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February 2014
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IN THIS ISSUE
Training kicks off at new
Hunter skills centre
25
WILL YOU
BE A VOICE
FOR MINING?
At the Coalface
February 2014
Mining travelled a rocky road during 2013 and this year is bound to bring more
challenges we must adjust to. But there are also some positive signs of investment
within the Hunter’s industry – both in mechanical and human resources.
Just before Christmas Austin Engineering unveiled the first two Australianmanufactured Westech Flow Control bodies for off-road dump trucks, which were
built for use at Vale’s Integra mine site, near Singleton.
Last month, Hunter Valley Training Company opened the doors of its new $5 million
skills centre in Rutherford, a facility designed to help train the workforce needed by
the region’s mining industry now and in the future.
A host of
fresh faces
have taken
their first
steps into
our industry
6
News
Suppliers
13
Both of these examples of major capital expenditure are great indications that our
industry is still going strong in the Hunter.
Most people recognise that a strong NSW mining industry means a strong economy
and jobs that support thousands of workers and their families across the state.
But sometimes our politicians are swayed by the voices of noisy anti-mining activists.
We want to make sure your voice and the voices of the people that support our
miners are heard by the state’s decision makers and don’t get shouted down by the
noisy few.
If you want your voice heard too,
register now at voiceformining.com.au
But there’s also another type of investment being made at companies across the region – an investment
in people.
A host of fresh faces have taken their first steps into our industry this month as mining and supply companies
welcome their new intake of apprentices and trainees.
In today’s world, training is a necessary part of life. Whether you’re an apprentice, someone looking to step
up the ladder or someone who has been in the industry for 30 years who wants to learn a new skill, every
step we take in our careers requires some level of learning.
Post a comment on your facebook page
14
Tools & toys
32
Hunter life
39
Time out
52
To celebrate the start of a new year of training, our feature story takes a looks at two young local apprentices
on the cusp of their careers in mining (page 14), while experienced miner Damien Williams gives us some
inside tips on how to get the competitive advantage when job searching (page 43).
To all our mining apprentices and trainees, Coalface would like to wish you the best of luck and offer our hope
that the end of your training opens up the doors to a prosperous and exciting long-term career in mining. For
everyone else, why not make it your personal goal in 2014 to complete on a new course, obtain a new ticket
or even just perfect a new skill on the job.
Let’s set out to achieve our goals and make 2014 our best year yet.
Michelle Meehan and Shannon Noud
If the mining industry is to
continue to provide jobs and
economic stability for the
Hunter, we need to support
the next generation of world
class Hunter miners.
Post a tweet using #voiceformining
Feature
Applications for the 2014
NSW Mining Scholarships
program are currently open to
eligible schools.
This program encourages
Publisher: Shane Davey
0408 759 088
s.davey@coalfacemagazine.com.au
Design: Jason Higgs
Photography: Brock Perks
and assists senior secondary
students to pursue career
opportunities in mining.
Through the program,
students get involved in
mining-related activities and
have contact with the industry
and associated organisations
such as sponsoring
companies and universities.
Sponsored students receive
$500 in Year 11, $1000
Editor: Michelle Meehan
m.meehan@coalfacemagazine.com.au
Deputy Editor: Shannon Noud
s.noud@coalfacemagazine.com.au
Contributors: NSW Minerals Council,
in Year 12 and a further
$2000 in sponsorship if they
complete their first year of
a minerals-related tertiary
course. Sponsored students
are also are also matched
with a ‘mentor’ from a local
company, providing valuable
contact with the industry.
Since 2007, the NSW Minerals
Council and our member
companies have assisted
Blair Whitney, Jordan Burgess, Kate
Eason, Joplin Lawyers, Lisa Mills,
Damien Williams
Advertising Manager:
Alison Hislop 0402 599 839
a.hislop@coalfacemagazine.com.au
more than 360 NSW students
through this program.
If you or someone you
know is interested in big
opportunities, big potential
and big careers in mining,
visit http://www.nswmining.
com.au/people/education for
more information.
Stephen Galilee
CEO, NSW Minerals Council
General Manager: James Dixon
Published by People Brands T/A
Coalface Magazine
ABN: 21 139 736 600
HUNTER VALLEY: Suite 1,
125 John Street, Singleton NSW 2330
SYDNEY: 102 George Street,
The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000
coalfacemagazine.com.au | February 2014 5
INDUSTRY & COMMUNITY NEWS
INDUSTRY & COMMUNITY NEWS
Johansen steps up to lead the way at terminal
A new CEO will take the reins at the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group
this month.
Leighton wins $100 million
rail project contract
Leighton Contractors have been named as the
company responsible for buildings Aurizon’s $100
million train support facility at Hexham.
The project involves
construction of the train
provisioning facility, a combined
maintenance building, signalling
and power infrastructure, 26
turnouts and 11km of plain line
track works.
The train provisioning
facility and associated track
infrastructure are expected
to be completed late this
year, with the combined
maintenance facility and
remaining track work
scheduled for completion in
March 2015.
Stockton resident Aaron
Johansen (pictured) has been
appointed to the top job at
Newcastle’s recently-completed
NCIG coal terminal, replacing
current CEO Rob Yeates.
The terminal set a new daily
record of 250,000 tonnes late
last year – with its work rates
reflected in the overall export
boom being recorded at the port
of Newcastle.
The 41-year-old will assume
control mid this month,
stepping up from his role as the
company’s Chief Financial Officer.
Previously he worked as the
Commercial Manager on NCIG’s
$3 billion terminal construction
project when it began six
years ago.
NSW Roads and Ports Minister
Duncan Gay announced last
month that a record 150.5 million
tonnes of coal was exported
from Newcastle in 2013, up
12.5 per cent (17 million tonnes)
from 2012. The majority of the
additional tonnes were loaded
by NCIG.
NCIG continues to ramp up its
throughput to its projected 66
million tonnes a year capacity,
typically receiving and unloading
30 trains and loading two ships
each day.
The port also set a new record
for coal shipments in December
(15.1 million tonnes), which
exceeded the previous record
of 14.2 million tonnes achieved
in October.
Green light extends life of Lake mine
A $150 million proposal to extend a Lake Macquarie coal mine has been
given the green light by the State Government.
The approval will ensure
Chain Valley Colliery
continues to operate
until 2027.
The project will see the
underground coal mine
expand its extraction
area by about 660ha to
the north and south of its
existing operations, which
are located wholly beneath
Lake Macquarie, gaining
access to an additional 19.5
million tonnes of run of mine
(ROM) coal.
As a result, the mine will also
increase its maximum yearly
production rates from 1.2
million tonnes per annum
(mtpa) to 1.5mtpa and
upgrade its surface facilities,
with the capital investment
of the project expected to be
$150 million.
The proposal was given the
go ahead on December 23,
2013, with 69 conditions
of consent.
Coal mining activities have
been carried out at the
colliery since 1962. The mine
is operated by LakeCoal, a
subsidiary of LDO Coal, and
employs 120 people.
Funding for innovators
Hunter researcher in world spotlight
The Health & Safety Trust is inviting
applications for grants to fund initiatives
designed to improve the health and wellbeing
of coal mine workers.
A Newcastle-based scientist will be among the first people to be inducted into
an international mining hall of fame this month.
Applications for funding
close on February 14.
Researchers, mine owners/
operators, industry
workers and suppliers are
encouraged to apply.
The Health & Safety Trust
was formed in 1991 to
fund research into health
and safety in Australian
coal mines and continues
to support the industry
by supporting projects
and research on identified
priority areas.
The current priority areas
for the trust include mental
health, fatigue, noise
and dust.
For more information visit
www.hstrust.com.au.
Lights, camera, action!
University of Newcastle
Laureate Professor Graeme
Jameson AO joins 19 other
industry figures from around the
world on the inaugural list of
inductees into the International
Mining Technology Hall
of Fame.
Mining magazine in order to
celebrate the past and present
technical innovators of the
mining industry.
Their contributions to mining will
be celebrated at a gala dinner
in Salt Lake City, America on
February 22.
The technology was designed
to improve the effectiveness
of mineral extraction and has
contributed more than $26
billion in Australian exports
since its introduction in 1989.
It is installed in more than 320
mining operations throughout
the world.
The hall of fame has been
established by International
Films need to be between
1 and 7 minutes long and
reference Campbells Corner
in Muswellbrook. All entries
must be submitted by March
14. Prizes include new
video cameras, tablets and
sound gear.
Bengalla mine are the major
sponsor again in 2014, so why
not grab some of your fellow
miners and make a short
movie (outside working hours
of course!)
Ever wanted to make
a movie?
Short Film Competition,
Budding filmmakers are
invited to show off their skills
by entering the Blue Heeler
of Muswellbrook, Singleton,
which is open to all residents
Dungog, Upper Hunter and
Gloucester Shires.
6 February 2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
There will also be a number
of outdoor film screenings
held during the festival, which
commences on April 13.
For more information visit
www.muswellbrook.nsw.gov.
au/index.php/bhff-home.
list of accolades for Professor
Jameson, which also includes
his recent crowning as the 2013
NSW Scientist of the Year.
Professor Jameson will
be inducted into the
“Concentration” category for his
invention of the Jameson Cell.
The PAC report recommended that
the Drayton South mine proposal
should not be approved because of
potential impacts on the Coolmore
and Woodlands (Darley) horse
studs and suggested a number of
significant changes to the mine plan.
General Manager Clarence
Robertson said Drayton has made
no less than 10 changes to the
Drayton South mine plan since 2009,
based on direct feedback from the
horse studs.
Drayton mining engineer Sarah
Hateley said the decision ignores the
impact on Drayton’s employees and
their families.
“I want to understand why my 500
workmates have been disregarded
in this process and no consideration
has been given to the future of their
families,” she said.
“No-one wants to have to move
away from their homes, or pull their
children out of the local schools.”
“We have forgone 53 million tonnes
of coal worth more than $5 billion to
move the mine further from the horse
studs,” he said.
Of the mine’s 500 employees, there
are also 11 apprentices who may
be left without a job if Drayton
South is rejected, according to HR
coordinator Annette King.
“We also spent more than $60 million
on technical reports including an
equine health study, which revealed
the project would not negatively
impact the horses.
“Without Drayton South there is
no guarantee our apprentices will
be able to finish their training here
so they would have to be placed
elsewhere,” she said.
“I strongly call on the New South
Wales Government to reconsider the
report findings and take into account
the 500 families who are now facing
uncertainty regarding their futures.”
“Not only does it impact the
apprentices, but not being able to
train diminishes the skills base in the
local community, widening the skills
shortage even further.”
A mining company has vowed to take legal action against
plans by NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell to cancel three mining
exploration licences in the Hunter and Bylong valleys.
Coalface Letters
I wish to thank you for nominating our group
for the donation we received from the Coalface
Magazine (Let’s Help Out, November issue).
Although the main focus of our
group is about prostate cancer,
we also include other types
of cancers and health related
issues into our meetings that
affect both men and women.
Anglo American is preparing its response to the Planning
Assessment Commission (PAC) review of the Drayton South
proposal, which is due for submission to the Department of
Planning and Infrastructure (DPI) this month.
SERVICE EFFICIENCY
INNOVATION SAFETY
The Leaders in Maintenance
and Supply Services
MiNe MAiNTeNANce
elecTricAl
ShuTdoWNS
FAbricATioN
Poly WeldiNg
coNSTrucTioN
Premier to cancel exploration licences
This will be the latest in a long
We have just completed our
5th year as a support group,
and we have only been able to
achieve this because of people
like yourself helping us along
the way.
Drayton to respond to PAC
We do this not only because
our meetings are open to all
members of the public, it’s also
because our group is a makeup of both genders and that’s
the way meetings should be.
The Premier announced the NSW
Government will introduce legislation to
revoke the licences for Doyles Creek,
Mt Penny and Glendon Brook, which
were at the centre of two high-profile
corruption inquiries surrounding how
they were granted.
This cancellation was recommended by
the Independent Commission Against
Corruption (ICAC) in December.
Kind Regards,
Mr O’Farrell said licence holders will
remain responsible for rehabilitation
works on the sites, but confirmed no
compensation for the cancellation would
be provided to the companies.
Barry and Rose Preston
Co-conveners of the
Cessnock Prostate Cancer
Support Group.
A statement from NuCoal, which
secured ones of the licences when it
acquired Doyles Creek Mining, said the
company was “shocked and extremely
disappointed” by the government’s
decision.
“NuCoal will take whatever action is
necessary to protect its interests and
that of its shareholders, including by
way of a constitutional challenge to the
legislation once introduced,” Chairman
Gordon Galt said.
The Mount Penny and Glendon Brook
licences are held by Cascade Coal.
NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen
Galilee said they would look closely at
the finer points of the government’s
legislation once it was introduced.
COMpROMISE ON
NOThINg
46 Wallarah Muswellbrook
NSW 2333 Australia
Tel +61 (0) 2 6541 5300
“We will be scrutinising the details of the
legislation foreshadowed by the Premier
to ensure there are no unintended
consequences for the industry more
broadly,” he said.
coalfacemagazine.com.au | February 2014 7
INDUSTRY & COMMUNITY NEWS
Coal continues to deliver in the Hunter
The crucial role coal mining plays in the economic survival of the Hunter Valley has been highlighted in a new report.
The research, conducted by Lawrence
Consulting for the NSW Minerals
Council, revealed that mining injected
around $6.3 million into the Hunter
in the 2012-2013 financial year, with
But the industry’s positive contributions
to the region don’t end there, with
economic modelling revealing the
flow-on effects added an estimated
$12.9 billion to the value of the
Community groups in Muswellbrook
received $3 million, Singleton
organisations received $1.3 million,
donations in Newcastle totaled $1.9
million, while other contributions were
made in Maitland ($770,000) and
Cessnock ($385,000).
NSW Minerals council CEO
Stephen Galilee said the report
painted a clear picture of the
benefits of mining to the Hunter.
“Mining employees in the Hunter
are part of the local community.
