April - May 2015
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WESTERN REGION MINING’S VOICE
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hit the waves
yamaha’s new
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indigenous
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Plus news profiles industry suppliersand more
INDUSTRY & COMMUNITY NEWS
Mining suppliers dominate Orange Business Awards
PYBAR Mining Services and Hort Enterprises have taken out
top honours at the recent CGU Banjo Business Awards.
The two mining suppliers from Orange
were among the winners announced
at the awards gala dinner in February
at the Orange Ex-Services Club.
More than 400 people attended the
awards presentation, which is about
recognising and rewarding excellence
in business.
There were 25 award categories this
year, with PYBAR Mining Services
taking out two of them; the overall
Banjo Business of the Year and
Excellence in Manufacturing, Mining,
Agribusiness and Industrial Services.
PYBAR has been in operation for
more than 21 years and is a major
service and equipment provider to the
mining sector, specialising in areas
like raiseboring, production drilling,
cablebolting and shotcreting and
electrical work.
Hort Enterprises also won two
awards; Employer of Choice Award
and People’s Choice - Orange
Outstanding Business, while
one of their employees, Craig
Kemanade, was named the Orange
Outstanding Tradie.
The awards top off an already big
year for Hort Enterprises who are
celebrating 20 years in operation.
Initially known as Jeff Hort
Engineering, the company has
rapidly expanded during the past
two decades to become one of the
leading suppliers to the hard rock
mining sector in Western NSW with
more than 180 employees across
five locations.
The Hort Enterprises team have two
reasons to smile after their double win at
the Orange Banjo Business Awards
All winners now progress to
the NSW Business Chamber
Regional Awards.
Broken Hill hosts symposium
Future of resources the focus of annual event
With a theme of Looking in New
Directions, the 2015 Resources
Investment Symposium will address
the changing landscape of the
Australian resources sector.
Taking place in Broken Hill
from May 24-27, the Resources
Investment Symposium is aimed
at members of the investment and
mining communities.
International gold miner
looks to shed NSW operation
The ‘For Sale’ sign has gone up at the Cowal gold mine as parent
company Barrick looks to reduce its net debt by more than $3
billion by the end of the year.
UKNIGHTED
WE STAND
THANKS FOR SUPPORTING
OUR NSW MINERS
Thousands of families and footy fans have shown just
how much support there is for our NSW Mining families
at Voice for Mining Family Day at Hunter Stadium.
The Newcastle Knights wore hi-vis against the Panthers
and do it again against the Sharks in Sydney this month in
support of our miners and all the good things mining brings.
We’ll keep standing up for our miners. And you can too
by signing up at voiceformining.com.au. Let’s keep mining
strong.
#VOICEFORMINING #UKNIGHTED
The international mining giant
announced the plans in a report on its
fourth quarter and full year 2014 results,
issued in late February.
comes less than a year after the
NSW Department of Planning and
Environment approved a plan to extend
the life of the mine.
The Cowal gold mine, located 32km
north of West Wyalong, and the Porgera
Joint Venture project in Papua New
Guinea will be sold as part of a process
to shed a number of “non-core assets”.
Under the approval, the mine was
earmarked to continue operating until
2024 and produce an additional 0.7
million ounces of gold, bringing the
mine’s total production over its life to 3.8
million ounces.
The company will also look to maximise
free cash flow by implementing a leaner,
decentralised operating model and
consider joint ventures and strategic
partnerships, as it chases its goal of
debt reduction.
Barrick’s full year results report revealed
the gold miner recorded a net loss
of $2.91 billion in 2014, reflecting
the impact of $3.4 billion in after-tax
impairment charges.
The news of Cowal’s impending sale
Publisher: Shane Davey 0408 759 088
[email protected]
General Manager: Anthony Swinsburg,
0419 604 571
Editor / Associate Publisher:
Michelle Meehan
[email protected]
The modification included extensions
to the surface area and depth of
the existing open pit, as well as the
construction of a new pump station
on the eastern side of Lake Cowal
adjacent to the existing mine water
supply pipeline.
The mine extension was expected to
secure the jobs of the operation’s 385
works and provide economic benefits of
more than $49 million.
Deputy Editor: Shannon Noud
[email protected]
Design: Jason Higgs
Cover photography: Brock Perks
Contributors: NSW Minerals Council,
Suni Golightly, Alfabs Group, Coal
Services
Galilee, Chief Executive Officer
of New South Wales Mineral
Council; Mark Dugmore, Director
of BHT Minerals; and Dr Mike
Jones, Managing Director of
Impact Minerals.
There are also plenty of networking
and socialising opportunities such
as The Outback Golf Challenge and
gala dinner.
With a focus on the future of
resources, the symposium will
address issues such as where the
next boom will come from; the
investment cycle - why you should
be investing and where; and the
impact new technology will have
on productivity.
For more information or to register
go to symposium.net.au/brokenhill
Innovations in robotics, and
the possibilities and movement
towards space discovery will also
be discussed.
A host of industry identities will
take part in the symposium through
discussion panels, company
presentations and key note
presentations.
Ewan Tyler AO, who initiated
the exploration which led to the
discovery of the Argyle Diamond
Mine in Western Australia - now
the producer of the largest
volume of natural diamonds in the
world - will be discussing future
exploration opportunities.
Other speakers include Chris
Torrey, Managing Director of Silver
City Minerals, who will provide an
overview of the company’s base
and precious metal explorations in
the Broken Hill District; Stephen
Sales and Accounts Manager: Julie
Wicks 0429 363 847
[email protected]
Advertising Account Manager: Michelle
Lebrocq 0456 233 880 m.lebrocq@
coalfacemagazine.com.au
Advertising Account Manager:
Greg Harris 0431 065 667
[email protected]
Production and Distribution Manager:
Matt Hann [email protected]
Office Manager: Lucy Archer
[email protected]
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Coalface Magazine
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John Street, Singleton NSW 2330
NEWCASTLE: 526 Hunter Street,
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coalfacemagazine.com.au | April - May 2015 3
INDUSTRY & COMMUNITY NEWS
The pour produced approximately
4000 ounces of silver, which is valued
at more than $87,000.
year with the new owners changing the
name from the Wonawinta project to
the Manuka Silver project.
It also means a shift for the
company into the production
phase, which according to
Managing Director David
Sproule is an important step
forward in their growth strategy.
Since the purchase Black Oak Minerals
have invested $2 million toward an
upgrade of the processing plant
at Manuka.
Mr Sproule said this transition is a
great achievement for the company,
employees and shareholders.
“We are proud of the achievement,
and pleased that these activities have
been done professionally and safely;
this is a credit to our work team on
site,” he said.
First pour at NSW silver mine
Black Oak Minerals has reached an important milestone with
the first silver pour at its Manuka Silver project.
Black Oak Minerals, formerly Southern
Cross Goldfields, acquired the
operation in September 2014 from
Cobar Consolidated Resources (CCR)
who went into liquidation in March
2014 as a result of production issues
and high unit costs.
Operations kicked back up early this
This has included installation of
a larger 1500kW ball mill and an
upgraded Carbon-In-Leach circuit in
a bid to enhance resource recovery
and throughput.
In a statement, the company said
production may soon start to
progressively increase to capacity
of around 200,000 ounces of silver
per month, after which it will start
processing ore from the company’s
Mount Boppy gold mine.
Production commenced at Mount
Boppy last month with the first
gold ore expected to be trucked
to the Manuka processing facility
in September.
Western Region miners will have the chance to compare
themselves against examples of best practice across the
country at the 2015 Australian Mining Prospect Awards.
• Manager of the Year;
Awards will be presented in the
following 13 categories;
• Mine of the Year.
• Community Interaction;
• Contractor of the Year;
• Contribution to Mining;
• Hard Rock Mine of the Year;
• Coal Mine of the Year;
• Excellence in Environmental
Management;
• Excellence in Mine Safety
and OH&S;
• Explorer of the Year;
There is one important industry event Western
Region miners should not miss.
The NSW Minerals Council
has made a major change to
its annual awards calendar by
combining two of its keystone
events into one.
and excellence awards will
become one event – the 2015
Health, Safety, Environment &
Community (HSEC) Conference
and Awards Dinner.
For the first time, the Health
and Safety and the Environment
and Community conferences
The event will take place at
Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley from
August 31 to September 1.
• Innovative Mining Solution;
• Young Achiever of the Year; and
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.
New guidelines issued for mine safety
Five new codes of practice designed to help define health and safety
standards for the mining industry have been issued by the State Government.
They were developed through
the National Mine Safety
Framework and the Tristate
Legislation Working Group,
with employer and union
• Minerals Processing of the Year;
representatives in NSW
also consulted.
The codes were released for
public comment last year
before revisions were made and
they were approved by NSW
Resources and Energy Minister
Anthony Roberts.
