that hasn’t changed is the
smiles on kids’ faces.
Our specialized equipment and first hand experience allows us
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44 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
In The World of Classic Tractors,
internationally acclaimed tractor
authority and author Ian M. Johnston
skillfully blends and portrays the
many facets pertaining to the realm
of classic tractors.
The reader is introduced to a range
of fascinating tractors and invited to
share a few of the author’s personal
recollections drawn from tractor
experiences extending over half
a century.
The World of Classic Tractors is an
acknowledgement of the protagonists
of early farm machinery and their
contemporaries who, in the new
century, continued with the pursuit of
improvement and innovation.
This new book contains a wealth
more we talk about it, the less
people feel isolated.”
“For the last 12 years we
have been trying to turn a
bad thing into a positive by
finding time to help others,”
said Angie, who used to be a
mine operator.
This year they are holding
another fundraising event
at the Singleton Caledonian
Hotel on March 7, from 2pm.
There will be a mechanical
bull, pony rides, a fairy with
balloons, live music from
former The Voice contestant
Sarah de Bono and local
bands, face painting, a
jumping castle, market
stalls, a tattoo competition,
blue drinks, a barbecue and
an auction.
“Suicide is not really a topic
that is talked about much,
but it’s a big concern in the
Hunter. The statistics are quite
scary and there are a lot of
people suffering depression.
“It’s important to know that
there is help out there. The
In 2013 Angie and other
organisers helped raised
$13,000 for Beyond Blue,
thanks largely to a $5000
donation from Bulga Coal.
Glennies Creek Dam will be the place to
fish. Image: Peter Firminger.
of photographs of rare and unusual
tractors, with many of them
accompanied by text of significant
historical prominence.
This is a book for those who have
a regard for classic tractors and a
desire to further an acquaintance
with them.
The World of Classic Tractors – a
fascinating insight into their evolution!
Ian M. Johnston
New Holland Publishers. RRP $35
“We would be so grateful for
any support for the event from
businesses, whether it is cash
donations or auction items,”
she said.
“It could even be something
like a toy mining truck.
“Everyone is welcome to
attend the event too. We want
to encourage as many people
to attend as possible. There is
something there for everyone.
“I would like to thank Shane
Hill and his family from the
Caledonian Hotel for letting us
have the charity day there and
• 95,000 Murray Cod
in Quipolly Dam,
Burrendong Dam and Lake
Windamere; and
Upper Hunter MP George
Souris said the program had
multiple benefits for the region.
Also there to wish Harold a happy
birthday was Deirdra McCracken from
Mt Arthur Coal, a local mine that has
supported Life Education since 2005.
She said the mine believes in investing
in the local community and has
supported HLE so Healthy Harold can
visit classrooms and educate young
children about the importance of
healthy lifestyles.
She said she hopes this year’s
event will be as successful as
the one in 2013, but in order
for that to happen she needs
community support.
• 160,000 Silver Perch in
Burrendong Dam, Glenbawn
Dam, Glennies Creek
Dam, Keepit Dam and
Lake Windamere.
“I would like to thank Healthy Harold for
making a difference in the lives of so
many young Australians.”
The World of Classic Tractors
– Ian M. Johnston
Do the sights and sounds
of a vintage piece of farm
machinery get your motors
running? Then this book
could be for you!
It was a heartbreaking
experience that changed
their lives forever – motivating
them to start fundraising for
the Beyond Blue charity to
help drive suicide awareness
and prevention.
Angie said every person
working on the day has
been impacted by suicide in
some way.
Fishy program keeps
Hunter dams well stocked
Securing a bite on the line should soon get easier
for Hunter anglers, following the roll out of the
state’s fish stocking program.
More than four million
fingerlings and fry were
expected to be produced and
released by the Department
of Primary Industries’ four
hatcheries before summer
ended last month.