That’s why mining companies
operating in the Hunter
understand the need to support
the local footy and netball teams
in Muswellbrook, the Men’s Sheds
in towns like Denman, school events in
Singleton and local health charities in
Newcastle,” he said.
“These contributions are important.
While they may not always be large
amounts, they do help local community
groups serve and support towns up
and down the Hunter Valley.
“The future strength of the Hunter
economy requires policies that
support responsible development
of our industry so the sector can
continue to deliver jobs, wages, and
business spending.”
The detailed economic survey is
available at www.nswmining.com.au/
industry/economicreport
Call to expand funding
criteria for mining towns
More Hunter towns affected by mining should be able to
apply for State Government funding, according to the NSW
Minerals Council.
the money spent on wages, goods,
services and community contributions.
The 26 NSW mining companies
surveyed reported a direct spend of
around $12.8 billion across the state as
a whole, with almost half of that (49.2
per cent) in the Hunter Valley.
Hunter’s economy.
This included a healthy dose of
community support, with the report
revealing the 26 companies had
directly assisted 449 Hunter community
groups, making $8.1 million in
voluntary contributions.
The peak advocacy body has made
a submission to NSW Trade and
Investment calling for the eligibility
criteria for the Resources for Regions
funding to be widened.
While Hunter towns such as Singleton
($9 million) and Muswellbrook ($7.6
million) were successful last year
in their submissions for funds from
the program, other mine-affected
areas in the region such as Maitland,
Cessnock and Lake Macquarie are
not even able to apply because they
do not meet the criteria.
Current assessment indicators
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8 February 2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
include mining royalties raised in the
council area, as well as mining truck
movements, but the NSW Minerals
Council says this criteria should
be expanded to include mining
employment.
In Maitland and Cessnock, more than
one in every three employees are
supported by mining.
The minerals council said the change
would “ensure more mining affected
communities are appropriately
recognised and eligible for Resources
for Regions funding to support their
infrastructure needs”.
Women’s groups working together
to promote mining opportunities
Female miners
will have more
opportunities
to meet with
women from
other Hunter mine
sites following a
new partnership
between two
networking groups.
The NSW Women in
Mining network (WIMIN
NSW), run by the NSW
Minerals Council, will
work with AusIMM’s
WIMnet group to form a
new group, WIMnet NSW.
The collaboration will be run by AusIMM,
in partnership with the Minerals Council,
with a focus on hosting networking
events in Sydney, the Hunter, Illawarra
and Central West.
“By combining the networking efforts
of the two organisations it will allow
the groups to achieve their common
goal of developing a vibrant networking
platform to assist with the attraction
and retention of women to the mining
and resources industries,” WIMnet NSW
Chairperson Fiona Robertson said.
The Council’s NSW Women in Mining
network will increase its’ focus on
advocacy work, and will continue to run
the Women in NSW Mining Awards, with
the 2014 winners to be announced in
Sydney on Thursday, March 6.
INDUSTRY & COMMUNITY NEWS
Multimillion dollar contract extension at Mt Owen
An enduring partnership at one Hunter Valley mine will continue into the
future after Thiess was awarded a $230 million contract extension
by Glencore.
The one-year deal will see
Thiess continue to operate the
Mt Owen Coal Mine, located
25 kilometres north-west of
Singleton, until at least the end
of 2016, with an option for a
further one-year extension until
December 2017.
Thiess has held the reins of the
open cut mine for the past 17
years, with Mt Owen its largest
coal operation in NSW.
Thiess Managing Director
Bruce Munro said the
extension confirmed the
“durability” of its relationship
with the mine’s owner
Glencore (formerly Xstrata),
with the companies working
together to deliver greater
productivity at the site, which
currently produces 8.2 million
tonnes run of mine (ROM) coal
per annum.
In addition to operating
the mine, Thiess designed
and constructed the mine
infrastructure, including the
beneficiation plant and rail
loading facility.
Million dollar focus on Muswellbrook
Building a stronger community will be the focus of the two new community
development workers in Muswellbrook.
The positions at Upper Hunter
Community Services and
Muswellbrook Shire Council
will drive a community capacity
building project (CCB) in
collaboration with Mt Arthur
Coal, who will provide $1.3
million over four years.
Cheque handover adds
cheer to Christmas
The McGrath Foundation received an early
Christmas present thanks to the efforts of workers
at the Mt Owen coal mine.
Employees from the Upper
Hunter site, operated by
Thiess, raised $15,000
after miners of both sexes
embraced the colour pink
during October for the
charity fundraiser.
This included purchasing
pink high-vis shirts and crib
bags and organising for their
water cart to be painted the
distinctly feminine shade to
promote awareness about
breast cancer.
Fundraising organiser and the
site’s training co-ordinator
Felicity Moore handed over
the money – in the form
of a mammoth cheque –
to McGrath Foundation
breast care nurse Rebecca
Chenery during a visit to the
Mater Hospital in Newcastle
in December.
UHCS Senior Community
Development Officer Cindy
Milton (pictured) and MSC
Community Development
Officer Sandra Vlacci will be
responsible for developing
and implementing community
strategies and programs that
promote community pride
and involvement.
the suspended coffee initiative
where people pre-purchased
coffee to give to someone
in need.
Ms Milton said the CCB
also provided the resources
for the “U in Youth Survey”,
which involved around 2500
high school students from
Muswellbrook, Singleton and
surrounding areas.
“From that survey
we gathered a
significant amount
of data and have
received requests
from the transport
minister to use that
data to find out
gaps in the area
and work out ways
to address them,”
she said.
“The CCB pilot
program is the
first partnership of
this magnitude to
be established in
Muswellbrook and
we are not aware
of anything similar
being done across
the country.”
“A lot of people don’t know
about the services available
in the community and who or
where to turn to when they
need help, so the CCB has
really helped us fine tune our
Infrastructure projects in Singleton, Muswellbrook and Newcastle have
been shortlisted for the second round of the 2013/2014 Resources for
Regions program.
Five projects in the
Muswellbrook Shire were
shortlisted, worth $36.2
million, including the
Upper Hunter Tertiary
Education Centre; local
road rehabilitation and
safety projects; Denman
intersection upgrade;
Denman Children’s
One of the projects
implemented through the CCB
was a mental health awareness
month in October. UHCS
engaged a number of services
to run initiatives across the
month, such as training
sessions, yoga in the park or
Ms Milton said the CCB
will help improve the
consultation process with the
community, raise awareness
of the services available in
Muswellbrook and allow
these services to work
collaboratively.
Trio of Hunter mining areas make the cut
A total of 19 projects worth
$119.6 million will move on to
the next stage of the funding
process, however not all will
make the final cut with just
$78 million up for grabs.
marketing to promote what’s
out there,” she said.
Children at heart of
plan funded by mine
Centre and stage 2
of the Muswellbrook
Hospital (Option A)
development project.
Newcastle’s sole application
to make the next stage would
see $12 million spent on the
Shortland Esplanade project.
A plan funded by a Muswellbrook coal mine
will help create greater access to children’s
services for residents.
Singleton had three projects
on the list announced by
Deputy Premier and Minister
for Regional Infrastructure
and Services Andrew Stoner
late last month - $6 million
to upgrade the Regional
Livestock Markets; $2.9
million for the Ryan Avenue
pavement and safety
project and $6.5 million for
Singleton Hospital.
The successful projects are
expected to be announced
within the next few months.
Muswellbrook Shire Council
has recently approved its
Children’s Services Strategic
Plan, which was developed
to help identify the changes
required to increase access
to children’s services in the
Muswellbrook Shire.
Mr Stoner said the criteria
determining, which
communities are eligible for
the 2014-15 program is also
under review – a move which
has been called for by the
NSW Minerals Council (see
story page 8.)
It was created out of
a partnership formed
between the council and
BHP Billiton Mt Arthur
Coal, funded as part of
the mine’s Sustainable
Communities Project.
Recommendations
contained in the document
will help inform future
activities to support and
enhance early childhood
education, childcare facilities
and associated children’s
services in the area.
OPEN LETTER TO ThE NSW PREMIER
Dear Premier O’Farrell,
Please steP in and helP us keeP our jobs
and Protect our future.
As employees of Drayton mine we are writing to you to express our disappointment
at the recent NSW planning report on the Drayton South project. This report has
the potential to deliver a devastating outcome for the 500 people who work at our
mine, as well as the local suppliers and community groups who depend on Drayton
South being approved.
We want to understand why our livelihoods have been disregarded so far in this
process and no consideration has been given to the future of our families. People
are really concerned. If Drayton South doesn’t go ahead, we don’t have many other
options here. No one wants to move away from their homes, or take their children
out of the local schools. We strongly believe we can coexist with other industries
and have proven for many years that we can all work alongside each other.
We are not asking for a free ride. We are asking for our right to work in a place
we have been for 30 years.
Is your Government going to sit back and DO NOTHING while the planning
process continues to ignore the pleas of the 668 people who sent their petition
to Parliament last August?
Please Premier, put jobs and communities first.
Yours faithfully,
Concerned Drayton workers.
CAAM0012FPCF_R
10 February 2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
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A chat to Operations Manager
Peter Churchill provides the perfect
indication of the type of company
Austin Engineering is.
The international giant has started
in-house fabrication and repairs on a
dipper from a 4100XPC shovel at its
new Hunter Valley headquarters at
Anambah Business Park.
Listening to Peter rattle off its entire
history and heaping praise on the
workforce, you can see he’s clearly a
passionate man who is proud of how
far Austin Engineering has come over
the years.
Joy Global has not carried out work
of this kind in the Hunter since its Mt
Thorley workshop shut eight years ago.
But with a new $40 million state-ofthe-art facility at Rutherford, the dipper
repair is just the tip of the iceberg for
the company, whose sprawling facility
certainly draws the eye as you drive
along the New England Highway.
“We are thrilled to start works in
our Hunter Valley
workshop,” Joy Global
director of sales and
marketing, mining
products, Simon
Ridgway said.
Rutherford into one location, with its
Racecourse Rd, Rutherford facility
retained as a regional warehouse.
The site’s newly commissioned
fabrication bay, which has been put to
use for the first time with the dipper
repair, features two 75 tonne cranes
with 12m under the hook and the
Kemper fume extraction systems.
Three additional bays of the facility will
be progressively commissioned during
the first quarter of 2014.
A customer day to officially open the site
is expected to be held either late this
month or early March.
“This facility now
allows us to support
our customers’
equipment in
close proximity to
their mines.”
Set up on a 4.5ha
parcel of land, the
facility consolidated
the company’s sites
at Thornton, East
Maitland, Maitland
and Bradmill Ave,
Founded in Brisbane in 1982, the
current owners took over Austin
Engineering in 2003. During the
past decade it has rapidly expanded
across Australia and around
the world, including opening its
Muswellbrook workshop in 2010.
In 2004 Austin purchased JEC
Mining in Western Australia, while
2007 marked a turning point for
the company when it acquired
Westech, a successful equipment
engineering and manufacturing
company. But according to Peter
it wasn’t a takeover - Westech
approached Austin to become a part
of what is now the largest non-OEM
manufacturer of mining equipment in
the world.
Westech has engineered a number
of innovative products - some of
which you may remember from past
editions of Coalface - like the T3
tyre handler, the safety water truck
and the flow control truck body,
which recently cracked the tough
Australian market.
In December last year, Austin
Photo: AJM Photography
Engineering’s Muswellbrook
branch launched the first Westech
flow control truck bodies to be
manufactured on Australian soil,
which are now in operation at Vale’s
Integra mine.
The flow control body has already
proven successful in the United
States, but Peter said breaking into
the Australian market can be tough,
with Aussies often conservative
when it comes to taking a risk and
trying new things. However, with
the Hunter’s ongoing focus on dust
management, Peter believes the flow
control’s added dust benefits will help
push it over the line.
“The flow control was originally
designed to stop the front wheels
lifting off the ground during dumping,
but while in use on site in the US we
noticed that the improved flow of
material also reduced dust,” he said.
“It’s fantastic to finally have it
operating in a mine so we can
actually monitor it and show people
real results.
“Our strength lies in our engineering
and our smarts - innovation is the key
to everything we do. I’ve known a lot
of engineers in my life but these guys
are some of the smartest and most
passionate.
“Moving forward is all about
continuous innovation and improving
products and we have some
pretty exciting things in the works
at Austin.”
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coalfacemagazine.com.au | February 2014 13
COVER FEATURE
Industry training:
Building our
future workforce
Jacob Koch got a little a bit of a surprise when he walked
into work one morning last month.
The young Austin Engineering apprentice was told a few days earlier that
Coalface was coming to ‘chat’ to him about his apprenticeship journey,
but Austin’s Operations Manager Peter Churchill may have left out a tiny,
insignificant detail – that he was also going to be on the cover.
Luckily enough though, Jacob had already gone to have a haircut, so he
was pretty prepared for the task.
The 22-year-old represents the face of hundreds of local apprentices
currently in training to become our next generation of miners.
Apprenticeships are a popular avenue for job seekers, particularly young
school leavers, wishing to enter the mining industry.
February is a particularly busy month for the Hunter as the industry
welcomes an influx of new apprentices to the workforce, like Harrison
James, a first year electrical apprentice training with Hunter Valley
Training Company in Rutherford.
But for Jacob, the new year means moving one step closer
towards completing his apprenticeship and becoming a fullyqualified boilermaker.
While Jacob may not have always wanted to travel down
the apprenticeship pathway, it was the special bond he
shared with his grandfather that encouraged him to give
it a chance.
COVER FEATURE
“He often walks into work with a huge
grin on his face, having just completed
a new training course over the weekend
off his own back. ‘Just another one to
add to the portfolio’ he says.”
“Harrison
showed a
knack for the
electrical field
at an early
age, learning
the ropes from
his father
Scott who is
a qualified
electrician
working in
underground
mining”
But, Jacob has plans to continue
training far beyond his apprenticeship.
“I think ongoing training is important for
anyone,” he said.