They are now available on the
NSW Mine Safety website.
Approved codes are a
practical guide to achieving
the standards of health, safety
and welfare required under
work, health and safety laws
in NSW and are admissible
in court proceedings under
WHS legislation.
Visit www.
resourcesandenergy.
nsw.gov.au/miners-andexplorers/safety-and-health/
publications/codes-ofpractice for more information.
Bengalla Mine Monitoring
Supervisor Jo Corliss was a finalist
for the inaugural Women in
Industry Awards in 2014
High-vis women
in the spotlight
The achievements of women working in
non‑traditional fields will be recognised in the
second annual Women in Industry Awards.
Nominations are now open for
the accolades, which recognise
and reward the achievements
of women working within
the mining, engineering, and
manufacturing industries.
10 awards:
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.
• Excellence in Mining
Bengalla Mine Monitoring
Supervisor Jo Corliss was
among those flying the flag for
NSW mining in 2014 as a finalist
in the Excellence in Mining
category and nominations are
now open for 2015 across
• BDM of the year
• Employer of the Year
• Excellence in Engineering
• Excellence in Manufacturing
• Industry Advocate
• Marketing/Communications
• Mentor Award
• Rising Star Award
• Social Leader
Nominations close on April 9,
with the finalists announced on
April 30.
The winners will be revealed at
an event in Sydney on June 25.
For more information visit
www.womeninindustry.com.au
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.
Pride, Innovation & Quality.
For more information or to make an
award nomination please visit
www.prospectawards.com.au.
Currajong Aboriginal
health centre now open
A new health centre has
opened in the Parkes
Shire to close the gap in
Aboriginal health.
Aboriginal communities.
The Currajong Aboriginal Medical
Health Centre was officially opened on
March 13 by Federal Minister for Sport
and Health Sussan Ley.
Both Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith
and Federal Member for Calare John
Cobb commended the trio for their
commitment to the project.
The health centre is the result of a
collaborative effort between the Parkes
Aboriginal Working Party, the Currajong
Medical Service and Parkes Aboriginal
Project Officer Amanda Corcoran,
whose role is funded by Northparkes
Mines and Parkes Shire Council.
Mr Cobb said the opening of the
centre was a “landmark day for
indigenous health in Parkes” and
a huge step forward in improving
indigenous health outcomes.
Since 2011 the trio have been
working to get the health centre
off the ground, which Ms Corcoran
said will deliver better health service
to both local Aboriginal and non-
Save the date: NSW Minerals Council
announces new HSEC awards event
The guidelines cover safety
management systems in mines;
emergency planning for mines;
inundation and inrush hazard
management; strata control
in underground coal mines;
and roadway dust analysis in
underground coal mines.
Prospect awards now open
Nominations are open for the annual
awards, which are now in their
12th year and were developed to
recognise excellence and innovation
in the mining sector.
INDUSTRY & COMMUNITY NEWS
2014 Health and safety Innovation Award Winners with Stephen
Galilee and Minister Macfarlane
“This is a big step for the Parkes
Aboriginal community in promoting
the practice and closing the gap in
indigenous health,” she said.
“I’d like to commend Amanda
Corcoran and Currajong Aboriginal
Health Centre practice manager/
doctor Lachlan Smith for their hard
work and effort. It’s pleasing that today
they get to see their dream become
a reality.”
4 April - May 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
The rIghT soluTIon... fIrsT TIme
Whittaker Contracting are leaders in quality repairs and maintenance
to the mining, civil earthmoving and road transport industries.
Multimillion dollar
boost for Parkes’ roads
Four roads in the Parkes Shire will undergo much-needed
upgrades thanks to funding support from the NSW Government.
Parkes Shire Council has received $2.75
million for four road upgrades aiming to
increase safety and freight productivity.
Those projects include upgrades at
the Mugincoble Silos intersection and
Middle Trundle Road; widening and
upgrade of the MR350 at Gunningbland
and widening of the MR350 between
Trundle and Tullamore.
Of the $2.75 million, $1.33 million has
been contributed through the NSW
Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and
Productivity Program while $1.42 million
has come from the Fixing Country
Roads Program.
Council General Manager Kent Boyd
said the funding will allow Parkes to
improve the safety of roads in the area
while also increasing freight vehicle
productivity.
“The road funding would not be possible
without the dedication of council staff in
submitting outstanding applications for
these funding opportunities,” he said.
“The grant funding received not only
means safer and higher performance
roads for our Shire, it also means that
council can direct the funds that would
have been spent on the works into other
worthwhile projects and initiatives for
the Shire.”
| 4 Colliers Avenue Orange NSW 2800
whittakercontracting.com.au | E [email protected]
P 02 6392 0000
coalfacemagazine.com.au | April - May 2015 5
cover feature
cover feature
Indigenous
industry
&
control, building maintenance, horticulture,
water management, painting and
much more.
Mr Draper, a proud Wiradjuri descendent,
said being an Aboriginal company has
been essential to its success.
“I liken it to a football team, where an
Aboriginal player is proud to wear their
Aboriginal jersey and be a part of that
team,” he said.
“We wanted to build that culture where
Aboriginal people want to be part of an
Aboriginal team and therefore want to
work for an Aboriginal company.
“And that’s what we have done within our
teams where elder people mentor young
people and that creates peer pressure
within their community to do well.”
Working together to
make a difference
Brad Draper used the
Hunter Mining Show to
showcase the services
provided by Kenjarhy
Aboriginal Services.
West Australian mining magnate Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest is on a
mission – to find 5000 jobs for Indigenous people and help close
the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.
Through his own iron ore company
Fortescue Metals Group Mr Forrest is
certainly talking the talk and walking the
walk, with his most profitable mine –
Christmas Creek – recording a current
Indigenous employment rate of around
20 per cent, which will rise to 26 per cent
following their next intake of recruits.
The other Fortescue operations
average around 12 per cent Indigenous
employees, with plans for this to increase
to 15 per cent across the company.
But Mr Forrest is far from alone in mining
circles when it comes to pursuing
opportunities for Indigenous workers
and businesses.
The NSW Minerals Council signed an
industry-based agreement with the
State Government around two years
ago, committing to work with the NSW
Indigenous Chamber of Commerce to
further these aims (to read more about
the industry-based agreement turn
to page 8 in the Coalface side of this
month’s magazine).
During March all of these parties came
together to promote this goal at the
inaugural Mining Forum, hosted by the
NSW Minerals Council and the NSWICC in
the Hunter Valley.
Mr Forrest provided an opening address
via video at the forum, which brought a
range of Aboriginal businesses together
with representatives from mines and
suppliers across NSW.
also spoke at the forum, urging mining
companies to consider the wide-ranging
positive outcomes that could be achieved
by working with Aboriginal businesses.
“The chamber’s focus is on the growth of
competitive Aboriginal businesses so they
may lead economic and social growth in
our communities,” she said.
“The chamber’s other focus is working
with industry and government to support
the engagement of Aboriginal businesses
in their supply chains.
“We’re here and we’re ready to do
business and we’re ready to talk to you to
get some engagement happening.
“I am just amazed at the response to
today’s event and very proud to be at this
point in history where we have a coming
together of government, of industry, of
Aboriginal entrepreneurs, working with us.
“We want to lead our own solutions
to address the social and economic
development of our people, but we need
you and we want you to work with us
because we can’t do this alone.”
Ms Barwick said the forum – and the
newly launched Aboriginal Business Portal
- were about highlighting to the mining
industry the diversity and capacity of
Aboriginal businesses to meet their needs.
Four Aboriginal businesses delivered
presentations at the forum - 300 K
“Employing Aboriginal people, going the
extra miles for them is immensely fulfilling,
it’s great for the culture of your companies,
your businesses and it’s great for your
own growth, but in the process, we
change Australia,” he said.
“In all of this, nothing will happen unless
you are personally dedicated. As leaders,
without you, it’s moribund.
“Government can’t employ people,
government can’t create training,
that’s what you do, that’s what we do;
that’s what I need us to do together in
employing Aboriginal people.
“Coming on this march now means that
we will change Australia forever. We’ll
take a pivotal, critical step in removing the
indigenous disparity for all time.”
In addition to its mining services
division, Kenjarhy also offer training
opportunities through its registered training
organisation, Train356.
Enterprises,
Cultural Choice
Stationery and Office Supplies,
Outback Global Australia and Kenjarhy
Aboriginal Services.
But the forum wasn’t the only event the
NSW ICC took part in during March in a
bid to forge greater links with the mining
industry, with eight Aboriginal businesses
exhibiting at the Hunter Mining Show, as
part of the Hunter Coal Festival.
Rockface caught up with Brad Draper
from Kenjarhy at that event to find
out more about how his company is
working with the mining industry to
improve the lives of Aboriginal people
through employment.