This included:
• 205,000 Golden Perch in
Quipolly Dam, Burrendong
Dam, Lake Windamere,
Glenbawn Dam and Glennies
Creek Dam;
“This is a great boost to our
community, helping grow the
local economy by increasing
tourism and employment
opportunities in the area. It
also a great benefit for local
anglers who enjoy recreational
fishing,” he said.
“The fish stocking program
is also recognised for the
benefits it provides to ensuring
conservation outcomes in
regional areas.”
Planned fish release figures
are targets only, and may
have changed depending on
hatchery production as well
as seasonal factors and water
quality issues.
Angie (second from left) with her three
daughters Liarni, Tianna and Marley
for their continued support.”
If you think you can help the
cause by making a donation
or providing an item for the
auction, please contact Angie
on 0413 702 255.
Mt Owen employees rally together
to support family in need
The employees at Mount Owen Mine - Thiess,
are proving they also have each other’s
support outside the workplace.
After one worker’s wife
was diagnosed with stage
three breast cancer and
stage three lymphoma
at the age of 40, Mount
Owen employees have
come together to organise
a fundraiser in the hopes
of giving the family a
helping hand.
The fundraiser will be held
on Sunday, March 29 at
Paxton Bowling Club and
will involve bowls, barbecue
and live auction, with
limited tickets available for
$50 each.
All money raised on the day
will go towards assisting
Craig and Trudy throughout
her treatment, in addition
to helping support the
couple raise their three
young boys.
Mount Owen’s Training
Co-ordinator Felicity Moore
and Production Operator
Brad Bates are the key
people organising the
fundraisers. They said Craig
and Trudy have a rough
road ahead of them for the
next 12 months as Trudy
commences treatment, so
holding a fundraiser was
the least the workers could
do to help.
“If any businesses would
like to help out, you could
provide a cash donation,
contribute an auction item
or help out in some other
way, such as providing
meat for the barbecue,
anything would be greatly
appreciated,” Felicity said.
“The smallest amount of
support will help make
a difference.”
Some members of Mount
Owen A & C Crew have
also scheduled a Poker
Run on Saturday March 14
starting at the Rutherford
Hotel at 8.30am, with a
$25.00 entry fee.
If you would like to make
a contribution or attend
one of the functions,
please contact Felicity on
0408 283 182 or Brad on
0417 235 351.
JORC REPORTING
RESOURCE & RESERVE ESTIMATION
EXPERIENCE COUNTS
•Reported in accordance with JORC 2014
•GeostatisticallysupportedJORCResourceclassifications
•Prepared by recognised Competent Persons and
Chartered Professionals
•Peer reviewed to ensure accuracy and compliance
•Reconciled against previous statements and production
•Competent Person mentoring and Peer Review
•Clear & concise documentation
Xenith engineers and geologists have a proven record of reporting
reliable,bankableResourceandReserveStatements. Our
internal review process of Resource & Reserve Statements ensures
thatClientsareconfidentofthe
reported tonnages.
Hunter Valley
Unit 4, 106 John Street
Singleton, NSW 2330
+61 2 6572 2878
Sydney
Level 8, 25 Bligh St
Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 9235 7500
Brisbane
Level 6, 40 Creek St
Brisbane, QLD, 4001
+61 7 3835 3900
coalfacemagazine.com.au | March 2015 45
savour Pub Pick
WIN STUFF
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Venue: The Grainery Gastropub
The main bar is a great
place to meet some of
the Grainery team.
– from the al fresco air of
the expansive deck, to a fine
dining area and a bar section
suitable for all occasions.
Location: 3/128 John Street, Singleton, 6571 3566.
The tempting menu includes
spiced pumpkin fritters
with tzatziki. This entrée
can only be described as
intricate, delicate with a
subtle‑tasting sauce.
Prices: Entrees from $12, mains from $26.
As a main course, the Scotch
fillet steak is sumptuous,
accompanied by an array of
grilled seasoned vegetables,
chips and jus.