“There’s so much more I want to do. I
will continue to train and learn new skills
throughout my whole career – at least
until I am ready to retire.
“I don’t just like having one qualification
behind me so I try and save as
much money as I can so that when
something pops up I can afford to do
it. Just recently I completed a 60 tonne
crane ticket.
“I don’t really have a set plan but I
have thought about doing another
apprenticeship as a fitter and bring the
two trades together.
“People undertaking an apprenticeship
really pay to learn and the value comes
from that on-the-job experience. I follow
by example and I might get it wrong a
few times but it’s a mistake that needs
to be made to learn from it.”
While Jacob is nearing the end of his
training, Harrison James’ journey has
only just begun. The Booral 17-yearold recently started an electrical
apprenticeship with Hunter Valley
Training Company and will be hosted at
Peabody Coal’s Wambo underground
mine near Singleton.
Harrison showed a knack for the
electrical field at an early age, learning
the ropes from his father Scott who
is a qualified electrician working in
underground mining.
Scott used to buy electrical kits for
Harrison as a kid, then one day gave
his son the trip of a lifetime when he
took him underground. Not only did
it give Harrison a pretty cool story to
tell the other kids at school, seeing all
the machinery gave him a whole new
perspective on electricity.
“That visit cemented my decision
to become an electrician and so I
took Dad’s advice and applied for an
apprenticeship,” Harrison said.
“I am looking forward to gaining
knowledge about my trade, learning
about safety and just meeting
new people.
“I have always wanted to become an
electrician so an apprenticeship is
the right step to take to ensure I am
job‑ready.”
Having also travelled along the
apprenticeship pathway, Harrison’s
father now passes on the baton, much
like many mining families where skills are
passed on through several generations.
“It means so much to our family to see
Harrison starting this next chapter of his
life and we are so proud of him for what
he has achieved so far,” Mr James said.
“From my experience as an apprentice
I would advise Harrison to study hard,
“Pop was an engineer by trade and worked in the
metal industry his entire life,” Jacob said.
“He was my role model and we did so many things
together, so I decided I wanted to follow his
footsteps and left school in year 11 to do a four
week try-a-trade course at TAFE.
“I loved it, so applied for an apprenticeship and
was lucky enough to secure one not long after.”
Jacob commenced his apprenticeship with another
Hunter company, but moved to Austin Engineering
in 2012 – and hasn’t looked back.
Jacob prides himself on hard work and it is his
initiative and eagerness to learn that have earned him
praise from his colleagues and supervisors at Austin,
particularly Operations Manager Peter Churchill.
“Jacob is the kind of guy that always comes to work with a
smile on his face and makes sure the job is always finished,”
Mr Churchill said.
“Jacob prides himself on hard
work and it is his initiative and
eagerness to learn that have
earned him praise from his
colleagues and supervisors”
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14 February 2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
coalfacemagazine.com.au | February 2014 15
COVER FEATURE
take in as much as he can (especially
from the tradesmen) and do as many
courses as he can to become as
qualified as he can be.”
Harrison was part of the first group of
apprentices to start at the Hunter Valley
Training Company’s (HVTC) new skills
centre in Rutherford last month. This
year alone, HVTC received more than
4000 applications for its apprenticeship
opportunities, proof that the market
is still strong and demand from job
seekers is as high as ever.
HVTC Chairman and founder of
Centennial Coal, Bob Cameron, said
while demand for apprentices has
suffered somewhat since the mining
boom started to hit the brakes, it
was important the industry retained
its commitment to training the next
generation of workers.
“The industry went through this period
of extraordinary growth but it has
started to level out and I firmly believe
that mining owes it to itself and the
community not to take the foot off the
accelerator when it comes to training,”
he said.
“Training has eased off but fortunately
not dramatically. Industries will always
be cyclical with supply, demand and
pricing but no doubt the mistake has
been made in the past that companies
have pulled back (apprentice)
numbers then go on to suffer the
consequences later.
“Not only will there be continued growth
in the industry but we have an ageing
workforce who will soon retire that will
need to be replaced. I think the problem
will sort itself out naturally.”
Apprenticeships, traineeships and
even graduate positions are fantastic
pathways into employment, where
people can learn the tricks of the trade
through real hands-on experience.
However training doesn’t stop once
these new apprentices or trainees enter
the full-time workforce.
When new technologies are introduced
employees need to undergo training
to learn how to operate them. When
regulations change, employees have to
learn and understand them. If someone
wants to step up the ladder they might
need to learn a new skill or complete
a manager’s course, such as an
OCE ticket.
Mr Cameron agreed training was an
ongoing process and said people never
stopped learning.
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16 February 2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
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PPED
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COVER FEATURE
Shaun Barry, CTM Training Solutions
Operations Manager
are all a part of training too – it’s just the
way the industry and wider community
has evolved.
“When I first started in mining I was sent
underground to work just three hours
after arriving on site. Nowadays that has
changed to weeks and even months –
and so it should.
“Now we just expect a higher level of
safety. We used to see lost time injury
(LTI) rates in the hundreds but now
everyone expects single digits and
even then the best outcome would be
zero injuries.
“Training is essential for people to be
productive but it’s particularly important
for people to be safe and there are
some leading technologies out there
in the industry today, like underground
mine simulators that expose people
to the hazards of mining before they
actually face them.
“The safety record has improved over
the years and that has occurred handin-hand with the increased emphasis
on training.”
No-one knows this better than Shaun
Barry, Operations Manager for CTM
Training Solutions near Singleton. Shaun
is a prime example of the advantages of
re-skilling and up-skilling, having trained
his own way to the top.
Shaun spent 15 years in the army
constantly training and gaining various
qualifications to further his career. After
10 years he moved to Duntroon to train
to become an officer, then worked as an
inventory officer before his last posting
as an essential training manager at the
school of infantry.
“By then my passion for training had
become quite strong and eventually I left
Training in
action at CTM
the army to pursue a career in the shotfiring team at BHP Billiton Mt Arthur
Coal,” he said.
the case. He said safety is everyone’s
main concern and the best way to
achieve safety is ongoing training.
“I was always thirsty for knowledge and
constantly looked for opportunities to
enhance my skill set. After 18 months
I moved over to Orica and worked
at Bengalla for about a year until my
passion for training overtook everything.
“A downturn is the best time to up-skill
and retrain, on both a personal and
professional level,” he said.
“So with that I came back to an RTO
(Registered Training Organisation) where
I can focus on training and have been at
CTM for the past six months.
“If you’re out of work or things are slow
now is time to get another qualification
to keep up with everyone else on the
market. On a company level, use this
time to up-skill your team to prepare for
when things pick up again.
“The best part is seeing people coming
in the door wanting to up-skill or
wanting a job and walking out of here
with that new skill and qualification.”
“You might do a course once but it is
important to refresh down the track
and stay up-to-date as the industry is
always changing.
Shaun said it is concerning that
whenever mining slows down training
is always the first thing to go from the
budget, where the opposite should be
“Every year I attain a new qualification.
It’s good to get as many skills under
your belt as you can but it’s also good
for your mental health to keep learning.”
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18 February 2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
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mine profile
mine profile
Infrastructure Group (NCIG) facilities
to customers primarily in Japan, China
and Korea.
Wambo open cut runs three x PC5500
excavators, a Liebherr 996 excavator
and a fleet of 20 trucks.
According to General Manager Peter
Baker, the mine was tasked to earn its
right to grow, which it has achieved.
As a result, Wambo will be introducing
a fifth excavator (EX 2500) to its fleet
in 2014, with the intention to run four
excavators at any one time. This also
means an increase in the permanent
workforce and an
increase in coal output
to more than 4.5
million tonnes.
and more intimate and there is a good
mix of people here now from different
backgrounds – we have a really good
team and it’s working well.”
traineeships, as well as opportunities for
existing employees to upgrade their skill
set (read more about Prue Bond’s story
on page 22).
ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY
Mr Baker said starting small was a good
opportunity for everyone to get to know
each other before the operation grows.
“The Wambo culture is based on the
‘Three Rs’ - Respect, Reliability and
Responsibility. By respecting those you
work with, being a reliable employee
and taking responsibility for your
work on a day-to-day basis we can
all achieve great results and operate
the mine in a safe environment,” Mr
Baker said.
Environment and Community Manager
Troy Favell said Wambo is particularly
focused on minimising its impacts on
the environment and community.
“It gives us a good backbone for future
growth,” he said.
Peabody values ongoing career training
and development and offers a variety
of career pathways into the workplace,
including apprenticeships and
People and culture
In focus: Wambo open cut
Wambo is a combined open cut and underground mine operating
in the Upper Hunter near Singleton since 1969.
Wambo was acquired by Peabody
Energy in 2006. The underground
mine was placed under Peabody
management at acquisition, however the
open cut was operated under contract
by Downer EDI until the contract came
to an end in March 2013. At this point
Peabody took over as owner-operator.
As part of the owner-operator transition
Peabody employed a new workforce,
many of whom were previously
employed by Downer EDI.
The open cut mine currently employs
approximately 200 people, but after
a successful year in 2013 they are
currently adding a number of operators
to the workforce and looking to employ
more throughout 2014.
Wambo produced 9.6 million tonnes
of coal from its underground and open
cut operations in 2013. Export coal
from Wambo is railed to Newcastle and
shipped through both Port Waratah Coal
Services (PWCS) and Newcastle Coal
Transitioning to owneroperator status and
building a completely
new workforce was
bound to change the
culture of the mine, but
according to Prue Bond,
one of the operators
retained during the
transition, the change
has been for the better.
Mr Baker said having full control of the
mine now gives it greater control over its
reputation and image in the community.
To reduce noise the mine has rolled
out an internal hornless system for
employees to communicate with
each other.
“It has had a dramatic impact on the
number of community
enquiries in relation to
noise,” Mr Favell said.
“To manage dust we
utilise a fleet of water
carts, which feature
a smart system that
improves the efficiency of
the carts. It ensures they
spend more time spraying
and less time filling up.
“We regularly inform our
workforce about issues
that may impact the
local community through
a presentation by the
Senior Team leader of
the Singleton-based
Department of Planning
and Infrastructure
compliance branch.”
“Peabody had the
opportunity to pick from
Downer employees with
experience at Wambo
but also bring in skilled
people from outside so
they could build the best
possible workforce and
culture they wanted,”
she said.
Having operated in the
Hunter for more than four
decades, Wambo has
and will continue to make
valuable contributions to
the community.
“The crews are smaller
To maintain engagement
For more information on our
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YOUR ALTERNATIVE IN EQUIPMENT HIRE
with the community and key
stakeholders, Wambo participates in
a number of local programs, including
the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue,
Community Consultative Committee
(CCC) meetings and regular community
information sessions.
Over the years Wambo has invested
in a number of community initiatives,
making donations to local education,
community and sporting groups
including to Singleton Base Hospital
for the purchase of a bed for the
emergency department and a syringe
pump for anesthesia.
In 2013 Wambo held several family open
days to give new employees’ families
first-hand knowledge of what their family
member does on site.
Health and Safety
When Peabody took over the mine it
went through a process of transitioning
people, equipment and procedures,
including updating health and safety
management systems based around the
three Rs.
This principle is the umbrella of
Wambo open cut and employees were
put through training to understand
and assimilate to these values and
contribute to that culture.
The mine prefers to support projects
in the local community, targeting the
Singleton Local Government Area.
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coalfacemagazine.com.au | February 2014 21
coal faces
Apprentice of
the month –
Matt Carroll
picked up work with a
different business but
was unfortunate to
have the same thing
happen twice.
“After that I was out
of work for about six
months, constantly
searching for jobs,”
he said.
MIGAS apprentice Matt Carroll
is living proof that persistence
pays off.
The 22-year-old is in the fourth
and final year of his plant mechanic
apprenticeship, which he is completing
alongside the team at Sneddon Plant
Hire (SPH) in Rutherford.
While Matt can see the light at the end
of the tunnel, his apprenticeship journey
hasn’t exactly been the smoothest
of rides.
Starting his training at another company,
Matt and his fellow apprentices were
made redundant after nearly two years.
Out of a job for a week, Matt quickly
“There were definitely
times where I thought
I should give up, but I
didn’t want to waste
two-and-a-half years of
training and experience
and kept thinking about the perks at
the end.
“While most people in his situation
would usually give up after a few
months, Matt is passionate about what
he does and stuck to it,” she said.
“That says a lot about his character, but
the people he works with can vouch
that he’s a hard worker and deserves
the recognition.”
As apprentice of the month, Matt
will receive the ultimate wingman - a
free Leatherman Wingman hand tool
courtesy of Zen Imports (pictured).
If you would like to nominate an
outstanding apprentice or trainee in
your workplace please email s.noud@
coalfacemagazine.com.au and tell us
a little bit about your star employee.
“So I stuck with it and with the help of
MIGAS picked up two weeks of work
here at SPH. The work did slow down
and I returned to job searching but in
October they gave me a call and asked
me to stay on permanently.
“In the last few years of my
apprenticeship the best part has always
been the training and the hands-on
experience, learning the trade on the
job. I’m glad I didn’t give up and stuck it
out and found work again.”
MIGAS HR development officer
Rebecca Ryan said Matt’s persistence
paid off for a reason.
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Best of both worlds
Bond embarks on journey from driver’s seat to desk chair
Prue Bond is one lucky miner whose
numbers have definitely come up.
Prue began her mining career with
four years of fly in, fly out (FIFO) work
in Western Australia. During that
time, she was also encouraged to
undertake an accounting degree and
after its completion, Prue returned
to the Hunter to give her new career
path a go.
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While she enjoyed crunching
numbers, she missed carting coal
and eventually took a u-turn back to
the pit, scoring a job as an operator
at Peabody’s Wambo open cut mine
in May 2012.
But three months after Peabody
transitioned into owner operator
status at Wambo last year, Prue
found a way to mesh both her career
passions into one job, approaching
management about her desire to
gain some experience with the mine’s
accounting team.