So in
2012 they
launched Kenjarhy
- a 100 per cent owned and operated
Aboriginal company that provides services
to the mining and civil industries across
NSW and Queensland.
Mr Draper said the business was created
as a vehicle for Aboriginal people
to achieve their ultimate outcomes
of employment.
Beneath the Kenjarhy Aboriginal Services’
logo reads the words “change lives and
create futures”.
But at Kenjarhy it’s more than just a
slogan, those words underpin everything
the company is trying to achieve for
Aboriginal people through the vehicle
of employment.
“We have been fortunate to give our
kids opportunities so we are passionate
about giving other parents the same
opportunities to do that for their families
through wealth generation.”
It all started one night at the dinner table
where Brad Draper and his wife, who
were both employed in mainstream labour
hire companies placing people in the coal
mining industry, discussed why companies
weren’t placing Aboriginal people.
Since being established, Kenjarhy has
built up its capacity to deliver a whole
raft of services, providing its employees
with a range of skills, such as fencing,
landscaping, painting, earthworks and
erosion control, rehabilitation, traffic
Kenjarhy’s Derrick Talbot working
at Whitehaven Coal
Then there are also opportunities for
non-Aboriginal people through 365Labour,
a mainstream labour hire division that
competes with the likes of SKILLED and
Chandler Macleod.
“Mining has dropped off at the moment
but we have training and that can push
across into a range of industries, like
construction or white collar.
“What we are doing is trying to change
the perception of what people see as an
Aboriginal business.
“We’re a company that has quite a large
capacity, but in the areas we don’t have
capacity we’re partnering with other
organisations to ensure we get the best
outcomes for Aboriginal people.”
Kenjarhy has joint ventures with TAFE
colleges who use them as their contracted
mining and civil trainer. The Orange-based
company has also worked closely with
Whitehaven Coal in the Gunnedah region.
“Jamie Frankham [of Whitehaven
Coal] was passionate about having an
Indigenous Employment Strategy for their
construction work,” Mr Draper said.
“We were asked to engage eight people,
train and mentor them for a period of time
with the view of transitioning them into
Whitehaven directly, which they have.
“They came from various labour markets
like Moree and Narrabri, which are quite
(economically) depressed areas so that’s a
real success for us.”
Kenjarhy has also worked with
organisations like Alkane Resources, Sita
and Flinders Resources, to name a few.
“We believe we are a one-stop-shop,” Mr
Draper said.
They have recently partnered with a
solar company and can now do power
purchase agreements and assist mines
with their carbon footprint.
“Kenjarhy does a broad range of things
and that’s the key to our sustainability.
But with the current contraction in mining,
Kenjarhy is also focusing on major
infrastructure projects
and has recently
partnered with a
Newcastle-based
business on a major
civil project in Sydney.
“They came to
us looking at
an Aboriginal
Employment Strategy
in their organisation
because one they’re
smart, because they
need to meet certain
requirements in
their contracts and
because it’s cost
effective for them to
do it,” Mr Draper said.
“We want to work
with companies
that have that vision
and want to do
something, not those
who are doing it
because others are.
“We don’t want to
challenge corporate
Australia, we want to
partner with them.”
Generation One CEO Jeremy Donovan plays the
didgeridoo while a group of Wiyala dancers performed
some traditional dances at the Mining Forum.
A number of key stakeholders took part in a panel
discussion at the Mining Forum.
Mr Draper said he believes many
companies want to employ Aboriginal
people, but they don’t know how.
He said they should give an Aboriginal
business the opportunity, whether
Kenjarhy or someone else.
“We will win business on commercial
terms, but it’s about getting the
opportunity and looking at the innovative
partnerships we can bring to table,”
he explained.
“It’s not about handing these opportunities
out on a silver platter. You still need to
perform. That hand out mentality has
to stop.
“The best way to support Aboriginal
communities is to create commercial
opportunities for Aboriginal organisations
to be self-sustainable.”
While success isn’t always best measured
in numbers, Kenjarhy have achieved
fantastic results, continually exceeding
their Aboriginal targets.
In the first year of operation Kenjarhy set
“Employment changes people’s lives,”
he said.
“Our catchphrase is ‘change lives create
futures’ and what that does is by giving
people a job these people go home with
their salaries and then their kids see what
it takes to have a nice car and boat and
then that starts building the right culture.
KENJARHY ABORIGINAL SERVICES
Train365 delivers nationally accredited
traineeships in Certificate II and III in
surface extraction and underground
mining, plus a number of Statement
of Attainment / Workcover Compliant
Courses. This includes White Card,
inductions, elevated work platform,
working at heights, light vehicle permit,
confined space, isolation, scaffolding and
rigging/dogging.
You can’t be one-dimensional and we’ve
looked at a range of revenue streams.
Jeremy Cowley From PJL & Andrew
Coyte from Electrolux undertaking
EWP Training with Train365
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 www.kenjarhy.com.au
NSW ICC Chairperson Debbie Barwick
6 April - May 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
coalfacemagazine.com.au | April - May 2015 7
cover feature
out to engage between 23-30 per cent of
Aboriginal people across the workforce,
but are proud to have achieved 92
per cent.
Today the company employs around
35 people and trains approximately
Employees from KBL completing
Working at Heights Training
50 people a month, although that
number fluctuates.
just grateful to have been given the
opportunity,” he said.
Mr Draper said he gets a lot of satisfaction
from placing people in jobs.
“One guy came up to me in the street and
thanked me for giving him a job. He said
he was heading on a path to nowhere and
this changed his life.
“Many of them [employees] are
suppliers
aimex
Anticipation for event builds
as exhibitors sign up for AIMEX
Maximising performance and profitability will be the focus of
the 2015 Asia-Pacific International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX).
“That there is worth more to me than
any amount of money and my wife and
I are proud that we are helping open
some doors.
Despite still being five months away,
organisers are already gearing up for a
mammoth event, with more than 300
exhibitors confirmed so far including
major global suppliers such as Cavotec,
Cummins, Davey Bickford, Flexco, Hitachi,
Kal Tire, Sew Eurodrive and TOMORA
Sorting Solutions.
“We believe we are going to build
something to really make a difference
to the lives of Aboriginal people. And
if the big companies support us and
work with us, together we can do some
massive things.”
year of their degree, they will also
receive a laptop and work placement
opportunities at Northparkes and other
areas to gain on-the-job experience and
mentoring and coaching support from
existing employees.
Northparkes Indigenous
Scholarship winners
Northparkes invests in Indigenous education
The pathway to employment
starts with education
and training.
another two local Indigenous university
students who have each received
$5000 to assist them with their
respective degrees.
So to support future employment
prospects for local Indigenous people,
CMOC’s Northparkes Mines is investing
in their educational pursuits through its
Indigenous Scholarship Program.
Early last month Northparkes awarded
the 2015 scholarships to Jes’Se
Rushby from Forbes and Regan Thorpe
from Condobolin.
This year, Northparkes have supported
In addition to the $5000 financial
support, which they will receive each
Jes’Se is studying a Bachelor of
International Studies and a Bachelor of
Communication in Media and Public
Affairs at the University of Canberra,
while fellow scholarship winner Regan is
studying a Bachelor of Business at the
University of Wollongong.
Regan said he was extremely grateful to
receive the scholarship, which will go a
long way towards helping him through
his studies, including paying rent, food
and buying his course books.
“The support from Northparkes is a great
source of motivation to go well in my
studies,” he said.
“I’m very excited to work at Northparkes
The event comes at a time when
sourcing every possible cost-saving and
improvement in efficiency is critical for
mining companies, which are continuing
to grapple with lower commodity prices,
restricted budgets and fewer personnel.
in my uni breaks, there are so many
professionals working there. I know I’m
going to learn so much from everyone.”
The scholarship program is now in its
fourth year and is open to Aboriginal or
Torres Strait Islander university students
under the age of 30.
Successful candidates studying a
technical mining subject receive $10,000
per year, while non-technical scholarship
holders like Jes’Se and Regan receive
$5000 per year.
Northparkes People Manager, Stacey
Kelly, said the scholarship program is vital
to assist local Indigenous people further
their studies, while also growing the pool
of potential future employees.
Jes’Se and Regan join six other current
recipients of the program studying across
NSW - Sophie L’Estrange, Adelaide-Rose
Wakefield, Amelia Sharah, Jason O’Neil,
Michael Thomas and Ellerey Harris.
ISO 9001:2008
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REEDMININGEVENTS Director Paul Baker
said AIMEX provided the perfect platform
for the companies involved in the mining
industry to discover the innovative solutions
to help keep their bottom line healthy.
“The beauty of AIMEX lies in the symbiotic
relationship between exhibiting suppliers
and attending mining professionals, who
have the rare opportunity of conducting
face-to-face business,” he said.
