Close to 500 members of the Wilpinjong Mine family came together on site on May 26 for the 2024 Family Day.
General manager Mark Eaglesham said the day was a great success and highlighted the importance of family.
“It’s called Family Day for a reason. We want to give our employees and contractors the chance to show their loved ones where they work and what they do each day,” Mr Eaglesham said.
“We want to showcase what we’re about – that Wilpinjong Mine is a safe and sustainable operation first and foremost.”
“We are a community-minded operation too. Opening the mine meant that one important part of our community can see the very positive things we do here.”
“It was great to see how proud our workforce is of the positive contribution they and the mine make to the people and businesses of the region and to the local and national economy.
The mining industry is the region’s largest employer. Last financial year Wilpinjong Mine provided $223M in wages to around 600 local permanent employees, employment to around 200 contractors, payments to 340 local suppliers, as well as taxes, royalties and rates to governments to support public infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and roads.
“Some guests were surprised to know that product from our mine provides around 25 per cent of NSW coal generated power supply, helping to keep the lights on in homes and businesses.”
“Many of our 60 plus apprentices and trainees were there. They are local, mostly young, people that are seizing an opportunity to get world class skills and qualifications for the rest of their life.”
Each mine department had a stall and display to show how they contribute to the mine’s success. Buses took people around the site to give people an insight into the sheer scale of the operation and the size of the equipment used.
“People got to see and hear about the things we do to minimise and manage impacts from our operation including how we continually rehabilitate land as soon as it’s no longer needed for mining.
“You can see everyone’s minds are blown, particularly the kids, when they get up close to or get to sit inside the cab of a big mine truck, excavator or dozer.”
Mr Eaglesham said most importantly, Family Day is a chance to experience the benefits of community – to meet people, make or catch up with friends, and have some fun. Local businesses and suppliers also helped to make the day a success.
“The kids and the young at heart loved the jumping castle, face painting, fairy floss and popcorn. There was plenty of good food at the food stalls.
“Westrac donated a replica model of a dozer as a lucky door prize and prizes for kids who completed activity books on the day. It and other OEMs – Liebherr, Aurizon, and MTI/ Dyno – donated merchandise as giveaways at the department’s displays.
“Thank you to everyone who came and to those employees who worked hard behind the scenes to make this major event happen.”
More information
Visit our Community page for more information on how Wilpinjong mine supports their community.