“I was lucky to keep my job, but
even more fortunate that when
22 February 2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
I approached Peabody about
furthering my accounting career they
were really supportive,” she said.
“I started in the commercial team in
July working two days a month and
am loving it. Both the management
and commercial team have been
so supportive of the growth of my
extra abilities.
“Peabody is really pushing for career
development and are allowing me
to continue with the operations side
as well.”
Prue is now on track to complete the
CPA accounting qualification, with the
operating roster an ideal means of
juggling her work and her studies.
“My ultimate goal is to become a
mining accountant, but I also want
to work my way up to operate
the excavators, I just find them so
fascinating,” she said.
“I’m so grateful that Peabody are
allowing me to merge the two careers
together – I’ve really jagged it.”
year ahead
ohs & training
Hopes for the 12 months ahead
Think before you drink
It’s been a tough few years for the mining industry - here’s what
some of those involved in the industry are hoping for in 2014.
Fatigue is one of those problems that seems to
raise its ugly head a little more often than we
would like.
Richard Anicich, President, Hunter Business
Chamber
This year is not going to be without
its challenges for an industry that is
somewhat bound by market prices and
exchange rates beyond its control. What
we can hope to influence however is the
legislation and regulation that should
support the mining industry and its
supply chain.
The State Government needs to
take urgent action to improve the
planning system if we are going to
see job creation and investment in the
region. They need to acknowledge
the significant economic role of the
resources sector
through the
development
of the Regional
Economic
Development
Strategy
and Industry
Action Plans.
For some time, the
mining industry has been
concentrating on the impact
of fatigue for those needing
to travel distances getting
to and from work, those
who struggle with shift work
and the need to balance
family life.
The second half of the year should
provide an interesting landscape for
engagement around industry concerns
in the lead up to the state elections
in 2015.
But unfortunately, some
people’s idea of a ‘coping’
strategy for fatigue involves
relying on drinks that
promise to deliver ‘energy’
in a can.
Phil Cox, Director, Hunter TAFE
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During the GFC Hunter TAFE
experienced a reduction in the number
of apprentices enrolled in the traditional
trades. However, the current decline in
the employment of apprentices is even
more dramatic due to the slowdown in
mining and related activity.
New enrolments for Engineering
Fabrication Trade (Heavy) apprentices
fell 28 per cent from 2011 to 2012
and another 44 per cent from 2012 to
2013. A continuation of this downward
trend will
ultimately lead
to significant
skill shortages in
the engineering
trades, similar
to what the
Hunter has
experienced in the past. It is important
for the sustainability of the region
that companies continue to employ
apprentices where possible.
The first group of 35
apprentices officially
commenced training at the site
on January 20.
The relocation of its training
operations to Rutherford marks
an important milestone for
Australia’s oldest and largest
group training company (GTO),
after it outgrew the East Greta
Junction premises it had
occupied for the past 26 years.
at Anambah Business Park
will be the training ground for
more than 50 apprentices in
2014, who will gain skills in
a range of traditional trades
highly sought after in mining
and manufacturing.
It features custom-built
electrical, mechanical,
hydraulics and fabrication
workshops, each with their
own in-built classrooms and
modern equipment.
Ms Smith said this will allow
HVTC to provide a higher
quality of training as well as
broaden the range of training
available, including targeting
other sectors and offering short
courses to existing workers
wishing to re-skill.
“This facility is a long-term
investment for HVTC, but also
for the wider community,”
she said.
An official opening is planned
for later this year.
Interestingly, the longer
these types of drinks are
on the market, the greater
number of casualties are
being seen as a result of
combining them with hot
days, dehydration and
cardiac abnormalities
people may never have
known existed.
In Port Macquarie, an
otherwise healthy 28-yearold man had a cardiac arrest
(heart attack) after a day of
motocross racing, during
which he had consumed
excessive amounts of a
caffeinated “energy drink”.
Unfortunately we are starting
to see more of these cases,
especially on work sites or
when the energy drinks are
mixed with alcohol.
This not only puts the
person consuming these
types of drinks to excess
at risk, it also puts their
colleagues at risk too.
If you are prepared to drink
these so-called “energy
drinks” read the labels
and don’t exceed the
recommended amounts.
Remember – stay healthy
and stay informed.
Information provided by
Tammy Farrell, Director of
Core Health Consulting.
Stephen Galilee, CEO NSW Minerals Council
What we’d most like to see in 2014
is an end to job losses in the mining
industry. Around 3000 jobs have been
lost in coal mining in the last 12 months.
There are signs of improvement in
conditions that affect mining - the price
of coal has risen and the Australian
dollar has fallen. We are also expecting
there to be ongoing global demand for
NSW coal.
In 2014, Drayton will continue to focus
on current production levels while
working ‘smarter’ during the current
industry downturn.
While our emphasis will always remain
on safety, as part of my role, we are
ensuring employees maintain their skill
sets, while providing training and new
opportunities to develop new skills for
However there
are other threats
to mining
jobs, such as
uncertainty
around state
government
policies
including the
planning system laws.
our workers.
We are all
hoping Drayton
South gets the
nod so that we
keep our jobs,
can continue to
live locally and our families can enjoy a
prosperous year.
Hennie du Plooy, CEO Port Waratah Coal
Services
24 February 2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
Hunter Valley Training Company (HVTC) has kicked off the year on a high,
opening the doors to its new $5 million skills centre in Rutherford.
HVTC CEO Sharon Smith said
the new state-of-the-art facility
Teena Martin, Training CO-ORDINATOR, Anglo
American’s Drayton mine
Unit 5, No 6 Farrier Close
RUTHERFORD NSW 2320
New year, new look for HVTC
Doctors have suggested
that a combination of
excessive amounts of
caffeine, taurine-containing
energy drinks and strenuous
physical activity can
produce the risk of a heart
attack due to the heart’s
blood supply going into
spasm, reducing the normal
amount of blood flow to the
heart, and therefore to the
rest of the body.
In 2014 I expect that our industry will
continue to adapt to more difficult
economic conditions and changing
community expectations. At Port
Waratah our challenge is to respond in
a balanced manner to these challenges
and to produce the best outcomes for
our different stakeholders. We know
we can’t do this alone, so working in
partnership with employees, customers,
contractors and the community will be
essential. It will
be particularly
important we
continue to
demonstrate we
can operate in
a manner that is
on par with the
best in the world – both in minimising
our impacts and maximising local
economic benefits.
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coalfacemagazine.com.au | February 2014 25
ohs & training
ohs & training
Mines Rescue in NSW: the pinnacle of mine safety training
This issue of Coalface focuses on the value of training and no organisation understands this better than Mines Rescue in NSW.
“This success is reflected in the
significant reduction of mine incidents
and injuries, but we must always remain
vigilant to prevent complacency.”
The NSW coal mining industry boasts
one of the strongest safety records in
the world - largely attributed to changes
in safety and workplace legislation,
people’s attitudes and culture, as well as
advances in technology and innovation.
Mines Rescue has played a pivotal
role in shaping the modern industry’s
emphasis on safety.
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Downturn not holding back HPOTS
While everyone acknowledges the challenges brought on by the
mining industry downturn, HPOTS training is still
looking forward.
TM
Six months ago the Hunter-based
training provider opened a new training
facility in Muswellbrook to provide
high-risk training services to the
Upper Hunter.
to provide training for high risk licensing,
which makes it pretty unique – it’s not a
site adapted for that purpose.
HPOTS previously provided training
solely from its Cessnock facility, but saw
the opportunity to expand.
Mr Stuart said while the downturn has
impacted numbers, the company was
always prepared for it.
“A lot of people were travelling to
Cessnock for training so we decided to
launch something closer to the Upper
Hunter,” HPOTS General Manager Phil
Stuart said.
“We always expected highs and
lows within the industry but we have
structured the Muswellbrook facility
around its long-term potential,” he said.
“Apart from TAFE there isn’t much
available in the Upper Hunter in terms of
training so I think there has always been
demand for a facility in that area.
“The benefit of the Muswellbrook facility
is that it has been specifically designed
“I’m not aware of anything else similar in
the Hunter.”
“There will always be a need for training
and in particular high risk training.
Mining companies need off-site training
facilities for high risk competencies to
get the most value and that’s why we
have and will continue to invest heavily
in that area.”
NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen
Galilee said the importance of Mines
Rescue cannot be overstated.
“The Mines Rescue responsive focus, to
react in emergency situations is critical
for our industry. So is their preventative
focus, which helps increase safety
skillsets and educate our industry on
how to operate more safely,” he said.
Mines Rescue was established
following the deaths of more than 300
underground miners across the state
between 1887 and 1921, with the
Bellbird disaster in 1923 finally triggering
the need for a dedicated emergency
response function. The establishment of
the Mines Rescue Act 1925 governed
the establishment of rescue stations,
Brigadesmen teams and standards for
equipment and maintenance and with
that Mines Rescue was born.
Over time Mines Rescue expanded its
services to support the growth in open
cut mining, relocating its Abermain
Rescue Station to Singleton in 1983.
Further strengthening its presence
in training, Mines Rescue became
a Registered Training Organisation
in 1996 to provide the industry with
nationally recognised qualifications,
ensuring a high standard of training
and assessment with externally audited
quality and compliance standards. Once a purely reactive force designed to
provide emergency incident response,
Regional Manager David Connell said
preventative safety-related training was
now a major part of Mines Rescue.
The organisation now works closely
with Hunter mines to provide various
qualifications, including statutory training
for Deputies and Undermanagers and
proactive safety training in the areas of
working safely at heights and confined
spaces. Training in the responsive areas
of first aid, fire officers, mine emergency
response and rescue training for
underground and surface operations
also remain critical for the industry.
“Mines Rescue has always been here
to protect worker safety,” Mr Connell,
who has been a Brigadesman since
1996, said.
“Fortunately we work within an industry
which values safety above all else. This
has put us in a position to shift our focus
from responding to incidents on a regular
basis to proactively assisting in training
the industry workforce to operate safely.
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26 February 2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
Keep your business
working round the clock
Muswellbrook Shire Council
Economic Development Officer
Matthew Lysaught said construction
of the 63-bed residence is running
ahead of schedule.
“At this stage the project remains
scheduled for completion in August
but if work continues at this rate,
those plans could possibly change,”
he said.
“So far workers have completed the
building foundations, wall and roof
frames, fire separation walls and
external doors and windows with
the rest of the brick work and roof
sheeting nearly finished.
“This month workers plan to
commence the internal insulation
and wall linings, painting undercoats,
wall and floor tiling, fit out and
joinery installation as well as new
boundary fencing.”
Once complete the residence will
provide affordable and supervised
accommodation for TAFE students
studying in the Upper Hunter
and enhance access to careers
in mining.
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coalfacemagazine.com.au | February 2014 27
innovations
Train site delivers with
Australian-first innovations
When it came to designing their $110 million train
support facility at Greta, innovation was at the core
of Pacific National Coal’s plans.
But rather than just build your
run-of-the-mill provisioning
facility, Australia’s second
largest coal haulage operator
undertook extensive research,
interviewing people from its
other sites to find out what had
worked in the past – and where
they could improve.
The result was a truly unique
site, combining the best
parts of other operations with
innovative solutions to issues
that had been identified during
the planning process.
These included:
• a sand dust extraction
system engineered to prevent
operators from inhaling silica
dust when replenishing train
sand boxes (Australian-first);
• an aluminium roof access
safety cage that provides
a safe work area when
maintainers need to change
components on top of
a locomotive;
• interlocking access platforms
with the train signalling
system to prevent trains
receiving a green signal to
depart until the crane and
platforms are
stowed safely;
indigenous
something different every day, you never
know what’s next.”
system that integrated the
track access isolation system
with the train signalling
system to prevent trains
from being able to depart
while maintainers were
working within the vicinity of
rail tracks.
This month Mt Arthur Coal will welcome
its new intake of first-year apprentices,
which includes two additional Aboriginal
starters - Cameron French and
Daniel Ellis.
Greta Operations Manager
Craig Brittliffe said the process
was about “striving to change
the way we do business”, with
the pay-offs coming in the
form of increased efficiencies,
reduced expose to risks and
improved safety levels, leading
to happier workers.
BHP Billiton NSW Energy Coal Asset
President Peter Sharpe said Mt Arthur
Coal launched its inaugural Aboriginal
Employment and Development Strategy
in 2012 and set out a number of
objectives, including the obvious goal
of increasing the number of Aboriginal
people working in the mine.
Hate paperwork?
The innovations in the
facility’s design also helped
Pacific National take out the
Australian Institute of Project
Management’s Developmental
Award late last year.
Turning a new leaf
on indigenous employment
Well you’re only human…
Data gathering has been
made easier by technology,
so why do mining
companies still conduct
pre-start inspections
with paper?
• utilising a modified
10 tonne forklift to
allow workers to
change the wheels
on a wagon in 30
minutes while the
train is refueling
– previously it
took seven days
and meant the
wagon had to be
separated from the
rest of the wagon
pack and moved
to a maintenance
area, and
That’s exactly the question
that miners Rachel Clark
and Alison McQuillan asked
themselves. So, using their
experience as employees
in the mining industry they
set out to find a solution
to the problem and make
paper-based pre-start
inspections history.
Together, the two women
have established MARC
Mining and have released
their first product, Mine
Inspector, an innovative app
to manage mine inspections.
• designing an
Australian-first
The app is available
on i-Tunes and Google
Play and can be
found by searching for
“mineinspector”.
“A strong focus of that strategy is
facilitating more opportunities for more
young Aboriginal people to undertake
vocational education pathways into
mining with a particular emphasis on our
apprenticeship program,” he said.
“Our target was to recruit at least one
or more Aboriginal apprentices and we
have achieved that goal, but it is an
ongoing process and there will always
be room for improvement.
“Having high achieving apprentices
like Maddie and Logan definitely helps
because they can act as good role
models for other aspiring apprentices.
“With a bit of hard work, good training
and ambition you can go anywhere and
Maddie and Logan are living proof of the
value of apprenticeships.