“This will enable mining companies striving
for better efficiency and cost-effectiveness
across their operations to achieve better
overall performance.
“AIMEX will deliver mining professionals
with the innovations that generate greater
productivity and boost bottom-lines.”
Of course, AIMEX is about more than just
the trade stands, with the exhibition also
featuring workshops and panel sessions,
a number of networking functions and the
AIMEX Industry Dinner.
AIMEX is held every two years, with the
2015 edition running from September 1-4 at
the Sydney Showground.
For more information visit
www.aimex.com.au
Mine supplier embraces mobile technology
Atlas Copco is giving customers the ability to access information
about its products anywhere and anytime.
The mine supplier has embraced the
convenience and benefits of mobile
technology by developing an app for its
Pit Viper blasthole drill series.
helping show in detail the product
specifications of each model, its features
and performance in safety, productivity,
serviceability and fuel consumption.
The app provides an overview of its Pit
Viper drills, with 3D interactive models
With the app able to be used with or
without internet access, customers,
atlas copco
salespeople and employees around
the world can access the information
they need anywhere they go and
gain a better understanding of Atlas
Copco’s products.
The app is simple, easy to use and is
available on Apple tablet and mobile
devices by simply downloading it
on iTunes.
mining support
engineering
construction
Ground support
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concept & desiGn
steel & poly
proJect MAnAGeMent
supervision
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• NDT & RIM CERTIFICATIONS
• NEW RIMS & REPAIRS
• ONSITE FITTING TRUCKS
• NEW TYRES
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if oil flows tHrougH it, we do it!
PHone (02) 6862 5885
or email [email protected]
HigH Pressure, HigH Volume
couPlings suited to mining
requirements
Authorised Distributor for Hydraulics Inc.
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1800 897 336 | [email protected] | www.tyredoctor.com.au
8 April - May 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
Self-Sealing Quick Disconnect Couplings
www.parkeshydraulics.com
leading through our people
02 6362 7070
forefrontservices.com.au
68 Astill Drive Orange NSW 2800
coalfacemagazine.com.au | April - May 2015 9
rock faces
Rockface
Q&A
Age: 40-years-old.
Lives: Dubbo, New
South Wales.
Current mine/year
joined: Glencore’s CSA copper mine
in Cobar, since 2007.
Job title: I started with CSA Mine
as a Mill Operator in 2007. After
completing additional study I recently
moved into the role of Health Safety
and Emergency Response Advisor.
Former job: I am a motor mechanic
by trade and previously worked at
a multi-franchise car dealership in
Port Macquarie.
Northparkes employees cook their hearts out to be healthy
Why did you choose particular
field of work: The role of a Mill
Operator was the perfect entrylevel position for someone with no
mining experience.
Name: Phillip Dent.
First mine/year joined: CSA is the
only mine I have worked for.
whs & training
CSA Mine at Cobar.
The steaks are high at
Northparkes Mines as
employees continue to battle it
out in the kitchen to test whose
healthy cooking skills are
the best.
My interest in health and safety was
first sparked when I undertook an
Occupational Health and Safety
consultation course to become a
member of the OH&S committee
at the car dealership where I
was working.
Later, when I began working in
the mining industry I started to
really appreciate the importance of
comprehensive and effective health
and safety systems.
It was then that I decided it was
something that I’d love to do as
a career.
Educational background: I left
school after completing Year 10 and
took on a trade apprenticeship as a
motor mechanic.
In recent years I completed a
Certificate IV in both Health and
Safety and Human Resources.
Over the years I have undertaken
a number of other training courses
as I believe in never missing an
opportunity to further my knowledge
and experience.
Day-to-day tasks: My day-to-day
job includes safety toolbox talks
with our workers, workplace or job
site inspections, assisting with risk
assessments or Job Safety Analysis
(JSAs), conducting important
investigations into any incidents or
As part of the ‘Cook Your Heart Out’
challenge, Northparkes employees have
been taking turns preparing healthy
meals for their colleagues, which are
then taste tested by a judge.
near misses on site, and ensuring
emergency response equipment is
serviceable and functioning correctly.
What do you love about your
job: For me, working in the mining
industry offers a lot of variety – no
two days are alike.
I enjoy working closely with other
people, being able to offer safety
advice and helping to ensure that the
hundreds of workers at CSA Mine
can go home safely to their families.
Challenges you have faced: The
biggest challenge for me has been
overcoming self-doubt and trusting
in my ability to complete a job and
do it well.
Qualities needed to do the work
you do: Good people skills and
the ability to really listen. Most
importantly though I think you need
to be genuine so that people respect
and trust the contribution that
you make.
Best part of working in mining
industry: I would be lying if I said
money wasn’t a factor because
the pay is good. But I also like the
lifestyle that varying roster patterns
offer. The even time roster gives me
more quality time with my family
and friends.
Would you encourage other people
to join the mining industry? I think
the mining industry has a lot to
offer with a wide variety of career
paths available.
Biggest career achievement: No
one thing stands out for me. I have
enjoyed the variety and progression
of my working life.
Career goals: To be a valued,
productive member of any team
of an organisation that I am
employed by.
Consider your goals and passions,
and who knows, mining might just
have the perfect job for you.
Points are allocated for creativity,
enthusiasm, taste and nutritional
balance using the five food groups and
their total score goes towards their
overall score in the mine’s Heart at
Work program.
Launched this year, Heart at Work is
a health initiative developed to help
reduce the modifiable risk factors for
cardiovascular disease, which include
high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
physical inactivity, smoking, obesity,
excessive alcohol consumption
and stress.
The team with the highest score will win
a new barbecue or a meal voucher.
This program has placed employees
into teams, which are competing
against each other in various challenges
to determine who is the healthiest,
including the Cook Your Heart Out
healthy cooking challenge that runs to
the end of April.
Twenty-four employees are taking
part in the initiative, which involves a
12-week weight loss component and
then a six-month maintenance period to
encourage employees to not only lose
weight but keep it off.
Another challenge is ‘Losing Tonnes’
- a weight loss program that started
last month.
Muscle strength at core of
back health
Welcome to the monthly
Miner’s Health column,
brought to you by
Coal Services.
are you at the
cuttingedge
of innovation?
If you are breaking new ground and want people
to know about it, make sure you’re involved in the
Coalface/Rockface June-July innovation feature.
contact us by may 15 to book your space
[email protected]
0429 363 847
Employees are also being encouraged
to compete in the Parkes Rotary
Fun Run on May 17, while later this
year there will be a fitness challenge
and triathlon.
Northparkes Health Specialist Stacie
Martin, who is also a registered nurse,
said many employees are at a high risk
of cardiovascular disease.
She said cardiovascular disease affects
one in two families in Australia, but that
is something that can be changed.
“That was the driver behind developing
the Heart at Work program, to change
people’s attitudes about healthy eating
and exercise,” Ms Martin said.
“We are three months into a 12-month
program and have had quite a few
people interested.
“There are 20 teams taking part in the
cooking challenge as more people are
interested in having healthier meals
at work.”
Currently the underground C crew is
on top with a score of 37/40 for their
meal, which included prawn skewers for
entrée, quinoa coated chicken breast
with salad and a sweet potato and
protein brownie for dessert.
With a few weeks to go, let’s see if the
remaining teams can out-cook C crew
and knock them off the top spot.
28 YEARS A LOCAL...
Both underground and open cut
miners are susceptible to spinal
injuries and non-specific lower
back pain.
Back injuries are most commonly
the result of (but not limited to)
extended work postures, repetitive
tasks, and exposure to vibration.
Other contributing factors include
improper manual handling techniques
and the nature of the mining
work environment.
Low back pain is a very common
occurrence within the NSW
mining industry.
In 2014, CS Health found that 65.7
per cent of workers attending for a
periodic health assessment reported
musculoskeletal pain or discomfort.
Of these, 30 per cent had a specific
lower back complaint.
So how can you minimise your risk of
pain or injury?
10 April - May 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
Some of the dishes drafted so far
Practising good manual handling
technique and improving core muscle
strength are just some of the things
you can do to help maintain your
back health.
Core muscles are deep muscles that
stabilise the hips and lower back
(core stability). When these muscles
are weak, they are unable to support
your spine while you bend, turn and
twist, which may lead to irreparable
wear and tear on the discs and
Photo by Michael Dorausch
michaeldorausch.com
vertebrae, often resulting in pain.
The good news is that core muscle
training does not involve sit ups,
burpees or throwing around heavy
weights! Core muscle training involves
learning how to activate these weaker
muscles, often in a lying position, to
progressively strengthen them.
Staying active can help to manage
your back pain and aid in a gradual
return to pre-injury duties if you’ve
been injured.