The Grainery
For top quality fresh
food that is primarily
sourced locally, look
no further than the
Grainery gastropub
in Singleton.
Unique in its style and funky
atmosphere, this venue is the
perfect pit stop for a casual
drink, invigorating meal or
simple snack.
When it comes to where you
eat there are options galore
Mustard marinated chicken
breast was described by diner
Adam Todd as “amazing and
cooked to perfection with a
fragrant infusion to die for”.
Accompanied with a Wicked
Elf Pilsner beer, Mr Todd said
his dining experience was
nothing but perfect.
In fact, the Grainery has a
Open: Wednesday - Saturday 11am - 3pm for lunch, 5pm late for dinner and anytime for drinks and bar snacks.
selection of more than 30 craft
beers and five on tap.
It’s wine list is also extensive.
The Babich Black Label
Sauvignon Blanc 2013 from
Marlborough in New Zealand is
highly recommended while the
Two Rivers Cuvee, Denman, is
also a fantastic complement to
any meal.
We finished the meal with
a truly delicious Chocolate
Fondant with vanilla ice cream
– a dessert designed to melt
your heart.
Owners Brook and Wayne
Dermody said the concept
was to infuse “pub culture”
into a family-friendly high
class venue where residents
and visitors could indulge
and relax.
The establishment is also
an ideal function venue
for corporate events and
social occasions.
To inject amazing flavours and
great food into your day, in
a friendly and sophisticated
atmosphere, head no further
than the Grainery.
The gastropub is getting into the spirit
of the Hunter Coal Festival with plans
to display this awesome 60:1 scale,
fully-functional 13 70 W Bucyrus
Dragline during March.
Brook said it is the only one of its
kind in the world that is both built to
exact scale and fully-functional and
will be visible from The Grainery’s front
window for the duration of the festival.
The model 13 70 W
Bucyrus Dragline
Spiced pumpkin
fritters with tzatziki
the brewery first and was
bitten by the brewing bug!
Billie-Jo: I have a similar
history to Jess in hospitality
work. I came to Potters to
work in the main bar. Keith
(head brewer) then stole me to
work in the brewery bar due
to my attitude (which I would
describe as infectious and
unrelentingly positive). Since
then my love for beer has
developed and I have worked
up from the bar to trainee and
now main production brewer.
Hunter Beer Co. - a champion of
diversity, from brewers to beer!
Prior to moving to New
Zealand, Jess Wolfgang
was the senior brewer. More
recently Billie-Jo Noyes has
worked her way up from nonbeer drinking bar staffer to
production brewer.
Ian Innes sat down with
them both when Jess was
46 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
When you need the right amount
of light to guide your way around
the work site, you can rely on GB
Auto Electrics.
The company has just relocated
into a new workshop in Enterprise
Crescent, Maison Dieu, which
features three bays, a large parts
store, hose making facilities and
a light vehicle hoist to ensure they
have all your Auto Electrical and Air
Conditioning needs covered.
is giving one Coalface reader
the chance to add some extra
illumination to the front of their SUV
or light vehicle with an 18 LED bar
driving light from Great Whites.
The multivolt 9-32v driving light
is 640mm long and features 18
5w LEDs.
Retailing for $748, it comes with a
five year warranty.
here on ‘holidays’ late last
year (brewing for four weeks
between surfs), to learn more
about brewing and their
passion for their craft.
Why did you get started
in brewing?
Jess: I worked in hospitality
while travelling internationally
for years, trying beers along
the way. I loved the fruity
beers of Europe. Then I
moved to the Hunter to pursue
winemaking but stopped at
Billie-Jo: I want more girls to
drink it. That influences the
recipes I create. If I can work
my way into it (loving beer),
anyone can. (Billie had never
drank beer before coming to
work in the bar. She started
out enjoying the fruity and
lighter wheat styles and now
specifically develops new
recipes, which she believes
will appeal to first time beer
drinkers and women in
particular.)