“We hope their success will inspire more
local Aboriginal people to apply for
opportunities in the mining sector and
that our newest Aboriginal apprentices,
Cameron and Daniel, can follow in
their footsteps.”
Mt Arthur Coal’s Aboriginal apprentices are laying the
foundations for more indigenous people to gain employment in
the mining sector.
Mine Inspector is designed
to streamline the inspection
process for light and heavy
equipment on site and
sends defect notices directly
to the maintenance team.
Logan Edwards and Maddie Taggart
(pictured) are two very different people
on different journeys, but one thing in
common is the success they have had
throughout their training.
It does not require internet
access and can be easily
modified and tailored to suit
each company’s needs.
Maddie, 20, recently started a fulltime position at Mt Arthur Coal as a
qualified electrician, having completed
the fourth and final year of her
electrical apprenticeship.
MARC Mining are looking
for companies interested in
trialing the product. If you’re
interested or would like
more information contact
rachel@marcmining.com
or phone 0407 248 902.
As well as being Aboriginal, Maddie
was also the first female apprentice
at Mt Arthur Coal, making her a great
role model for other young women
and indigenous people considering a
trade career.
Logan meanwhile has just started
the third year of his plant mechanic
apprenticeship. From the start, the
18-year-old showed signs he was
destined to be a high achiever, receiving
the 2012 dux award at the TAFE Mining
Skills program he completed in the first
year of his apprenticeship.
“That has definitely been one of the
highlights of my apprenticeship so far,”
he said.
“I have also enjoyed the fact that we do
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28 February 2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
coalfacemagazine.com.au | February 2014 29
community
community
Industry pitches in for neighbours in need
Spiteri and her 27 travelling
companions who had
more in mind than just an
end-of-season trip to the
tropical destination.
The group included Spiteri’s
husband John, who works at
Hunter Valley Operations, their
son Joel and his teammates
Left: Vanuatu rugby (James, James
and Simon) presenting token of
appreciation to Kirsty Spiteri (trip
organiser and Nelson Bay Rugby
Union committee member)
Below: Daniel Killalea, Jack Schein,
Joel Spiteri with children in
classroom at Port Vila
Centra School
from the Nelson Bay Rugby
Club under 17/18 team, as well
as their families.
including rival rugby clubs.
But Spiteri’s role in group
procurement at Centennial
Coal’s Hunter corporate
headquarters allowed the
travelers to source their
biggest donations, whose
support enabled them to
“We were trying to expose
(the players) to a little bit of
the world outside of Port
Stephens,” the Boat Harbour
woman said.
and clothes – now there’s a
major excess baggage charge!
Packed into 23 boxes and
“We wanted them to have
some fun but thought
they should also do some
community work as well.”
The players did some
fundraising for the trip,
which took place at the end
of November last year, with
donations coming from a
range of community sources
The donations were handed
out to a range of sources –
including a number of local
schools in the Vanuatu capital
of Port Vila and the nearby
island of Ifira, as well as to the
Port Vila Hospital.
Spiteri said an emotional
visit to the hospital was the
highlight of the trip both for her
and many of the players, who
spent time with the sick and
injured children including one
small boy named Sascha who
was burnt so badly when he
fell into a fire after suffering an
epileptic fit that his legs were
fused together, leaving him
permanently bedridden, with a
high risk of infection.
bags, the items or the money to
buy them - had
been donated to
“The boys really took to
Sascha and spent a lot of time
with him – one of them came
out to me and said it was the
most heartbreaking thing he’d
ever seen,” she said.
Above: Jack Schein feeding patient in children’s ward (Sascha)
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“They went and bought him
a portable music player with
flashing lights so he could
listen to music.
over a large parcel of referee’s
outfits and planned to establish
a “sister town” relationship with
the rugby association.
“For some of these boys
who had never been outside
of Australia is was an eyeopening experience.”
Spiteri is also hoping their
efforts will inspire other groups
into action.
Aside from the charity work,
the boys also played a preorganised 10-a-side match
against an under-19 Vanuatu
team, with some also getting
an unexpected call-up into
a Port Vila police team – the
Blue Machine – taking to
the field against the leading
squad in the first grade
Vanuatu competition.
Since their return home, Spiteri
said the club had already sent
“The people are just beautiful
over there, they are so amazing
and how grateful they were
(for our donations) was just
overwhelming,” she said.
“But there’s so much more
work to do over there.
“Vanuatu is virtually on our
doorstep, it’s only a three-anda-half hour flight and if every
Aussie who went over there
could throw a few items in their
luggage to donate it would
help just that little bit.”
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Call Rick Shaw today and talk to him about how you can reduce your operating costs and
really start saving in your operation. You can reach him on 0415 921 505.
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Unit 5/14 Yangan Drive,
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Office
02 4966 8974
Mobile 0415 921 505 (Rick Shaw)
Above: Joel Spiteri in game against Vanuatu U19
ExcEllEncE in industry
training
SAVE COSTS. NO SACRIFICE.
• Repairs, rebuilds and upgrades
• Increased performance and reliability
• New purpose-built facility
“It was fortunate for me that
because of my position here
(with Centennial Coal) and the
relationships I have with some
of our suppliers, I would be
just talking to them about what
we were doing and they would
volunteer to donate,” she said.
“We’re so grateful to Quarry
Mining, Worksense and
Express Industrial Supplies
– what they gave us was
awesome, we couldn’t have
done it without them.”
When Kirsty Spiteri took a team of rugby players on a trip to Vanuatu,
she had more than just the usual holiday clothes and passport packed
in her bags.
The Centennial Coal employee
was also carting over 200kg
of medical supplies, books,
stationery, sporting apparel
gather such a large-scale load
of goods.
licencing
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Cooranb ebrUary 2014!
ff
to end o
Fax
Email
Web
02 4017 0083
rick@gearedeng.com
www.gearedeng.com
PH: 1300 400 286
www.ctmts.com.au
Mt Thorley - Cooranbong
13 Thrift Close, Mt Thorley, NSW 2330
27 Currans Rd, Cooranbong, NSW 2265 (In the TCM Civil facility)
coalfacemagazine.com.au | February 2014 31
tools & toys
tools & toys
Take mine mapping to new heights
‘A Friendly, Professional Alternative’
WWW.DGITRADING.COM
MORE INFORMATION:
Trimble I www.uas.trimble.com
Outshining the competition
Led Lenser has opened up a whole new world of night
exploration possibilities with its latest product, the XR21R.
With an output of 1600 lumens, the
XR21R will actually outshine most
car headlights.
Its revolutionary X-Lens technology
utilises the Advanced Focus System
(AFS) and can transition from a
wide spread of light to a highly
concentrated beam in less than a
second, with a range of 600m.
It also features eight lighting functions
and three light programs and is
valued at $899.
MORE INFORMATION:
www.ledlenser.com.au
It combines a robust and highly
user-friendly system with a
custom-designed 16.1MP camera
that can capture data down to
2.4cm resolution.
When you’re working in an
underground mine, safety
is paramount.
Perfect present for those
passionate about the pit
Ever found yourself wishing you could take the excavator you’ve
been operating home with you?
If you love your mega mining machines,
why not invest in a mini version, like the
Liebherr Mining Excavator R 9100?
The authentic and detailed scale model
of the 100-tonne mining excavator has
a 6.8 m³ bucket and is made of die-cast
zinc. Measuring about 25cm, it’s a little
easier to park in your garage than the
real thing!
You can also get your hands on a T
282C dump truck or R 9800 mining
excavator – all on a scale of 1:50 from
the real things.
They will set you back $146.30 plus
shipping costs – contact your local
Liebherr dealer to find out how you can
get your hands on these little beauties.
MORE INFORMATION:
Liebherr l www.liebherr.com.au
Hunter Valley’s own
Storage and Workshop
Fitout Specialist
996 Face Shovel
996 Excavator
OVER 300 TONNE
NEW SPARES
FOR THIS MODEL
Honda expands diesel
range with new CR-V
Diesel-lovers in the market for a new SUV will have
another option to consider following the launch of the
highly‑anticipated variant of Honda’s CR-V.
But it’s about more than just good
work practices – choosing the
right equipment is a key element of
enhancing your personal safety levels.
Protect your lumbar region and reduce
hip and lower back discomfort with the
Buckaroo Back Support Miner’s Belt.
LIEBHERR
It can be flown nearly everywhere and
in practically all weather conditions
and with a fast and intuitive workflow,
can be ready to fly in only 5 minutes,
ensuring minimal downtime.
Belt up for a safer underground
experience
Featuring 100 per cent natural
Australian wool felt padding to avoid
irritations to the wearer’s skin, the belt
has copolymer coated webbing upper
belt strapping and does not contain any
conductive materials or aluminium.
Well now you can … sort of.
2014
Engineered to help mapping
and surveying professionals
who require the highest
accuracy work more
efficiently, the Trimble
UX5 sets a new standard in
mapping and surveying.
It is available in a range of sizes from
32 to 46 inch, with larger belts available
on request.
MORE INFORMATION:
Buckaroo Leatherworks l 1300 306 724
l www.buckarooleather.com.au
The CR-V DTi-S and DTi-L hit Honda
dealers in Australia late last month,
becoming only the second car within
the Japanese manufacturer’s range
to offer a diesel version.
It arrives 14 months after Honda
launched its fourth-generation CR-V
in Australia and brings with it the
best of the SUV’s packaging and
fuel economy.
For miners used to operating
powerful machines, there’s no lack of
grunt under the hood of this vehicle,
with both the CR-V DTi-S and DTi-L
featuring a 2.2 litre turbo diesel
engine delivering 110kW of power at
4000rpm and 350 Nm of torque at
2000-2750 rpm.
And with safety issues of critical
concern to all in the industry, miners
will love the five-star ANCAP safety
rating as well as Honda’s Real
Time 4WD with Intelligent Control
System, which is new to the diesel,
offering extra grip on uneven or
slippery surfaces.
Additional safety features include the
Hill Descent Control (in the automatic
version only), which works in tandem
with Vehicle Stability Assist to provide
even more security and connection
with the road.
In the entry-level DTi-S (base price
$38,290 for the manual, $40,590 for
the auto) there’s also Vehicle Stability
Assist with Traction Control, Anti-lock
brakes and Electronic Brakeforce
Distribution, Trailer Stability Assist, tilt
and telescopic steering adjustment,
CAT TRUCKS
1 - 793C (ATY)
4 - 785B
2 - 777D
1 - 773D
MacPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension and Hill Start
Assist with Transmission Shift Lock
(automatic transmission only).
Bluetooth phone and audio streaming
with steering wheel mounted controls
and USB connectivity ensure you
stay connected safely and easily.
CAT
For those worried about its looks,
the exterior is styled with 17 inch
alloys with a full-sized spare, halogen
headlights with auto-off timer
function, LED daytime running lights
and LED rear tail lights.
854G
844G
A reversing camera, leather wrapped
steering wheel, rear parking sensors
and satellite navigation round out the
key accessories of the DTi-S.
Upgrade to the top of the line DTi-L
($45,340 base price) to receive
smart entry with push-button start,
18 inch alloys with a full-sized spare,
front and rear parking sensors,
bi-xenon HID headlights, Active
Cornering Lights and unique leather
trim with heated driver and front
passenger seats.
Miners who travel a lot of kilometres
for work each week will also welcome
the CR-V diesel’s outstanding fuel
economy, with the manual DTi-S
offering a combined cycle of 5.8
litres/100 kilometres and 151g/km
CO2 (manual transmission), while the
DTi-L has a combined cycle of 6.9
litres/100km and 182g/km CO2.
NEW HIGH LIFT KIT 993K ..........$200,000
NEW HIGH LIFT KIT 992K ...........$160,000
USED HIGH LIFT KIT 992G ............$75,000
NEW
992G 19 mtr
COAL BUCKET
$100,000
MORE INFORMATION:
Hunter Honda l (02) 4999 6710 l
www.hunterhonda.com.au
DGI TRADING (AUST) PTY LIMITED
476 Pacific Highway / Kempsey / NSW / 2440 / AUSTRALIA
PHONE 02 65 637 992 | FAX 02 65 637 994 |
Ben Woods
Tim Boyd
Wayne Counsel
0488 777 992
0488 797 793
0459 785 000
ben.woods@dgitrading.com
Phone 02 6575 3200 Email sls@actisafe.com.au www.actisafe.com.au
32 February 2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
tim.boyd@dgitrading.com
wayne.counsel@dgitrading.com
VIEW OUR COMPLETE INVENTORY ONLINE
www.dgitrading.com
coalfacemagazine.com.au | February 2014 33
cool stuff
events
CR-V gives new meaning to sleeping in your car
Honda CR-V owners who love Mark Argent’s camping columns can hit the great outdoors in a
whole new way with the latest accessory from the car manufacturer.
It’s a camping tent like you’ve
never seen it – a twodoor unit that sleeps
up to six people and
transforms your
CR-V into a durable
camping system.
Put some polish on the end of summer
There’s one more
month of perfect
summer boating
weather left – so
make sure your time
away from the pit
and on the water
looks and feels
perfect with Fein’s
Marine
Polishing Set.
The WPO 14-15 E Marine
Polishing Set features a 750watt, carbon brush motor combined with variable speed
control, which boasts speed settings between 500-1500rpm.
Priced at $1090 (RRP), it could make the perfect Valentine’s Day gift from your one
true love – and help to keep your other true love (of the marine variety) looking spick
and span while also preventing damage from the elements.
MORE INFORMATION:
FEIN l 1300 798 688 l www.fein.com.au
Suitable for all outdoor activities,
it includes an access point to the
CR-V, extending usable space into
the vehicle.
use it as a stand-alone tent as well.
There’s also three mesh windows, an
extendable rain fly and the versatility to
Hunter Honda l 4999 6710 l www.
hunterhonda.com.au
Make way for the
great outdoors
It’s available from all Honda dealerships
for $548.
MORE INFORMATION:
Sentinel suits you up
in style and safety
Do you suffer from holiday envy every time you read
one of Mark Argent’s camping articles in Coalface?