Rescue (v.) an act of saving
or being saved from danger or
difficulty
Academy (n.) a place of study or
training in a specialised field
It’s also an important factor in
maintaining your general health and
wellbeing while you recover.
Before starting any form of physical
activity, it is important to talk to your
GP or a qualified health professional
such as an Accredited Exercise
Physiologist first, particularly if you
have had multiple episodes of lower
back pain or have sustained a
back injury.
Information provided by CS Health www.coalserviceshealth.com.au
coalfacemagazine.com.au | April - May 2015 11
tools & toys
cool stuff
Honda HR-V VTi-L
Price: $32,990
Honda’s new kid on the block
In a bid to strengthen the Japanese manufacturer’s already strong SUV lineup, Honda have added an all-new compact SUV to their range.
The HR-V is the new kid on the
block and according to Honda
it’s all about lifestyle.
Practical technology, style
and versatility are what Honda
claims will fill a big hole in their
market with the HR-V and if
the model range and features
list is anything to go by, they
could be on to a winner!
With a starting price of just
under $25,000 the base model
VTi includes a continuously
variable transmission, a
state-of-the-art display
audio system with Bluetooth
compatibility (Apple and
Android), audio streaming
and compatible Apple iPhone
mirroring functionality.
There is also climate control
air-conditioning and a wideangle reversing camera with
three modes and dynamic
guidelines that can be
viewed on the seven-inch
touch screen.
As you climb through the
model range a whole host of
safety technology becomes
available as standard features
including lane watch blind
spot monitoring, LED auto
headlights, rain sensing auto
wipers and Honda’s CityBrake Active system, which
uses laser technology to help
avoid frontal collisions with an
audio warning and in the worst
case scenario full automatic
activation of the brakes.
At the end of a long shift
nothing quite beats the feeling
of riding home in comfort and
style and the HR-V passes with
flying colours on both counts.
In one of the most hotly
contested markets at the
moment, it’s perhaps the HRV’s styling and luxury prowess
that make it stand out from
the crowd.
The sleek body styling
and unique sharp lines are
synonymous with Honda’s
race-bred style of car
development and depending
on the model, the HR-V
has standard features
including steering
wheel mounted
paddle shifters, push
button start, leather
appointed seats
and steering wheel,
panoramic view sunroof,
17-inch alloy sports
wheels, dual zone
climate control and
privacy glass.
Engine: 1.8 litre 4-cylinder
petrol, SOHC i–VTEC
Transmission: Continuously
Variable Transmission with
paddle shifters
Power: 105 kW @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 172 Nm @ 4300 rpm
Practicality is still
paramount in the HR-V
however, and Honda’s Magic
Seats also make storage
solutions easy with four modes
and 18 different settings to
make life easier when packing
for those much anticipated
trips away from the coal face.
With the rear seats stowed
in the utility mode, the HR-V
has an impressive luggage
capacity of 1032 litres.
The HR-V is powered by high
tech efficient 1.8L 4-cylinder
SOHC i–VTEC petrol motor
capable of producing 105 kW
of power at 6500 rpm and 172
Nm of torque at 4300 rpm.
Fuel consumption figures
average out at 6.6L/100km
while producing an average of
155g/km of CO2 emissions.
Honda’s Earth Dreams
Technology Continuously
Variable Transmission is
standard across the whole
model range, with paddle shift
available on the VTi-L models.
With style, practicality and
enough technology to please
even the most tech-savvy
owners, the HR-V is designed
for lifestyle and is bound to
ruffle a few feathers amongst
its competitors.
Kingy of the water ways
Easter is nearly here, so why not make the most of your time
off and get on the water with a new Cool Water Kingy Kayak.
Regardless of your level of
experience, the Kingy’s stable hull
design offers a smooth ride, with
three fishing rod holders, a padded
seat and two hatches to keep your
bags and belongings dry.
Available in green & gold,
purple, pink and dark green,
the Kingy is valued at
$838.98.
Magnify your view of life
Have you ever stood and watched the coal ships anchored off the
coast of Newcastle and wondered who was out there waiting for
their load?
Clear your vision with Ugly Fish
Don’t let the light play tricks on you on the sporting field –
pick up a pair of Mirage sunglasses from Ugly Fish.
MORE INFORMATION:
Sainsbury Automotive
(02) 6884 6444
www.sainsburyautomotive.com.au
MORE INFORMATION:
www.kangarootentcity.com.au
Designed specifically with triathletes,
fisherman, cyclists and other
sportsmen in mind, the Mirage range
feature lightweight and impactresistant polycarbonate lenses and
are fully polarised to take the grunt
out of the the sun’s rays.
from scratches, sunlight, and waterdamage, they also feature category
three UV protection and are available
with either a smoke or brown lens,
retailing for $149.95.
Triple coated to protect the lenses
www.uglyfish.com.au
MORE INFORMATION: Ugly Fish
MORE INFORMATION:
Then snap up a pair of the latest Acuter
15 x 70 Sky Land binoculars with
upgraded Fully MultiCoated optics, which
deliver bright views,
rich contrast and very
fine detail – it’s like
seeing life in HD!
Tasco
02 9938 3244
www.tasco.com.au
With 15x
magnification, the
large 70mm lens
offers maximum image
brightness, while also
providing 18mm of long
eye relief for those who
wear glasses.
Acuter has also incorporated
their non-slip rubber water
resistant armour in the binoculars,
which are valued at $199.
Wireless beats for your bike
Cruise to the beat sans
headphones when you head
out for a ride with Interphone’s
latest release, the Fbeat.
The state-of-the-art wireless tech gear for
bike riders can be attached to all helmet
brands and not only features high sound
quality but also has an advanced speaker
and microphone, enabling riders to
New Boring Bar
delivers exciting benefits
There’s nothing boring about the Boring Bar – except maybe its name!
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
12 April - May 2015 | coalfacemagazine.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
Control at your fingertips
Get away from the coal face
and out on the water this
summer with the release of
Yamaha Motor Australia’s
new WaveRunner personal
watercraft.
The range is highlighted by
Yamaha’s new RiDE (Reverse with
Intuitive Deceleration Electronics)
dual throttle handlebar controls,
which has been applied to
all Yamaha VX and FX series
WaveRunners.
The system allows the rider to pull
the right hand throttle lever to go
forward, pull the left hand throttle
lever to slow down and reverse
and let go of both levers to put the
watercraft in neutral, giving the
driver maximum control.
MORE INFORMATION:
www.yamaha-motor.com.au
answer their phone remotely and make
calls using voice commands.
Valued at $149.95, the Fbeat can be
synchronised with smartphones, MP3
players and GPS systems to enable the
rider to receive audio directions.
MORE INFORMATION:
www.ficeda.com.au
Turbo up to
cut your tent
pitching time
space include the Extenda Awning with
its 4.5m wide front, optional front panel
and versatile Deluxe Side Panels with
gusseted windows.
When it comes to camping,
the quicker you can get set up
and relax with a cold beer, the
better off you’ll be.
www.blackwolf.com.au
The tent retails for about $1600, with
the Extenda Awning an extra $349.
MORE INFORMATION:
This is where BlackWolf’s
Turbo Lite 450 Cabin Tent
comes in.
The 11-person tent can be
pitched in minutes thanks
to BlackWolf’s ‘rapid pitch
frame’ and features a roomy
4.5mx3m indoor space that
can be sectioned off into
two smaller rooms, each
with their own front doors!
Optional accessories to
give you even more usable
coalfacemagazine.com.au | April - May 2015 13
events
sport
Gunnedah will also be alive with
show action on April 17-19 with
the 127th Gunnedah Show at
Gunnedah Showground.
Best in Show
The Gunnedah Show Society
held their first show in August
1888 and has conducted an
annual show every year since.
This year is set to be bigger and
better than ever with the 2015
Art Prize and Exhibition featuring
painting, drawing, sculpture,
printmaking and pottery
on display.
There is also the Strong Man/
Woman Competition where you
can try your hand at the caber
toss and tyre pull; the new Isuzu
Iron Summit Experience with the
steepest 4WD ramp in the world;
Murphys Puppets will perform
throughout Saturday; and the
rodeo is back.
When it comes to country shows, the West does it
best. Here’s our wrap of the region’s finest fairs.
The agricultural show season
kicks off April 17 to 19 with
The Royal Bathurst Show at
Bathurst Showground.
Long regarded as the best
show west of Sydney, the Royal
Bathurst Show has boasted an
average annual attendance in
excess of 20,000 people.
Organised and run by the
Bathurst Agricultural, Horticultural
& Pastoral Association, this year’s
show promises to be a cracker.