Jess: Make the best beer you
can with the best ingredients.
Find some balance (in the
recipes).
What is the favourite beer
you have made?
Billie-Jo: Hunter Beer Co.
Pale Ale. It’s a fun brewing
process and we are getting
heaps of comments from
Scotch Fillet with Roast
Veggies, Chips and Jus
regulars that it is tasting great
at the moment. I agree with
them and think it is tasting as
good as ever.
Jess: Spiced Christmas beers
due to the complexity of the
ingredients and the results you
can achieve.
Do you have any comments
on brewing as a career
for women?
name, email address and postcode
to 0417 037 369 by March 23.
Jess: If you want to brew,
brew. It doesn’t matter who
you are. It is physical work so
you have to want to do that.
Billie-Jo: Everyone in the
industry is great. They are
supportive and the guys really
look after you, so there is no
reason not to be involved.
she wear safety boots are designed
by women, just for women. The
colourful range of boots are
independently tested to comply
with tough Australian/New Zealand
standards and are independently
certified by the BSI Group.
range of key safety features including
an anti-slip and static rubber sole,
oil and fuel resistant rubber sole and
electric shock absorbent heel.
she wear, which is proudly Australian
owned and operated, gives women
working in specialised fields and
trades like mining who require
compliant good quality safety
footwear, work wear options that feel
and look great.
Thanks to she wear, one lucky
Coalface reader has the chance
to win a pair of boots from their
fantastic range.
The steel capped boots include a
into a sea of orange by wearing
their own high vis to the game.
Thanks to the NSW Minerals
Council, Coalface is giving
away some great Voice for
Mining Family Day prize
packs this month.
Designed to allow footy
fans and miners alike
to show support
for their local NRL
team and pride in
the industry that has
been the backbone
of the Hunter
economy for more
than 200 years,
the day will coincide
with the Knights’ round
four clash with the Penrith
Panthers on March 28.
We have a number
of family passes of
four tickets up for
grabs, as well as a
major prize of four
tickets and one of the
high-vis jerseys.
TO ENTER: Simply SMS 2,
your name, email address
and postcode to 0417 037
369 by March 19. This is
an earlier closing date than
the other competitions, to
ensure winners get their
tickets before the big game,
so make sure you don’t
miss out!
The Knights will once again
don their specially-designed
replica miner’s jerseys, with
spectators also encouraged
to turn the stadium stands
TO ENTER: Simply SMS 1, your
Boots making a statement on site
What is your philosophy
on brewing?
Small batches of unusual beer
styles are a hallmark of their
brewing philosophy, but that
is not where the diversity of
the operation ends. It seems
there is something in the brew
water about female brewers,
with not one but two working
side-by-side.
Light your way
with GB Auto Electrics
To celebrate, GB Auto Electrics
Hunter Beer Co. brewers Jess
Wolfgang and Billie-Jo Noyes
Long before hipsters decided that unusual beers
went well with unusual beards, Hunter Beer Co.
was making great beer for locals and tourists
alike at their humble abode in Nulkaba.
For the third consecutive year the
Newcastle Knights have teamed
up with the NSW Minerals
Council to hold the Voice
for Mining Family Day at
Hunter Stadium.
Other options: Gluten Free, vegetarian/vegan, kids’ options,
wheelchair access, alfresco dining.
There will be more than just fine food
and appetising ales to tempt patrons
into The Grainery this month.
display to drag in
coal-loving customers
Prize to help show your support
Menu style: Al a carte, with a bar snacks menu also available.
Boots start from $147.00. Visit
www.shewear.com.au for
more information.
TO ENTER: Simply SMS 4, your
name, email address and postcode
to 0417 037 369 by March 23.
A feast fit for a crib room
There’s nothing like a long shift at the
coal face to help a miner build up a
mighty hunger.