Are you ready to trade in
your high-vis overalls and
steel caps for swimmers
and thongs?
If you answered yes to both
these questions then you
should make a point to check
out the Newcastle Caravan,
Camping and Holiday Expo
this month.
From February 7-9, Newcastle
Entertainment Centre and
showground will showcase
a large range of the latest
models of caravans,
motorhomes, camper trailers,
As an industry and a community, we all know the importance of the work
carried out by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
Then check out the new range of
performance motorcycle apparel from
specialists Arlen Ness.
Well here’s a chance to show your
thanks for the service – and have the
perfect excuse to swap the coal face
for a fairway for the day.
MORE INFORMATION:
Available in a wide range of colours,
the Sentinel CE Race Suit retails at
$1299.95.
Singleton Motorcycles
(02) 6572 3620
www.singmc.com.au
The 21st annual Westpac Rescue
Helicopter Service Hunter Charity Golf
Day will be held at Merewether Golf
Club on Monday, February 24.
Sponsored by Sibelco, the golf
day is one of the service’s major
fundraising and awareness activities
and attracts support from the coal
industry, business community, support
groups, emergency services and the
wider community.
Service General Manager Richard
Jones said the annual charity golf day
was one of the Rescue Helicopter’s
longest and most valued events.
“Turing 21 is a landmark for this event
and we are grateful to have had the
support of individuals and the business
sector over this time,” he said.
“Funds raised on the day make a
significant difference to the lives of the
people we are able to assist – no-one
has ever paid for assistance from the
Rescue Helicopter because of the
generosity of our community.”
Players will be given a barbecue
breakfast on arrival to see them
through the 18 holes, as well as a
commemorative golf shirt and hat.
The day will conclude with a two-
HIGH RISk WORk lICeNSING FOR:
doggiNg
|
all Hoists
forkliftS
NATIONAlly ReCOGNISeD ‘uNIT OF
COMPeTeNCy’ TRAINING FOR:
SciSSorliftS
light VehicleS and four Wheel driVeS
excaVatorS | graderS
front end loaderS
Skid Steer loaderS
teleScopic MaterialS handlerS
$6 Pensioner and Senior
Card Holder.
Children under 16 years
are admitted FREE when
accompanied by an adult.
course lunch and
presentation with
special guest
entertainment.
The services
hopes to
raise $20,000
on the day,
which begins
with an 8am
shotgun start.
It costs $500
for a team of four players, or if you’re
not that crash hot with a club in
hand, you can also sponsor a hole for
$500 – promoting your business while
supporting a top cause.
Photo: AJM Photography
Bookings can be made at
www.rescuehelicopter.com.au/
events and are due by February 14.
For more information contact Annette
Watson on 4952 0000.
www.natwire.com I 1300 852 929
load Securing
0
HPOTS TRAINING 1800 640 58ook
17 Glen Munro Rd Muswellbr
visit us online at: www.hpots.com.au
34 February 2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
$10Adults.
Safe Working at heightS
pendant craneS
load and unload plant
MR, HR and HC LiCenses
ite
PubLiC & CustoM CouRses avaiLabLe – on-site oR off-s
|
The event attracts more than
25,000 people ever year,
with free parking and plenty
of entertainment for the
entire family.
Admission prices:
Backhoe loaderS
confined SpaceS
TRuCk DRIveR TRAINING FOR:
McFarlane St Cessnock
There will also be plenty of
holiday park and tourism
displays to spark inspiration
for your next getaway.
For more information visit
www.newcastle.supershow.
com.au.
Australian &
New Zealand
distributor for
Sepura Systems
Rigging - fRom Basic to advanced
scaffolding - fRom Basic to advanced
NoN Slew aNd SlewiNg CraNeS
elevatiNg work PlatformS
Browse from more than 150
exhibitions and keep up-todate with the latest camping
equipment and 4WD and
touring accessories.
Take a break from the coal
face and start planning your
next outdoor adventure.
Community support keeps event on fairways for 21 years
Do you want to look good and feel
protected when you’re pushing it
to the limit on the race track?
Top of the range is the Sentinel; a
completely CE Certified garment
under European standards featuring
magnesium sliders in the shoulders,
knees, and elbows to provide
maximum protection from impact and
abrasion. There’s also double layer
leather in high abrasion areas, an
internal chest shield that features side
extensions and ventilation holes to
provide airflow and protect the torso.
slide-ons and fifth wheelers for
bargain prices.
> Digital & Analog Two-Way Radio Communications
> Service, Repairs & Programmed Maintenance
> Qualified Engineers, System Design,
Installation & Support
> Wireless Network Solutions
> Fully Equipped Minespec Service Vehicles
coalfacemagazine.com.au | February 2014 35
events
SPORT
Battle of the Bands
competition, as well
as the return of the
Miss Cessnock
Showgirl event.
If you haven’t run out
of show steam then
motor in to the city
for the Regal Subaru
Newcastle Regional
Show from February
28-March 3. The
Newcastle event will
feature a “fit, fun and
fab” theme and include
“try-a-sport” events,
healthy cooking
demonstrations and
tastings, alongside all
the usual attractions
you’ve come to expect
including a mammoth
selection of the latest
showbags to suit every child’s tastes
and a fantastic line-up of entertainment
including the Kaos International
Freestyle Motocross team.
Fun for all ages as
shows roll into Hunter
Roll up, roll, up, roll up - the 2014 show season is about to hit
the Hunter in a whirl of wild rides, fairy floss and traditional
animal exhibits.
Kicking off at Morisset from February
1-2, the annual Morriset Lake
Macquarie District event will be the first
of five agricultural society shows being
held in different parts of the region
during February and March.
Sponsored by Centennial Coal,
the show is sure to go off with a
bang this year as it celebrates its
milestone 60th anniversary, with the
perfect mix of agricultural exhibits,
rides and entertainment for the
young – and young-at-heart – and
the inaugural running of the Young
Farmer competition.
The action will move to Maitland two
weeks later when the Maitland Mercury
Hunter River Super Show hits town with
its massive sideshow alley, presented by
the Showmen’s Guild of Australasia. The
Maitland event runs from February
14-16, attracting around 45,000
people every year. Key attractions
include the rodeo, fireworks
display and the thrills and spills of
all the rides including the newest
addition to the line-up – Freak Out.
Returning to this year’s schedule is
woodchopping in the main arena,
as well as the Australian tug-o-war
championships.
Dedicated showgoers can get a
third dose of fairy
floss-fuelled fun the
following weekend at
the East Cessnock
Bowling Club
Cessnock Show
(February 21-22).
Traditional exhibits
will be joined by a
few new features
at Cessnock
Showground this
year, including a
Cap off your mammoth show road
trip the following weekend by getting
back to the true rural spirit of these
agricultural events in the picturesque
Gresford countryside. The 82nd annual
Gresford Show will be held from March
7-8, with horse and cattle exhibits, a
campdraft, pet parade, vintage farm
machinery display and more.
Phew… I think after all that, you’ll need
to “roll up, roll up, roll up” into a little ball
for a well-earned rest!
What’s on in
February
Indigenous festival builds
excitement for new season
• 1st - 2nd: 60th annual Morriset
Lake Macquarie District
Agricultural Association Show,
www.morrisetshow.org.au
The wait is almost over for league fans, with kick off in the
2014 NRL season only weeks away.
But Newcastle footy followers won’t
have to hang out until March 16 to
get their first taste of the Knights in
action on their home turf, with the
Festival of Indigenous Rugby League
hitting the Hunter on February 8.
• 7th - 9th: Newcastle Caravan,
Camping & Holiday Expo,
www.newcastle.supershow.
com.au
• 8th - 10th: Navy Australian Surf
Rowers Open, Newcastle,
www.asrl.com.au
The week-long event will culminate
in a giant clash between the Knights
and the First Nations Goannas,
a team that combines 16 of the
country’s most talented ‘non elite’
Indigenous players, as well as
four current or former Indigenous
NRL players.
• 8th: Festival of Indigenous
Rugby League, Hunter Stadium,
including Knights trial match,
www.newcastleknights.com.au
• 13th - 23rd: Surfest Newcastle,
www.surfest.com
Newcastle coach Wayne Bennett has
promised to put forward a quality
line-up for the inaugural event, which
will double as the NRL
team’s first trial match
for 2014.
• 14th - 16th: Maitland Mercury
Hunter River Super Show,
Maitland Showground,
www.maitlandshowground.com.
au
Rugby League,” he said.
“This game will form an important
part of our pre-season as we get
ready for season 2014.”
Tickets are now on sale for what
promises to be a feast of footy at
Hunter Stadium, with the event
also featuring matches between the
QLD and NSW indigenous women’s
teams as well as the QLD and NSW
indigenous under 16s.
General admission tickets cost $18
for adults, $8 for children and $45
for a family, while reserved seats are
$25, $15 and $65 respectively.
Gates open at 3pm, with the Knights
trial match kicking off at 7pm.
Bennett believes the
trial provides a great
opportunity for young
Indigenous players
to compete against
NRL players while also
ensuring the momentum
of the special celebration
is continued.
• 15th: Bay Adventure - Port
Stephens Multi-sport & Running
Festival,
www.bayadventure.com.au
• 15th: Skateboard Hub by
Skateboarding Australia, Kurri
Kurri Skate Park,
www.sba.org.au
“It is a privilege for
Newcastle to host the
Festival of Indigenous
• 15th: Confetti Fair Newcastle,
party and wedding ideas at City
Hall www.civictheatrenewcastle.
com.au
Photo courtesy of www.newcastleknights.com.au
Former Johnny Warren medal
winner Joel Griffiths has jetted
back into the Hunter to add
some more strike power to the
business end of the A-League
season for the Hunter Ports
Newcastle Jets.
But it is the potential of the
players already on the roster
that convinced him to pull on
the Jets’ colours once more.
“Looking at the team, they’ve
got a lot of ability and that’s
actually one of the reasons
why I chose Newcastle,”
Griffiths said.
Photo courtesy of Newcastle Jets
“I’m here to win and I wouldn’t be here
if I didn’t think we could make that
top six.”
With sponsors
like Hunter Ports, Aurizon and WesTrac,
it’s clear the region’s mining community
is well and truly behind the Jets. Why
not head down to Hunter Stadium for
one of their home games this month
(February 1, 9 and 22) and show your
support too?
Intrinsically Safe For Harsh Environments
• 20th February - March 3rd:
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• 24th:
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36 February 2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
But there’s more than just finals
football for Coalface readers
who are fans of the round ball
game to get excited about,
following the return of one of
the team’s favourite sons.
• 16th: Newcastle bike challenge,
www.bicyclenetwork.com.au
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It’s coming down to the pointy end of the season for the
Newcastle Jets, with their dreams of progressing into the
semi‑finals in
the balance.
“Even though they are young, they’ve
still got a lot of experience and a lot of
them have played with the Australian
under 20s and even for the senior
national team.
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Griffiths returns to boost
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coalfacemagazine.com.au | February 2014 37
hunter life
sport
On the line:
It’s Australia’s largest surfing festival and just so happens to be hosted
right here in your own backyard.
Surfest 2014 returns for its
29th year of competition and is
again set to attract some of the
world’s best professional male
and female surfers, including
reigning champions Joel
Parkinson and Dimity Stoyle.
From January 31 to February
23, more than 700 surfers
are expected to hit the surf at
Merewether Beach, with the
two coveted events, the six
star rated Burton Toyota Pro
and the Hunter Ports Women’s
Classic kicking off on the 17th.
Surfest continues to evolve
every year with the two main
events alone attracting more
than 200 surfers from Australia,
the United States, Hawaii,
Brazil, Japan, South Africa,
Tahiti, New Zealand, France
and western Europe.
Surfest 2014 will also hold
the inaugural Hunter Business
Board Riders Pro Junior
competition to support future
budding surfers, while the
competition continues outside
the water with Miss Surfest.
The event attracts plenty of
support from the region’s
mining related industries,
including Hunter Ports who
So go on, spend the last few
weeks of summer at the surf
Bar Beach to become skateboarding arena
Miners who spend their days off skateboarding down the streets of
Newcastle should roll on down to Bar Beach this month for an awesome
display of jumps, flips and ollies.
Newcastle will host the
2014 Hurley Australian Bowl
Riding Championships at
Bar Beach from February
6-10, attracting top level
skaters from across
the globe.
Skateboarders of all ages
and skill levels will compete
for more than $20,000
in cash and prizes in the
competition, which features
junior, under 18s, open
female, pro/am open and
masters 40+ divisions.
A World Cup Skateboarding
initiative, the Australian Bowl
Riding Championship is
open to all competitors and
will be used as a qualifier for
Catches heat up along with the weather
Stories about hot temperatures and hot fishing have been flowing in from
both freshwater and saltwater anglers.
came on board in recent
years to support the
women’s event, as
well as Orica, which
sponsored the inaugural
Tag Team Challenge last
year and is back in the
water again in 2014.
Established in 1985,
Surfest has become a
local community tradition
that showcases some of
Newcastle’s best beaches and
surf breaks and celebrates
Newcastle’s rich beach culture.
a series of other events.
Learn to ride clinics for
beginners will also be held
during the event, as well as
a range of arts and music
activities celebrating the
boarding culture.
For more information visit
http://www.abcskate.com.
au/
kingfish then a live squid.
Freshwater:
Lake Glenbawn & Lake
St Clair
- it’s a
pretty nice change of scenery
from the coal face.
For more information visit
www.surfest.com
Racing calendar
20th: NJC race day, Newcastle
Jockey Club Broadmeadow
February
8th: Newcastle Hunters
Basketball Race Day,
Newcastle Jockey Club,
Broadmeadow,
www.njc.com.au
11th: Cessnock Race Day,
Wine Country Race Club,
Cessnock, www.njc.com.au
15th: Muswellbrook races,
Muswellbrook Race Club,
www.muswellbrookraceclub.
com.au
24th: Scone races, Scone
Race Club,
www.sconeraceclub.com.au
Reports from bait fisherman
getting good numbers of fish
on baits like black crickets
and shrimp have increased.