Izuzu Team Dmax, Australia’s
premier precision driving team
are back with a huge range of
stunts, formation driving, reverse
flick turns, hi-speed crossovers,
not to forget their 12-metre
ramp-to-ramp jump and the twowheel driving, as well as the The
ShowTime FMX Freestyle Moto X
team doing their stuff.
The Xtreme Fireworks
Spectaculars will offer some
explosive fun on Friday and
Saturday nights of the show.
There will also be the always
fun Kid’s Arena with free
Fairydust face painting all day,
and much more so visit www.
bathurstshow.com.au for
more details.
3rd-5th: Bathurst Motor Festival,
www.bathurstmotorfestival.com.au
4th-5th: Moree Show,
www.moreeshowsociety.com.au
5th: Old Dubbo Gaol Easter family fun day,
www.dubbotourism.com.au
10th-19th: Orange Food Week, various
locations in Orange,
www.orangefoodweek.com.au
17th-19th: Royal Bathurst Show, Bathurst
Showground, www.bathurstshow.com.au
17th-19th: 127th Gunnedah Show,
Gunnedah Showground,
www.gunnedahshowsociety.com.au
18th-19th: Ironfest, Lithgow Showground,
www.ironfest.net
24th-26th: Boggabri Drover’s Campfire,
Boggabri Showground,
www.boggabri.com.au
May
1st-2nd: Narrabri Show, Narrabri
Showground, www.narrabrishow.com.au
2nd: Trundle ABBA Festival,
www.trundleabbafestival.com
2nd-3rd: Orange Show, Orange
Showground,
www.orangeshowsociety.org.au
4th: Bridal and Event Expo, Dubbo
Convention Centre,
www.dubbobridaleventexpo.com.au
8th-10th: Orange Apple Festival,
www.orangeapples.com.au
9th: Bathurst Bicentennial Colonial Fair,
www.bathurst200.com.au
9th: Bathurst Bicentenary Illumination and
Street Festival, Kings Parade,
www.bathurst200.com.au
9th: Moree On A Plate - Food and Wine
Festival, www.moreeonaplate.com.au
15th-16th: Boarding schools expo, Dubbo
RSL, www.dubborsl.com.au
25th: Anzac Day - check your local council
or tourism websites for event information
15th-17th: Wee Waa Show, Wee Waa
Showground, www.weewaa.com
26th: Body Mind Spirit Festival Dubbo,
Dundullimal Homestead,
www.dubbotourism.com.au
15th-17th: Orana Mutual Dubbo Show,
Dubbo Showground,
www.dubboshow.org
14 April - May 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
Next up, on April 24 to 26 is the
ever-popular Moree Show at
Moree Showground.
The 2015 Moree Show coincides
with the Anzac Centenary on
Saturday, April 25 and will
feature new events, such as
a huge photography section,
heavy harness, log snigging and
heavy horse pull, home brewing
competition, old engines and
machinery, wood chopping, high
velocity trick riding, a four wheel
drive feature show and barrel
race and WW1 exhibit on display.
Making their first ever appearance
at the show, beloved country
legend S.T Ruth and her little
sister’s Rowdy and Twiggs
are moving their entirely, half
renovated Crackup Sister Shack
onto the Bathurst Showground
for some good ole comedy,
whip crackin’ aerial antics and
acrobatic feats.
April
For more information go to www.
gunnedahshowsociety.com.au
The longest continually-running
event in Moree’s history (with
only the World Wars interrupting
the tradition), Moree Show
showcases the best and brightest
the region has to offer.
The animal show judging is back,
with everything from alpacas to
yard dogs and there is plenty of
entertainment on offer.
What’s on near you
There is also the Young
Farmer Challenge, fashion
parade, trotting, tent pegging,
Boom fireworks, cooking
demonstrations, dog high
jumping, animal nursery, ute
show, wood turning and
the always hilarious Wife
Carrying Competition.
Old favourites such as the
Showgirl competition, cattle,
Moree Ute Show, yard dog trial,
whip cracking competition, and
pet show return, and of course
there will be plenty of produce
and great things to eat and drink.
Events will take place all day
Friday, but will not begin until
12 midday on Saturday, after
the Anzac services. Visit www.
moreeshowsociety.com.au
The first day of May brings with
it the Narrabri Show, at Narrabri
Showground on May 1 and 2.
With more fun than you can poke
a stick at, the Narrabri Show
will see a host of entertainment,
displays and activities including
fine arts, handicrafts, needlework,
pottery, photography, and Lego
and models.
Crowd favourites such as the
mini horses, ute show, Showgirl,
showjumping and whip cracking
return, along with all the animal
judging (including a scarecrow
category!). For more information
go to www.narrabrishow.com.
au
Next in line is the Orange Show,
at Orange Showground, on May
2 and 3.
Now in its 143rd year, the Orange
Show will feature favourites
such as Brophys Circus, the
Wheel of Steel, the grand
parade and monster fireworks,
as well as displays from Orange
Rural Fire Service, Thompson’s
Nursery, Orange Lacemakers,
vintage motors and bikes, and
vintage engines.
There are plenty of competitions
including the Showgirl, guess
the weight of the bull, master
stockmen, and the Beaut Ute
competition. There will also
be a fashion parade from
Millers Fashions.
For more information go to www.
orangeshowsociety.org.au
May 15 to 17 sees the Wee Waa
Show, at Wee Waa Showground.
Wee Waa’s annual show is
always popular with locals and
visitors and is renowned for
featuring some of the state’s
finest sheep and cattle.
The wonderful floral exhibits
in the Pavilion are also always
a highlight.
Also on offer are exhibitions,
demonstrations, competitions
and activities including the annual
Showgirl competition, food
and produce, arts and crafts,
fireworks, and the ever-popular
the annual ‘lolly drop’ in the
main arena.
Sport and race meets
Tomingley
saddles up for
picnic race day
May
4th-5th: Toyota Nationals
Dubbo, www.toyotanationals.org.au
Saturday April 25
will be a rather big
day for the people of
Tomingley.
5th: Mudgee races, Mudgee
Race Course, phone 6372
3490 or 0448 967 778
Not only is it Anzac Day, but
it’s also the biggest day on
the town’s social calendar
- the annual Tomingley
Picnic Cup.
and sand pit for kids and the
ever-popular fashions on the
field contest.
Held at the Tomingley Picnic
Race Club, the annual Picnic
Cup has been running since
1904 and is a vital event for
the small town, which has a
population of just 15 people.
But every year the Cup
attracts about 1000 people
to the area from across
the Western Region and
the state.
Tomingley Picnic Race Club
President Dennis McGaw
said there are a few people
who travel all the way from
Sydney and Brisbane for the
Cup every year.
This year there will be six
races and the TAB van to
appease punters, plus the
usual entertainment off the
track for families, including a
jumping castle, face painting
Mr McGaw said there
will also be a bagpiper to
commemorate the 100th
anniversary of the soldiers
landing at Gallipoli.
Alkane Resources’
Tomingley Gold Operations
is again a major sponsor
of the 2015 Picnic Cup
- an event the mine has
supported for the past
15 years.
Every year the company
provides $3000 to the
Tomingley Picnic Race Club
part of which goes toward
event sponsorship.
The company’s General
Manager NSW, Mike
Sutherland said Tomingley
Gold Operations was
proud to support the race
day, which is one of the
key community events of
the year.
Tomingley’s Environment
and Community Manager
Mark Williams added that
this will be the first races
since the new facilities
were constructed at the
track through funding from
the mine.
Over the last year Tomingley
Racecourse and Recreation
Trust has received the
equivalent of $100,000
through the Tomingley Gold
Operations Community Fund
as part of the Voluntary
Planning Agreement
(VPA) with Narromine
Shire Council.
10th: Orange Gold Cup,
Orange Race Course, www.
racingorange.com.au
12th: NAB Blayney to Bathurst
Cyclo Sportif Challenge
(pictured), www.b2b.asn.au
17th: Orange races
19th: Narromine races,
Narromine Turf Club, phone 02
6889 1120
25th: Tomingley Picnic Cup,
Tomingley Picnic Race Club
25th: Bathurst Soldiers Saddle
Day, Bathurst Race Course,
www.btracing.com.au
27th: Dubbo RSL Club Resort
ANZAC weekend memorial
day, Dubbo Race Course,
That funding was used to
build a new amenities block,
seating and install rain
water tanks.
3rd: The Landmark Killarney
Bike Classic Narrabri, www.
killarneybikeclassic.com.au
3rd: Bathurst Half Marathon,
Bathurst Rugby Union Club,
www.bathurstrunning.com.
au
3rd: Mudgee races
4th: Quirindi races, www.
quirindiraces.com.au
9th: Cobar Cup, Cobar Miners
Racing Club, Dalton Park
Horse Sports Complex, www.
cobar.nsw.gov.au
9th: Mudgee races
10th: Gunnedah Cup Day,
Gunnedah Jockey Club,
phone 02 6742 0093
11th: Bathurst races
17th: Parkes Cup, Parkes
Race Course, www.
parkespicnicraces.com.au
22nd: Dubbo races
23rd: Moree races, phone 02
6752 3284
25th: Narromine races
31st: Dubbo races
Entry for the races is $15 per
person. For more information
contact Mr McGaw on
02 6869 3293.