And the perfect place to satisfy that
need is your local KFC Restaurant in
Singleton and Muswellbrook.
The two Upper Hunter eateries are
more than just the ideal pit stop for
a tasty take away
though – why not
let them cater your
next work lunch
or function with a
tempting catering
pack, which includes
their signature
Original Recipe
Chicken coated in
the 11 secret herbs
and spices, along
with a host of other
tasty sides.
to lucky Coalface readers. Each
pack will feed 20 and includes 30pcs
Original Recipe Chicken; 3 large
Popcorn Chicken; 20 Wicked Wings;
20 Crispy Strips and 5 large Chips.
TO ENTER: Simply SMS 3, your
name, email address and postcode
to 0417 037 369 by March 23.
Thanks to KFC
Singleton and
Muswellbrook, we’ve
got two of these
packs, worth $100
each, to give away
Both girls would like to be
more involved in the Pink
Boots Society, which is a
worldwide advocacy and
education organisation
for women in the
brewing industry.
They hope to either participate
in or even host a charity
collaboration brew day in the
near future.
Finally, our thanks to Keith for
being a diversity employer of
choice and giving his team
time out for this chat.
You can contact the Hunter
Beer Co team @hunterbeerco
on Twitter, while you can
see more of our activities at
Facebook.com/untappedco
Singleton
Muswellbrook
6572 4018
6541 1007
coalfacemagazine.com.au | March 2015 47
time out
time out
Lauren Wheatley
have been behind me this
whole way and are just the
most real thing you could ask
for in a surreal industry. I have
always been a dream big kind
of girl, and I was brought up
being taught that you just had
to follow them and enjoy the
ride in the mean time.
What has been the biggest
milestone/achievement? We
all do this for the love of music
and wanting others to love that
music too, so to see people
singing along to your songs at a
show is pure magic!
Where do you see yourself in
a few years? What are your
main career goals? I will be
releasing my debut EP this year
and then looking to tour and
take over the world (insert evil
laugh here).
Lauren will be hitting the stage
on Saturday, March 14 at
11.20am.
For more information
or ticket prices visit
www.campfirefestival.com.au
Vance brings joy to Newcastle
There’s always that one song you turn up just a
little louder because no matter how many times
you hear it, it never gets old.
In 2013 that song for me was
‘Riptide’ – the debut track from
new kid on the block, Vance Joy.
And no doubt it was the song
of choice for many other
Australians that year after it was
voted number one on the triple j
Hottest 100, becoming the first
artist to ever claim the number
one spot without releasing
an album.
Born as James Keogh, Vance
got his stage name from the
book Bliss by Australian author
Peter Carey.
The McClymonts
Riptide was certainly Vance’s
The country pop singer from
Newcastle heard that she had
won a spot on the line-up of
the 2015 Campfire Festival, a
new event to be held at Hope
Estate in the Hunter Valley from
March 13-15.
Lauren, who emerged onto the
music scene in July 2013 with
the launch of her first single
‘Overrated’ was chosen by
the public to perform at the
festival alongside an already
impressive line-up, which
includes John Butler Trio, The
McClymonts, Kasey Chambers,
Lee Kernaghan, Ash Grunwald,
Beccy Cole and Shannon Noll.
Coalface recently caught up
with Lauren to talk about the
exciting news.
You just found out you will
be playing at Campfire; that
must have been a good
feeling? A great feeling! The
competition was based on
public voting so I was really
chuffed knowing that people
were behind me and wanted
me there.
Will this be your first major
festival? Yes. I do the
Tamworth Country Music
Festival each year but it’s run
a little different to a festival
like this.
How would you describe
your music style? I like to think
we’ve incorporated everything
that has influenced me in my
life into the music. It’s got a fun
pop essence with awesome
country tones and instruments.
Who are your biggest
influencers? Taylor Swift, The
Band Perry, The McClymonts
You released your first single
‘Overrated’ last July, tell
about the lead up to that?