As we get to the end of
summer it is typical for the
bass in the dams to scatter
into different areas. Identifying
structures like the natural river
bed adjacent to trees and
weed beds will increase your
chances of a catch.
Anglers fishing surface lures
have also had success in the
lower light periods. Look
for areas similar to what has
been described where the
wind has been blowing from
a grassy bank or over a lot
of vegetation. The wind will
blow insects, spiders and
grasshoppers onto the water,
all prime food targets for a
hungry bass.
There are several small rivers
and creeks that provide a
different option to the dams.
Bass will look to move right
up into freshwater in summer
before moving back down
to the saltwater in winter
to spawn. You would be
surprised to see how small
the water bodies are that
bass will be holding in at this
time of year.
Saltwater:
Newcastle Harbour /
Lake Macquarie /
Port Stephens
Outstanding numbers
of people are reporting
good catches of flathead.
Regardless of whether
people have been fishing the
estuaries with soft plastic
lures or baits, nobody seems
to be missing out on the
It would be great to see some of your summer time
catches, please send in a photo of you and your fish to:
s.noud@coalfacemagazine.com.au
action. They have also been
abundant for those fishing
outside.
Newmarket
Numbers of squid have been
reported in Lake Macquarie,
which usually means this is
the time for some good-sized
kingfish. Fishing near the
Swansea Channel is a tried
and true location for hooking
some of these hard-fighting
fish and there is no better
temptation for a hungry
Surface Coal Mining (OCE)
Certificate IV - $3500
Pre-requisites:
3 Equipment Skills and 3 years
mining experience
• Muswellbrook Campus
• Singleton Campus
• RACE DAY •
Steeped in Tradition
Underground Coal Mining
(Deputy) Certificate IV
- $4400
• Kurri Kurri Campus
Licence to Operate a
Forklift - $650
• Muswellbrook Campus
March 2014
Must be over 18 years of age
Don't miss out, book
your table now to
experience the first
class dining
experience that is
“Cheval’s”
overlooking the track
at beautiful
Broadmeadow
Be a part of the NJC’s Major Autumn
Carnival along with Australia’s top race
callers, world class owners and trainers.
Entertain your clients with high calibre
thoroughbred racing.
One of the racing’s
premier events, NJC 2014
Newmarket Handicap Race
Day – Featuring
$125,000
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Newmarket Quality
Handicap of 1400m
Our partnerships give us
access to amazing resources
Adam
Hunter TAFE Teacher
1400
teaching experts
FOR BOOKINGS PHONE 4961 1573
or email reception@njc.com.au
w w w. n j c . c o m . a u
Food or beverages are not allowed to be brought into the venue. Think about your choices. Call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au
38 February 2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
85%
employer satisfaction
450+
courses
Blair Whitney – Mt Arthur
Coal employee
Newcastle Harbour has
produced good numbers
of bream on both bait and
soft plastics, with reports of
jewfish coming from the wall
as well. Anglers have reported
fishing around Hexham Bridge
of an evening using squid to
target jewfish and flicking soft
plastics for some crackingsized flathead. An added
bonus of using this technique
in that area is that you will
quite often be fortunate to
hook a jewfish as well. Keep
your plastic close to the
bottom, giving the lure a slight
twitch - don’t move the lure
too fast.
Transport & Mining
NEWC ASTLE JOCKEY CLUB
Just before dark, beach
fisherman should try targeting
the gutters for a catch of
whiting. After dark put some
lumo beads on your rig to
increase your chances of
catching some nice bream
and tailor.
The darker areas of water and
signs of baitfish are key areas
to target species like kingfish,
marlin, mahi mahi and sharks
for those venturing into the
ocean. Trolling lures or using
live baits will prove successful
if you can identify these areas.
Chemical Applications
(10102)
• Scone Campus
Full course $340 | 11/ 2 days
Refresher $250 | 1 day
Call for more details
Chainsaw Course
(11901)
• Scone Campus
Call for course dates
For further details call
6542 1156
Google Hunter TAFE
Mick O’Keefe caught and released this bass in a skinny local
creek.
Electrical
Go Higher
Test & Tag Course (20375) - $550
• Muswellbrook Campus
2 days duration
Pre-requisites: current first aid
or CPR certificate
For further details call
6542 1156
First Aid Training
HLTAID003 - Provide First Aid $135
HLTAID001 - Provide CPR $40
Muswellbrook | Thursday 20 March
| Friday 16 May
4923 7438
Business Courses
Higher Education
Newcastle Campus
NEW** Associate Degree
of Applied Engineering
(Renewable Energy
Technologies) starts in 2014
You will learn the practical skills to
design and commission renewable
energy technology solutions.
• Two years full-time or part-time
equivalent
• No ATAR or UAC application
required - apply online at
www.highered.tafensw.edu.au
Business & Business
Administration Courses
• Day and evening options
Starting February 2014
Certificate IV in Training and
Assessment - Tuesday evenings
Starting February 2014
Apply online or visit Muswellbrook
Campus
• Graduates will be eligible for
direct entry into the third year of
a new degree at the University of
Newcastle
4923 7526
6542 1128
Call 131 225
M14010
Surfest celebrates a Hunter tradition
coalfacemagazine.com.au | February 2014 39
hunter life
hunter life
were booked out for New Year’s (what
a shame)…
The draw card for Park Beach Holiday
Park is its location, with the beach
just a few short steps away. It’s also
a quick stroll to the jetty where there
are plenty of restaurants and cafes,
bars and markets, while the Dolphin
Magic Pet Porpoise Pool is just across
the road.
Around the campfire:
“Glamping” in Coffs
Resident camping columnist Mark Argent has taken the month
off, so Coalface deputy editor Shannon Noud has taken the
reins to share her latest “glamping” experience.
Park Beach caters to everyone, but is
a particularly family-friendly destination
with a plethora of fantastic facilities for
children, including its resort-style pool
with water slides and fountains. There’s
also a tennis court, games room and
of course the famous jumping pillow
(which isn’t just for kids either!)
For adults there are plenty of barbecue
areas throughout the park, while both
the Surf Club and RSL are conveniently
located about 100 metres away.
Cabins range from $72 upwards and
sleep anywhere from two to six people.
Prices vary on weekends and public
holidays, so best to check out their
website or give reception a quick call.
Unfortunately only the basic cabins
were vacant over New Year’s, which
meant a few too many uncomfortable
trips to the toilet block at night…
Next time we will definitely be booking
ahead for the upmarket cabins
equipped with their own bathrooms!
There are a range of activities on offer
in Coffs Harbour, including the famous
Big Banana, which has significantly
improved over the years into a fullyfledged day of fun for families boasting
an ice skating rink, toboggan ride and
laser tag.
al
Coalface goes ggleltonowebnt to the Rugby World
se mates fro
Last year a few of our clo
Cup in France.
m Sin
we
ine that is, not us (although
ng for the ride … the magaz
alo
go
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ugh
eno
ky
luc
s
Coalface wa
s next time around).
Papworth
might put the idea to the bos
see the guys, led by Nigel
ce abroad, but as you can
alfa
Co
of
to
pho
one
for
We only asked
in mind.
n Hedley, had other plans
re out
and ably supported by Joh
ope and see if you can figu
alface splashed around Eur
Co
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Check out some
n to!
what countries we’ve bee
When I have mini miners of my own,
I’ll definitely be bringing them to Park
Beach and if you are looking for your
next family getaway, I would highly
suggest you make a trip up north.
Until next time (if there ever is one)!
Images courtesy of Park Beach
Holiday Park
I have to admit I don’t really do
camping, I’d rather like to consider
myself a follower of the “glamping”
cult. Don’t get me wrong - I love
experiencing the outdoors, but I’m also
past pretending that I think sleeping on
the ground is an acceptable holiday.
Over Christmas a group of friends and
I travelled up to the four-and-a-half
star Park Beach Holiday Park in Coffs
Harbour. To my delight, there were
both a range of cabins and plenty of
spots for the dedicated campers to set
up tents. Lucky for me, all those spots
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coalfacemagazine.com.au | February 2014 41
hunter life
hunter life
that used in the RSV4
superbike model) had
a lot of potential to get
in trouble!
The seating position
on the bike is really
comfortable as are the
handle bar ergonomics,
creating a perfect
blend of sport, style
and comfort. The semi
digital dash oozes
sophistication, with an
easy-to-read layout and
an easy-to-use menu,
which brings me to the
next big kicker – the
electronics package. The
latest electronic suite is
a direct derivative from
the Aprilia Superbike
World Championship
racing bikes.
On the road with JB:
Aprilia TUONO V4 R
APRC ABS road test
Aprilia is an Italian brand steeped in purebred performance.
The revolutionary new version of the
brand’s showpiece naked bike is, to
put it simply, an absolute weapon
and I was fortunate enough to get my
hands on one of the new semi-faired
2014 Tuono models thanks to Chris at
Brisan Motorcycles in Islington.
On first impression the combination
of style, performance and its V4
configured engine (closely linked to
The electronics on these
bikes blow away the
competition. It comes with ABS, which
works fantastically - particularly in
emergency situations – and is the best
ABS system I’ve ridden so far. It does
everything you want it to do and is
very predictable with gradual feeling.
It has three settings of wheelie
control (which, I’m told you can
override), ‘ride-by-wire’ engine
management, eight levels of traction
control, which Aprilia dubs the ATC
(Aprilia Traction Control) and can be
activated on the fly, three modes of
performance management, launch
control and many other features worth
tinkering with.
The anti-wheelie package surprised
me with how smooth and gradual
the cut in was, letting the front
wheel coast back to the ground
without a harsh crash back to the
road surface. Some of these wholefoods may take
a little preparation, but when you get
to the end of your shift and feel good,
this preparation pays off. You may
even find this contributes to better
sleep and mood at home.
The engine package on the Tuono
traditionally used to be a V-twin,
however now following the flagship
RSV4 model, it has followed suit,
changing to the 65 degree V4,
1000cc engine, which produces a
massive 170hp, three up from the
previous model.
Anything that contains sugar will
probably give your body a temporary
energy lift, though your blood sugar
levels will plummet shortly after. This
is called hypoglycaemia
(low blood sugar level)
and causes many
‘everyday’ conditions;
including anxiety,
irritation, muscle and
joint pain, mental
confusion, forgetfulness
and depression. You
may be able to alleviate
these conditions just by
changing and increasing
your snacks. Foods that
are low GI release their
energy into your blood
stream slowly, keeping
your energy levels even
for the next couple
of hours.
Mid range and speed is where I think
this bike really excels and I had a
lot of fun through the twist roads
around Lake Macquarie testing its
abilities. The older model V-twin, I
think, definitely had more grunt down
low, but you would expect that from
the V-twin.
The brakes are an impressive
package from Brembo, while the
Sachs suspension system provides a
really balanced front and rear set up
for road riding and comes with Pirelli
corse tyres for optimal grip. When
pushing the bike a little through the
faster corners it felt as if I would like
some more weight over the nose of
the bike to give more front end feel,
but it still gave me a lot of confidence
to push as much as I wanted and
feel completely safe.
To see more details on this weapon
of a bike, visit www.aprilia.com.au.
Until next time, ride safe and enjoy
this sunshine!
JB#33 Teterin Supply manager
Tips for snacking on shift
Snacks can be more than just a filler in-between meals. When
the right snacks are added to your diet they can help you
concentrate; keep you awake; improve your mood and help
keep your weight down, which will benefit you on those long
mining shifts.
On the other hand, snacking on the
wrong foods through your shift can
cause higher fatigue levels; shorten
your temper and concentration span;
and cause weight gain.
foods that contain real nutrients.
Foods that are whole haven’t been
processed or refined and include all
the nourishment your body needs to
function at a normal rate.
When thinking about what to eat for
snacks, always consider eating real
A Hunter miner’s tips on
achieving success
In the sea of ‘mining job’ hopefuls,
how does an ordinary person like you
or me stand out from the crowd? My
recent attempts to secure a new role
show that along with experience, it’s
often training and qualifications that
make a prospective employer sit up
and take notice.
Commitment to your own training
is often a measuring stick for an
employer to gauge a candidate’s
commitment to a new role.
I have focused hard on ensuring the
right ticks are in the right boxes and
was recently rewarded with a NSW
open cut mine manager’s certificate,
but how do you find that coveted
golden ticket? The answer is that it’s
entirely up to you; it’s not a game of
chance! You need to make it happen,
so here is my simple three-step plan
to help you achieve success.
Firstly, make sure you have a goal. As
with most tasks you should always
begin with the ending in mind. Ask
yourself, “Where do I see myself in
five years?”
42 February 2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
• Fresh, seasonal fruit with nuts or
goji berries. Fill a container with
chopped fruit, crushed nuts and
natural, whole yoghurt (no low-fat)
and scoop out your desired amount
each day.
Kate Eason - Food deFined
What to eat?
• Take fresh, raw
vegetable sticks with
homemade dip, which
can be as simple as
mashed avocado
mixed with lemon juice,
salt and pepper. Or if
you need to, purchase
a dip with the least
number of ingredients
PARTS & SERVICE FOR
CONSTRUCTION & MINING
Insider’s Insight
Coalface welcomes a new columnist
to the fold this month – Hunter
mineworker Damien Williams. He will
provide a regular “insider’s insight”
into life as a coal miner, beginning
this month with his experiences of
the need for ongoing training.
• Boil eggs at the beginning of the
week so they’re ready in the fridge.
Secondly, develop a clear pathway
and understand exactly the steps to
achieve your end vision. Research
that dream role and understand what
is required and how to get it.
Finally, begin the conversation with
your current leader, show them what
you know, where you’re going and
how they can help you get there. My
employer has been outstanding in
helping me achieve my career goals,
and it’s likely yours will be too.
Recent economic times have made
it hard for employers to justify pay
rises, however developing the right
individuals is often a far better value
proposition and may ultimately
provide you with much greater value.