LAND FOR SALE
EY
YN
SELLING FAST!
LA
B
• NO BUILDING RESTRICTIONS
Only 5km
from
Blayney
Finishing up a fine season of fairs
is the Orana Mutual Dubbo
Show, at Dubbo Showground on
May 15 to 17.
For more information go to
www.dubboshow.org
www.dubboturfclub.com.au
3rd-6th: Mudgee bike muster,
www.bikemuster.com
4th: Narrabri Picnic Races,
Narrabri Racecourse, www.
narrabri.nsw.gov.au
For more information go to
www.weewaa.com
Show competitions include
caged birds, cattle, harness
racing, home brewing, horses,
paper craft, craft, the Showgirl
competition, show jumping,
wood chopping and dog trials.
April
5
5 ACRES
ACRES
11
11 ACRES
ACRES
14
14 ACRES
ACRES
$180,000
$180,000 HOUSE
HOUSE &
& LAND
LAND
$220,000
PACKAGE ON
ON
$220,000 PACKAGE
$235,000
5 ACRES
ACRES $475,000
$475,000
$235,000 5
A great
place
to live!
A lifestyle
most people
only dream
about!
rst
impression
you’ll have is
to own it!
Exceptional land/
house opportunity
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
rst home
buyers & stamp duty
Powered
Fenced
Building entitlement
No building restrictions
1st Home Buyers grant
NIL Stamp Duty
Vendor Finance Available TAP
Lot 8 - House & Land Package.
3 Big bedrooms, Ensuite to main,
separate toilet, Spacious veranda all around.
Permanent Creek, Two Paddocks, Surrounded
by lush grazing, create your own “Piece of
Heaven”. Only 5 minutes from the fast growing
Township of Blayney 30 minutes from Bathurst
& Orange. fully fenced.
Priced to sell at $475,000
Phone Graham Toole 0412 019 933
RM2086558
coalfacemagazine.com.au | April - May 2015 15
time out
MINI MINERS
mini miner find-A-Word
crazy maZe
Jump into our mine at the arrow and find
your way to the exit - X marks the spot!
Can you find the words below?
There are a few tricky ones, so put your mind to the test and find all 13 words.
Why not make it more fun and time how long it takes you to find them!
Good luck!
Kim, Matt and Sue
1. Komatsu
2. Crusher
3. Dozer
4. Trucks
5. Excavator
6. Backhoe
7. Skidsteer
8. Motor Grader
9. Wheel Loader
10. Construction
11. Mining
12. Utility
13. Service
Western region gig guide
April
2nd-6th: Dubbo Country Music
Festival, www.dubbo.com.au
24th-2nd May: Evita by Dubbo
Theatre Company, Dubbo Regional
Theatre and Convention Centre,
www.drtcc.com.au
3rd: Jeff Martin, Katoomba RSL,
www.katoombarsl.com.au
May
11th: The One Day of the Year, Dubbo
Regional Theatre and Convention
Centre, www.drtcc.com.au
7th: Pat O’Donnell at Lowe Wines
Mudgee, for more information call
02 6372 1660.
11th: Sarah McLeod, Katoomba RSL,
www.katoombarsl.com.au
12th: Piano concert by Avan Yu and
the Mitchell Chamber Orchestra,
Bathurst Memorial Entertainment
Centre, www.bmec.com.au
15th: Drumstruck, Dubbo Regional
Theatre and Convention Centre,
www.drtcc.com.au
17th: Catherine Britt, Dubbo RSL,
www.dubborsl.com.au
18th: DAAS Live (The Doug Anthony
Allstars), Bathurst Memorial
Entertainment Centre,
www.bmec.com.au
18th: The Beatles 50 years on starring the fabulous Beatle Boys,
Orange Civic Theatre,
www.orange.nsw.gov.au
15th-24th: Annie - presented by
Orange Theatre Company, Orange
Civic Theatre,
www.orange.nsw.gov.au
17th: The Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis
Show, Dubbo RSL,
www.dubborsl.com.au
19th: The Wiggles, Dubbo RSL,
www.dubborsl.com.au
20th: The Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis
Show, Dubbo RSL,
www.dubborsl.com.au
23rd: Gold: The Ultimate
ABBA show, Dubbo
Regional Theatre and
Convention Centre,
www.drtcc.com.au
26th: Mueva Los
Heusos by the Australian
Army Band, Dubbo
Regional Theatre and
Convention Centre,
www.drtcc.com.au
Country comes
to Dubbo
Pull on those cowboy boots
and dust off that Akubra hat
for the first annual Dubbo
Country Music Festival.
Presented by the Dubbo Country
Music Association, the Dubbo
Country Music Festival, from April 2
to 5, will see a variety of country acts
performing at venues throughout
Dubbo and surrounds.
Cow and Calf Hotel, South Dubbo
Tavern, Castlereagh Hotel, Amaroo
Hotel, Commercial Hotel, Club
Dubbo and Sporties Club are just
some of the locations featuring
country acts including Dwayne Elix
and the Engineers, Jade Martin
Band, The Long and Short of It, and
Isaac Compton.
There will also be selected busking
sites throughout the region where
talented performers will take it to
the street.
A highlight of the festival will be
appearances from multi-award
winning country singer Dale Hooper.
Probably best known for his Tribute
to Johnny Cash and Tribute to Marty
Robbins shows, Dale so impressed
the Cash family with his vocals that
he was invited to perform and record
with Johnny Cash’s brother Tommy in
the USA.
Dale will perform his solo show
on Good Friday; with Dwayne
Elix and the Engineers on Easter
Saturday, and his Johnny Cash and
Marty Robbins Tribute Show on
Easter Sunday.
If you’re a country crooner yourself
or simply want to check out the huge
array of local talent, don’t miss the
Totally Music Talent Search at Dubbo
RSL on Easter Saturday and Sunday,
starting at 10am, with the section
winners announced on Sunday night.
With a huge variety of talent and
style, from classic country to
modern Australian country, the
Dubbo Country Music Festival has
something to suit every country taste.
For a full program and more
details on venues, go to www.
dubbocountrymusicassociatio.com
CROSSWORD
extend your
digital
reach
Crack up with
Coalface!
Get set for a perfectly
smelly adventure
Hey mini miners, do you like getting messy?
Well, the the Ogglies of Smelliville
certainly do! They love all things dirty
and smelly and live in the perfect
place to find all these things – the
rubbish tip.
Come and meet the Oggly family
doing normal Oggly things like
cooking bootlace soup and
untidying the living room and join
the Oggly twins on a whirlwind
dragon adventure.
Perfect for children aged 4+.
The Ogglies of Smelliville by
Erhard Dietl
Starfish Bay Children’s Books
16 April - May 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
Make your friends laugh with
a few of these ‘Knock Knock’
jokes...
3. Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
1. Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Cows don’t go who, they go moo!
Orange.
Orange who?
Cows go.
Cows go who?
5. Knock Knock
Who’s there?
Orange you going to let me in?
Toucan.
Toucan who?
2. Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Toucan play at this game!
Boo.
Boo who?
Gosh, don’t cry it’s just a knock
knock joke.
6. Knock Knock.
Who’s there?
Ice cream.
Ice cream who?
Ice cream if you don’t let me in!
Let Coalface CONNECT you with customers
ONLINE and through their INBOX.
Across
Down
3. Common pain for miners
1. Shenhua’s chopper funding focus
5. Coal festival home
7. Awards to celebrate these
2. Festival of country music
industry workers
8. Location for Resources
4. Mine up for sale
Investment Symposium
6. Mine giving Indigenous students a hand
9. Block star’s former home
10. Silver pour milestone at mine
12. Moolarben-sponsored classic
11. Healthy challenge at Northparkes
13. Instagram worth checking out
14. European coal face
Crossword answers February/March
Across: 2. Miners, 4. Heritage, 6. Cars, 7. Drills, 8. Komatsu, 9. Collapse, 10. PreView
Down: 1. Cobar, 2. Mudgee, 3. Trucks, 5. Endeavour, 10. PJL, 11. Worx
Find out how:
email [email protected]
or call 0429 363847
coalfacemagazine.com.au | April - May 2015 17
travel
Universal Studios
Disneyland
travel
Live it up in
Las Vegas
might be pricey, but it’s a truly
breathtaking experience.
What to eat
In Planet Hollywood we
recommend trying KOI - a
Japanese restaurant renowned
for its quality. It’s a little on
the expensive side but the
range of sushi rolls was worth
every penny.