I had been playing in bands
with my producer Joel Black
(Tommirock) for years when we
decided to venture into my own
music. He has been my biggest
supporter ever since and has
really helped me to find my own
sound and style. We arranged
for Mollie McClymont to come
to Newcastle for a writing
session and out of it came
“Overrated”. This was a song
very close to my heart and
really let me dive in head first
to this amazingly crazy world
of music.
Since then you’ve had a
lot happen, I imagine it has
been a bit of a whirlwind?
You might like to say a
“Rollercoaster Life” (my latest
single)… you’ve got to plug
where you can right?! There
have definitely been some ups
and downs, especially in an
industry that is going through
some changes itself, but every
bit of it helps to path the way
and keep you pushing forward.
What/who has helped get
you to this point? Tommirock
Hunter gig guide
11th: The Vanns – Scattered by Sundown
National Tour, Cambridge Hotel, door sales only
March
14th: Fabulous Phil Jamieson from Grinspoon Solo & Acoustic, Lizotte’s Newcastle,
www.lizottes.com.au
5th: Toni Childs, Lizotte’s Newcastle,
www.lizottes.com.au
6th: Graeme Connors, Civic Theatre Newcastle,
www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
6th: Daryl Braithwaite, the Depot on
Beaumont Newcastle,
www.thedepotonbeaumont.com.au
7th: The Eagles, Hope Estate,
www.hopeestate.com.au/the-eagles
7th: Mae – the Everglow 10th Anniversary Tour,
The Small Ballroom Newcastle,
www.kingdomsounds.oztix.com.au
7th: Kitty Flanagan – Seriously? Civic
Theatre Newcastle,
www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
8th: From the Jam, the Depot on
Beaumont Newcastle,
www.thedepotonbeaumont.com.au
8th: Morgan Evans, Lizotte’s Newcastle,
www.lizottes.com.au
48 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
17th: Dan Sultan, Newcastle City Hall, www.
premier.ticketek.com.au
17th: Macy Gray – The Way Australian Tour
2015, Lizotte’s Newcastle,
www.lizottes.com.au
19th: Thirsty Merc, the Depot on Beaumont,
www.thedepotonbeaumont.com.au
20th: Simon & Garfunkel – The Concert,
Cessnock Performing Arts Centre,
www.cessnockperformingartscentre.com.au/
shows/simon-and-garfunkel
26th: Jurassic 5 – Bluesfest sideshow,
Newcastle Panthers, door sales only
28th: Vance Joy, Civic Theatre Newcastle,
www.premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.
aspx?sh=VANCEJOY15
28th: Folk in Broke, www.folkinbroke.com.au
28th: Billy Idol - A Day on the Green,
Bimbadgen Estate, www.adayonthegreen.
com.au/catalogue/BillyIdol
You can be wrapped up in
Vance’s soulful music when he
hits the stage at Newcastle’s
Civic Theatre on March 28.
Tickets cost $41.80 and can be
purchased from Ticketek.
Album review - Dream your life away
It’s easy to be whisked
away in the soulful
melodies of Vance
Joy’s debut album,
Dream your life away.
Released last September,
the album features 13 songs,
including hit song ‘Riptide’,
plus recent singles ‘Mess is
Mine’ and ‘First Time’. It was
however disappointing that
‘Play With Fire’ did not make
the cut.
Local artist joins Campfire festival line up
Last month Lauren Wheatley got the call she had
been waiting for.
ticket to stardom, reaching
number one in Australia, going
platinum four times and winning
the ARIA Song of the Year
Award - the cherry on top of a
huge year.
From being an unknown name
to one of the most popular
names today across both
alternative and commercial
industries, it’s safe to say
Vance’s career has been a bit of
a whirlwind.
In making the album, Vance
sought inspiration from films,
writers, poets and even
conversations with friends.
Each track tells its own a
unique story, yet the tracks
flow from one to another
with ease as if sharing one
single journey.
The lyrics are powerful and
really resonate with real life
situations that most of us can
relate to.
But no matter if the story is
sad, the overall song itself
still maintains a positive vibe
– thanks largely to sound of
Vance’s trademark ukulele,
which has you dreaming
of sunbaking on a Hawaiin
beach with his music softly
playing in the background.
Rating: 7/10
Reading Cinemas’ top
picks for March
Genre: Family/adventure
Unfinished business
Release date: March 5
Genre: Comedy
Starring: Vince Vaughn, Dave
Franco, Tom Wilkinson
Synopsis: A hard-working small
business owner and his two
associates travel to Europe to
close the most important deal of
their lives. But what began as a
routine business trip goes off the
rails in every imaginable - and
unimaginable - way, including
unplanned stops at a massive
sex fetish event and a global
economic summit.
Release date: March 26
Starring: Diego Luna, Channing
Tatum, Zoë Saldana, Ice Cube,
Ron Perlman, Christina Applegate
Synopsis: The Book of Life is
the journey of Manolo, a young
man who is torn between
fulfilling the expectations of his
family and following his heart.
Before choosing which path
to follow, he embarks on an
incredible adventure that spans
three fantastical worlds where
he must face his greatest fears.
Rich with a fresh take on pop
music favorites, The Book of Life
encourages us to celebrate the
past while looking forward to
the future.
sGeartmortoorsnandgreedurcerstfroomg0.1ekWttoh10e000krW
Cohen to hypnotise
with magical music
sumitomo hansen
ad space
Hunter music lovers will get the chance to take
in the raw talent of Adam Cohen this month
when the Canadian singer-songwriter heads to
Australia for a series of intimate gigs.
More recently he released
his fifth studio album We
Go Home, continuing the
themes of Like a Man but
taking a departure in tone
to make the most of the
three-piece band and threepiece string section from his
live performances.
The book of life
CROSSWORD
Musician Adam Cohen has
a flair for writing romantic
pieces, and for delivering them
with unquestionable sincerity.
The son of acclaimed
musician Leonard Cohen,
Adam was on the brink of
walking away from music
three years ago before
he released an acclaimed
album titled Like A Man - a
mixture of romantic poetic
folk-pop that has echoes
of his father, Leonard’s,
finest work.
On the big screen
In October of this year
Cohen made his UK
television debut with a
rendition of his track ‘So
Much to Learn’ on Later …
with Jools Holland.
Cohen toured Australia
for the first time in March
2012, performing across the
country as well as part of
Port Fairy Folk Festival and
Adelaide Fringe.
Catch his latest musical
magic at Lizotte’s in
Newcastle on Thursday,
March 19.
For more information or
tickets visit www.newcastle.
lizottes.com.au/live
Across
4. Latest noise abatement trial
5. Gastrinomical delights
8. Team shows support for mining
10.Month to celebrate coal in community
12.Mine offers student scholarship
13.Apprenticeshices kick start their careers
14.Former miner turned TV star
15.Awards to celebrate mining achievements
Down
1. Campany calls for
funding applications
2. Bill’s mining machine replicas
3. Abel stalwart retires
6. Environmental them for conference
7. Hyundai SUV awarded
9. Changes afoot for MTU
Detroit Diesel
11.National board role for CEO
Crossword answers february Across: 1. Frog, 5. Fatigue, 6. Shush, 8. Sting,
9. Laws, 10. Trade Show, 14. Turkey Down: 2. Gerber, 3. Luggage, 4. Machinery, 7.
Mayoral, 11. Detox, 12. Surfest, 13. Fifty
caLL
Ian 0433 407 062
Gary 0459 991 165
[email protected]
www.sumitomodrive.com
coalfacemagazine.com.au | March 2015 49
MINI MINERS
What time is it? It’s colour time!
recruitment & training
Discover mining careers at Hunter TAFE
qualifications in 17
career areas.