The best way to describe Las Vegas is that
it’s exactly how you see it in movies.
Las Vegas Strip
Image: Flickr; josephdepalma
American travel special: Los Angeles
From thriving beaches to sport and theme parks, Los Angeles is the entertainment hub of the US.
The city’s eclectic culture continues to
ensure its place as one of the world’s
most popular destinations, every year
attracting more than 40 million tourists.
Coalface deputy editor Shannon Noud
was among the millions to visit LA in
2014 and will be sharing some of her tips
and highlights that just might give you
a little push to book that holiday you’ve
been dreaming of!
what to do
One thing everyone has to tick off the
bucket list is a trip to Disneyland and
California Adventure Land.
Most kids dream of the day they will get
to visit the happiest place on earth, to
experience the thrill of the rides and meet
Mickey Mouse and I have been lucky
enough to go twice - first in 2002 and
again last year.
As a big kid at heart I love rides and it’s
great to see some new ones to get your
heart racing, like the Cars rollercoaster,
where the cars race each other to the
finish line.
As expected some of the lines were
too long and while there are fast pass
tickets you have to get there early to
secure them.
I highly recommend staying in Anaheim
as LA traffic is horrendous and after a
long day of walking around, a long drive
back to LA is the last thing you want.
Americans love their sport and fans
are certainly spoilt for choice. We were
lucky enough to see the first game of
the 2014/2015 National Hockey League
(NHL) season, a home game for the
previous year’s premiership winners
the LA Kings.
They played none other than rivals, San
Jose Sharks, which happens to be the
team my partner supports.
where to stay
Needless to say, rocking up to the game
in Sharks’ clothes was an experience,
copping slander from about 18,000
Kings’ fans until they realised we were
from Australia, not the Bay area.
We opted to stay a little way from the
action of LA at the Avalon Hotel Beverly
Hills, setting us back more than $1600
for five nights in a premium king room.
The cherry on top was the final match
score, with the Sharks winning by three.
This quirky hotel had a 60s vibe and
each room is fitted with retro décor and
a cool, neutral, beach-inspired look.
The thing LA is most known for is
Hollywood - the entertainment capital of
the world.
The hotel wraps around its pool area
with private gazebos to while away the
time while you enjoy a cocktail.
Universal Studios is a must-see, not only
for the rides but to see the scenes of
some of your favourite movies and TV
shows and learn a little more about how
they are made.
For a little extra money you can pay for
a VIP ticket to go to the front of the line,
which meant we finished all the rides in
40 minutes.
The visual and sound effects on some
of the motion experience rides, like the
Simpsons and the Transformers, are just
like what you see on the big screen and
make you actually feel like you’re a part
of it.
Besides checking out the walk of
fame and the Hollywood sign, I was
underwhelmed by Hollywood itself. We
preferred the more relaxed and scenic
areas like Santa Monica.
Santa Monica Pier is a beautiful place
you must see for yourself. The best way
to see it is walking from Venice Beach
- an urban spot frequented by artists
and creatives.
Immerse yourself in the unique culture
and watch the action on the streets, from
the basketball games and skateboaders
that flock to the popular beach skate park
to the rollerbladers and performers that
line the footpath.
Unfortunately for most of our stay
the pool area was the location of a
photoshoot so we didn’t get much time
in the water.
top tips
Do not use taxis. Use public transport
wherever you can, or try Uber, a ride
share service where normal citizens drive
other people around at a set cost based
on the distance travelled.
We took advantage of Uber and it saved
us a lot of money in cab fares. Simply
download the app and register and the
nearest driver to your location will be there
in a jiffy!
It’s a place that people come to
unwind, lose their inhibitions and
revel in the absolute madness.
Every night the strip runs wild
with partygoers embracing the
Vegas culture - drinking and
gambling, clubbing, perhaps
the odd strip club visit, more
drinking and gambling and
a little sightseeing on the
days you get actually get up
before sunset.
As the saying goes; “what
happens in Vegas stays
in Vegas”.
Our room at the Avalon
Hotel, Beverly Hills
If you would prefer to stay closer to the
nightlife in Hollywood or downtown LA,
Trip Advisor recommends the Magic
Castle Hotel, with prices starting at
$265 per night.
But don’t be fooled into thinking
Las Vegas is only a party
destination. While that is its main
drawcard, there’s so much more
to discover in this city when the
hangover finally passes.
what to do
With casino after casino lining
the streets, you don’t even need
to go clubbing to enjoy the
nightlife in Vegas. With drinks
free as long as you are gambling
(excluding the tip), and the fact
that you can walk along the
streets with huge yard glasses
of cocktails just shows how far
away from normality Vegas really
is. There’s certainly no 1am
lockout here!
Just wandering the strip is
entertainment enough, from
taking in the scenery of the city
lights, exploring each of the
different casinos and watching
the street performers getting a
shot at the limelight.
Inside the casinos are
restaurants, bars and shopping
malls - one in particularly we
won’t forget is the Miracle Mile
mall with a constant blue sky
that tricks you into not knowing
the time. You could be eating
dinner thinking that it’s breakfast
(trust us, it happens)…
If you need to rest from the
drinking or your wallet is feeling
the pinch from a few losses, I
would recommend taking in
a show. We saw two, the first
being the Mentalist where
Gerry McCambridge uses his
abilities to trick the mind and
predict what audience members
do next.
In the Miracle Mile mall a
restaurant called Cheese Burger
Land was the perfect pit stop
for dinner in between shows.
We opted for the Mac and
Cheese Burger, thinking the
mac and cheese would come
on the side.
where to stay
The best thing about Vegas
is that accommodation is
very cheap and there are so
many options.
Planet Hollywood was
conveniently located in the
centre of the strip, within walking
distance to the Caesars, the
Bellagio and other top casinos.
The rooms are nice and
spacious, each fitted with
movie memorabilia to make
you feel like a celebrity. Ours
was a Power Rangers theme
- now that brought back some
childhood memories!
For three nights at Planet
NBA pre-season match
at MGM Grand Arena
On the same night a couple also
gave us their tickets to Marc
Savard’s hypnotist show, which
had us in stitches. Tickets for
the show start at $19, while the
Mentalist starts at $35.
We were also lucky enough to
see the LA Lakers take on the
Sacramento Kings in an NBA
game at the MGM Grand Arena
during our stay.
But the one thing everyone
has to do in Vegas is a trip to
the Grand Canyon. I highly
recommend doing a Wind
Dancer helicopter tour to get
the best birds-eye view of the
canyon and fully grasp its span,
while also ensuring you don’t
waste a whole day travelling. It
But no, in true American style,
a cheese burger packed with
mac and cheese was what we
were served. The first bite was
delicious, but it all went downhill
after that.
Breakfast at Blondies Sports
Bar was a much better
experience - you can’t beat the
breakfast special of bacon and
eggs for $2.99.
Hollywood it cost $350 for a
basic Hollywood Hip Room with
no view - that’s what you would
pay for one night in Sydney!
If you want to splurge you can
opt for a strip view room or why
not go all out and upgrade to
something like the APEX suite,
which starts at $930 a night.
For more information visit
www.lasvegas.com
what to eat
After a few long days and very sore
legs from exploring, we ordered room
service quite a bit from Avalon’s house
restaurant, Oliverio.
Disneyland’s
famous fake
street
At the Grand Canyon
View of Las Vegas
from the sky
Bellagio fountain display
Image: Flickr; matze_ott
Luckily the food was excellent,
particularly the Diavola pizza with spicy
salami, olives and mozzarella cheese.
When you’re out and about try Griddles
Café in Hollywood, or of course there’s
always the trusty Hard Rock Café.
In Santa Monica, definitely head to the
pier for a pier burger and chips. For
something a littler fancier you could try
Trip Advisor’s top-rated Tar and Roses,
an American contemporary restaurant.
At the other end of the spectrum, why
not try the number two rated restaurant
- Aussie Pie Kitchen - a place sure to
cure any home sickness!
LA Kings vs Sharks hockey
game at the LA Staples Centre
For more information about
visiting LA check out
www.discoverlosangeles.com
MINING’S HOME
AWAY FROM HOME
Kati & Angus Gibbons
New owners since April 2014
Let us welcome
you to Panorama Bathurst
Stay with us in one of our 70 clean, comfortable, affordable motel rooms.
Dine with us and enjoy fresh, seasonal delicious food at Platform 51 Bar & Bistro.
Celebrate with us in one of our function rooms and you’ll have wonderful memories to share.
View of Santa Monica Pier
18 April - May 2015 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
51 Durham St Bathurst
PH 02 6331 2666
[email protected]
www.panoramabathurst.com.au
coalfacemagazine.com.au | April - May 2015 19