School students across the Hunter are invited to discover their
future at Hunter TAFE at an open day on Thursday, March 19.
The Mining Careers
Day will also allow
students to find
out more about
careers in the
following areas:
As part of the Hunter Coal Festival’s
Mining Careers Day, Hunter TAFE’s
Newcastle Campus will be opening its
doors to students interested in finding
out more about a career in coal mining
and related industries.
The opportunities in the coal
industry are endless, with careers
in everything from Human
Resources, Information Technology
and Marketing to Environmental
Sustainability, Electrotechnology and
Mining Engineering.
Students from across the Hunter will
be able to participate in tours of Hunter
TAFE’s state-of-the-art facilities and
receive valuable career advice from
teachers and career counsellors.
Guests will also be able to discover the
types of career areas that might be right
for them by taking the short interactive
quiz using the ‘Find my Future’ career
finding app, www.findmyfuture.com.
Hunter TAFE is NSW’s largest regional
provider of vocational education and
training and offers industry-recognised
• Administration,
Business, Human
Resources and
Marketing
• Building
Industries
• Maritime & Marine
• Environmental, Horticulture &
Primary Industries
• Transport & Mining
• Science
To find out more about studying at
Hunter TAFE visit
www.hunter.tafensw.edu.au
• Information Technology
• Manufacturing & Engineering
The mining industry recruits across many areas Hunter TAFE has a range of courses to get you qualified
Mining isn’t just about mining, it’s a large industrial workforce covering many different career areas, they are
always on the lookout for quality candidates. So to get hands on, industry qualifications Google Hunter TAFE
today with courses across all of the below areas that the mining industry look for:
Manufacturing & Engineering
Building Industries
Maritime & Marine
Environmental, Horticulture & Primary Industries
Science
Information Technology
Transport & Mining
Google Hunter TAFE
MA15013
Administration, Business, Library and Real Estate
Call 131 225
Training the business community
365 days of the year.
NatioNally accredited traiNiNg provider (rto)
Kenjarhy provides you with fast access
to a worKforce of staff to undertaKe:
cultural Heritage / land Management / vegetation removal
Weed Maintenance programs / re‑seeding programs
Mine site revegetation
coNtract labour Hire | partNersHips | plaNNiNg
eMployMeNt/Job Focus | MiNiNg aNd civil services collective
passive recruitMeNt
contact Brad draper
e [email protected]
M 0407 677 339 p 02 6362 8308
VISIT THE BRIDGESTONE STAND AT THE HUNTER MINING SHOW, MARCH 12 – MARCH 14.
50 March 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
visit www.kenjarhy.com.au
Turning the spotlight on
Australian mining.
Visit www.coalfacemagazine.com.au and subscribe for the absolute
latest in industry news along with free competitions, great prizes,
profiles, people, events, reviews and more.
Check out
To advertise here contact Michelle Lebrocq | [email protected] | 0456 233 880
March 2015 51
See
us at
See
the Hunter
at
Mining us
Show
the QME
– Stand
268
ABOVE THE GROUND,
BELOW THE GROUND
OR IN THE GROUND
Exhibition
stand No OS640
DT Australia has the solution to
increase your payload capacity.
The technologically advanced range of Hercules
and Bullant trays along with the new Barracuda
range of mining buckets delivers real payload
benefits to your mining operation.
These exceptional bottom line benefits include:
• Increased payload
• Improved productivity
• Reduced maintenance costs
Our patented designs fit all major makes and
models, extending the life of your equipment at
a reduced cost.
HERCULES
If you demand real improvements to your
operational bottom line, talk to our experienced
team about how our range of lightweight and
hard wearing equipment can improve your
financial outcome.
• Reduced operating costs across the board
BULLANT
THE STRENGTH IN ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
BARRACUDA
Ph: +61 8 9365 6888
Email [email protected]
www.dthiload.com