I always consider it like investing
in me - “what a great opportunity
for them.”
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Importantly, it’s your own vision and
commitment that will get you over the
line, so get serious about it. Lastly,
and this should really go without
saying, if I can do it, you can do
it too!
Damien Williams
WAUCHOPE
MACKAY
MT THORLEY
PERTH
coalfacemagazine.com.au | February 2014 43
hunter life
hunter life
After Hours:
Miner brings work home - on
a smaller scale
We love hearing
people’s stories at
Coalface – but rather
than just explore
their working lives,
we’re keen to explore
“beyond the high-vis”
and find out what makes
them tick “After Hours”.
Anthony “Pugs” Field loved
driving trucks at Drayton mine
so much that he started buying
his own – in miniature.
Pugs is the proud owner
of 118 miniature CAT truck
models that he has been
collecting for the past five or
so years.
Not that this is really a new
obsession for the miner –
he also has a substantial
collection of Matchbox cars
that he began building up
when he was a six-year-old.
But after landing his dream
job at Drayton in 2008, Pugs
discovered a new focus,
switching his collection to mini
mining beasts.
“My favourite piece is the
rare white
CAT model of
Prior to Drayton Pugs worked
at the Parkville Piggery for 28
years before securing a job
at the now closed Dartbrook
Colliery near Aberdeen.
“In one day I went from $15 an
hour to $50 an hour, I am so
grateful for the opportunities
that Drayton has provided
me,” he said.
“This job has given me a new
lease on life and has allowed
me to buy a new house
and travel.”
Pugs can also afford to
continue building up his toy
collection, which not only
includes CAT trucks and
matchbox cars, but also model
planes and trains.
“It’s life in miniature - I can’t
have the real thing so this is
the next best thing,” he said.
investigations under the WHS
Act to occur as well. The FWC
can also refer information
to the WHS regulator. If it
determines that a mining
company has failed to take
reasonable steps to prevent
bullying, the company, as
well as individual officers and
workers, could be prosecuted.
The new laws mean that,
for the first time, mining
companies will be subject
to the powers of the federal
industrial relations umpire,
as well as work health and
safety (WHS) regulators for
workplace bullying.
Applying to the FWC for
an order is likely to be the
first formal step a worker
will take if they believe they
are being bullied. But the
matter may not end there.
The FW Act’s anti-bullying
laws allow proceedings and
To minimise legal exposure
arising out of workplace
bullying incidents, mining
companies will need to take a
“whole of business” approach
to managing workplace
bullying. They should ensure
that their workplace bullying
Human resources and
WHS personnel should
work together to ensure
a coordinated approach
to managing workplace
Let’s help out:
Getting Vocal about
violence against women
In 1987, a 19-year-old Hunter woman
was murdered by an ex-boyfriend she
was trying to escape – but distressingly
policies and
procedures
are fit for
purpose and
communicated
and enforced in
the workplace.
FWC will need
to consider
anti-bullying
procedures
before making
any orders.
“More work needs to be done in
educating people about violence and
what it really means, including a better
understanding of trauma and types of
violent behaviours,” she said.
for the family of the victim, they felt
they didn’t receive the support they
needed following the tragedy. Two years
later, the Hunter-based charity Victims
of Crime Assistance League Inc NSW
(VOCAL) was established to support
families after homicide.
VOCAL Chief Executive Officer Robyn
Cotterell-Jones joined the organisation
“We are a gap service where no other
service is available and that means
we can take on complex situations,
including people who are victims of
multiple crimes or those who fall outside
definitions in victims’ legislation.
“One example is that in the past we
have supported a man who was
dating a woman (who was then) killed
by her ex partner and because he
wasn’t married to her then he wasn’t
considered a victim through legislation.
Our support isn’t limited to just women
and children.”
Ms Cotterell-Jones said her biggest
concern is that victims often don’t know
they are victims and perpetrators don’t
“Our goal would be to work with the
Minister for Women and the Victims
Commissioner to set up an education
program that addresses areas where
there are gaps.
“We also need to educate children
about safety in the community from
a young age. Children learn from the
behaviours they see at home and if they
are impacted by violence they are more
likely to become a victim or perpetrator
later in life.”
Together with our community partner
Orionstone, we would like to each
donate $250 to VOCAL – a small sign
of gratitude for the work they do in
our community.
Negotiating
the maze of
Family Law
bullying complaints.
Information provided by
Emma Gruschka, Senior
Associate (Newcastle) Sparke
Helmore Lawyers
There are countless positive
benefits to working in the
mining industry.
But unfortunately there can also be a
downside to life as a miner, with long
working hours, rotating rosters and
high staff turnover rates sometimes
adding extra stress to the family unit.
In some cases, this stress can
create irreconcilable issues that
may result in separation or even
divorce, leading you into the complex
and emotionally-charged area of
Family Law.
Family Law affects children,
parents, grandparents, extended
family, significant others, property,
superannuation, child support, and a
number of other areas of law.
The Family Law Act 1975 allows for
parents and non-parents to pursue
matters involving children in the
Family Law system. This means that
grandparents, adult siblings, other
relatives, and even step-parents and
other significant non-relatives are able
to use the Family Law system where
a child’s biological parents are unable
to care for them.
44 February 2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
know they are perpetrators.
“What differentiates VOCAL from other
services is that we are focused on
helping people rather than a specific
type of crime or a specific list of
services,” Ms Cotterell-Jones said.
As the new year kicks well into gear
we’re ramping up the Coalface
campaign to stop violence against
women, with a donation to an
organisation that supports victims
of violence.
The new anti-bullying powers that are being exercised by the Fair Work Commission (FWC)
from January 1 this year will require mining companies to give serious re-consideration to
the manner in which they deal with allegations of workplace bullying.
The new anti-bullying
provisions in the Fair Work
Act 2009 (FW Act) allow a
worker to apply to the FWC
for an order that stops alleged
bullying. If the FWC is satisfied
bullying has occurred and
there is a risk it will continue,
the FWC can make orders to
prevent further bullying.
VOCAL provides a
comprehensive range
of services for people
suffering as a result of a
crime of violence, including
information, support,
practical guidance,
advocacy and referrals
for victims of crime, their
friends, family, and the
wider community.
After transferring to Drayton in
2008, Pugs paid his own way
through an excavator course
and then pestered the mine
manager for an operating job.
Changing focus on workplace bullying
In general terms the antibullying laws define bullying
as repeated, unreasonable
behaviour (towards a worker
or group of workers) that
creates a risk to health
and safety. Bullying does
not include reasonable
management action carried
out in a reasonable manner.
in 1994 after suffering
her own experiences
with violence and was a
pivotal influence in VOCAL
extending its reach to
support anyone harmed by
threat, bullying and violent
crimes, including domestic
and family violence.
which only 2500 were made
worldwide, but I’ve still got my
eye on a few more models,”
he said.
XENITH CONSULTING IS A RESOURCES INDUSTRY CONSULTANCY WITH A
REPUTATION FOR DELIVERING FRESH, INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS THAT ARE
FOCUSED ON CLIENT VALUE.
Parents or significant others must
first attend Family Dispute Resolution.
This is a mediation process where
parties attempt to mediate their
Family Law issues and come to
an amicable resolution, which
may result in Consent Orders or a
Parenting Plan. If a resolution cannot
be reached, the parties may be
required to attend court proceedings
to have the court determine issues
relating to their children, property or
child support.
Parents should consult a lawyer at
the time of separation, while nonparents may wish to seek legal
advice about issues relating to the
parenting of a child.
Speaking to a lawyer allows you
to understand the Family Law
process, determine your rights and
responsibilities and gauge whether
your expectations are reasonable.
Information supplied by Singletonbased Family Lawyer Joplin Higgins
of Joplin Lawyers.
Our strength is the combination of effective project management, innovation,
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0418 856 765
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coalfacemagazine.com.au | February 2014 45
savour
savour
Slide into the
kitchen to try out
new food craze
Drink in classic Italian experience without leaving home
Coalface editor Michelle Meehan has once again stepped up to take on the duties of beer
reviewer this month – it’s a tough gig, but somebody has got to do it!
Have you developed a desire to
make your own version of the
new food craze taking hold in
kitchens across the country –
the slider – highlighted during
Coalface’s January Pub
Picks review?
2014 – Bring i t on!
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New and old players welcome - all grades
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Reggies Ty Merrick
18’s
Pauly Neely & Matt Kenny
Ladies OZ Tag starts 2014
Bacon-wrapped Scallop
Sliders
Makes 12
INGREDIENTS
6 slices streaky bacon, cut in half
lengthwise
12 large scallops, roe off (U15 size)
Spray oil
3. Wrap a slice of bacon around each
scallop and secure it with a toothpick.
Place on the baking tray lined with
baking parchment/paper, season with
salt and pepper and squeeze lemon
juice all over. Return the tray to the oven
and bake for 12–15 minutes or until the
bacon is sizzling and crispy.
Nostrano Dell’Isola maize. Combined
within this Mediterranean-style lager,
which celebrated its 50th anniversary
last year, the ingredients create a clean,
crisp taste perfect for warmer climates
like Australia.
I first came across the full-strength
version (5.1 per cent ABV) of this
traditional Italitan brew - Peroni Nastro
Azzurro - on a trip to Rome a few years
back, where mixed with the finest pasta
I have ever eaten, it made a lasting
impression on me.
But those looking for a lower alcohol
content – and less carbs – needn’t
despair. Opting for the 3.5 per cent ABV
Peroni Leggera still delivers that same
refreshing taste, with suggestions of
what I could only describe as an almost
fruity flavor.
It is brewed using Saaz-Saaz and
Hallertau Magnum hops, springplanted barley and contains 25 per cent
Both members of the Peroni family are
easy to drink and would be as enjoyable
at a stylish lunch in a top restaurant or
4. Slice the brioche buns in half. To
assemble your sliders, remove the
toothpicks from the scallop, place on
a bun, add some spicy seafood sauce
and add the top bun. Push a cocktail
stick through the slider, to hold it
together, and serve.
CUstomized mine serviCes
to get the best qUality Work fabriCated
on-time and at the right priCe...
anteed.
12 small brioche buns
Spicy Seafood Sauce, to serve
2. Bake until the bacon is just golden
but still soft and pliable, about 10
minutes. Remove and cool on some
paper towel to remove excess oil.
So you’ve got a hankering for a burger but want to avoid
the traditional high-fat fare. Try this healthy and tasty
alternative, created by Hunter-based personal trainer and
life coach Lisa Mills (pictured).
Ingredients
Using high qUality materials like stainless steel,
alUminiUm and steel, CUstomized mine serviCes Can
design, fabriCate & Certify prodUCts to sUit yoUr needs.
The Pourhouse owners and former Hunter miners Troy Taylor and Craig Melville
Burger feast without the fat
Yield | Makes 6 large patties (serves
4 adults)
500g turkey mince (you can also use
lean chicken mince)
1 bunch of shallots
1 bunch of coriander
2 carrots peeled and roughly
chopped
1/2 cup frozen corn
1/4 cup natural peanut butter or
almond butter
2 tbs soy sauce (low sodium variety
best)
1 tbs pure maple syrup
1 tbs bottled or fresh garlic
1 egg
Peroni Nastro Azzurro
ABV: 5.1%
Peroni Leggera
ABV: 3.5%
Style: Larger
Brewery: Carlton United Breweries
A team of passionate burger lovers
set out on a journey to find the best
burgers in Victoria. After searching
far and wide through countless cafés,
restaurants, pubs, corner shops and
food trucks, their discoveries have
been mapped out for the rest of the
burger-loving community to enjoy.
Sounds like a pretty tough gig right?
1 lemon
Satay Turkey Burgers
Available from Ice Box Liquor outlets:
Abermain, Bellbird, Branxton,
Braodmeadow, East Maitland,
Heddon Greta, Honeysuckle, Metford,
Muswellbrook, Scone, Singleton,
Thornton, West Wallsend, Weston,
Wickham, Windale.
Written by Ethan Jenkins and Jimmy Hurlston, The Burger
Book is a bible for all followers of the iconic hamburger.
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C.
Line a baking tray with baking
parchment/paper and lay out the bacon
in a single layer.
Enquires:
0418 640 473
a backyard barbie in that precious time
away from the workshop or pit.
A new book about burgers hits the spot
METHOD
2014 Major Sponsors:
Guar
Then try your hand at this tasty-looking
version, courtesy of New Holland
Publishers from David Cowie’s fabulous
new recipe book Sliders and Rollers:
Mini burgers and hot dogs.
Following on from last month’s look at
Carlton Cold, I thought I’d drop into my
local Ice Box Liquor to pop the cap on
another of Carlton United Breweries
mid-strength offerings (as well as the
full-strength variety) – Peroni.
FAMILY FRIENDLY: I served the
burgers with some couscous mixed
with 1 chopped and cooked sweet
potato, 1 cup of frozen corn cooked
and 4 slices of chopped and lean
cooked bacon. You could also serve
the burgers on buns for hubby and
the kids.
Celebrating craft beer
Finally there’s a good excuse for those sneaky mid week beers.
Newcastle Craft Beer Week is back and
with so much craft beer goodness on
the agenda, organisers have added an
extra four days to the program.
From February 20 to the 2nd of March
craft beer celebrations will travel across
the Hunter with more than 40 events
scheduled at nearly 20 different venues,
kicking off with the official launch party
at the Grain Store in Newcastle.
The guys at The Pourhouse in Maitland,
who you might remember as the first
Coalface beer reviewers, have also
signed up to be part of the action.
The Hunter’s newest craft beer
establishment will be hosting four
different events over the course of the
week, including the Riverside Brewing
Beer Breakfast on the 22nd.
To see the full program of events and
list of participating brewers visit www.
newcastlecraftbeerweek.com
The Burger Book is not only a
guide to the meatiest and juiciest
finds across the state but also
an insight into its origins, history,
evolution and its connection to
sport and other aspects of culture
– things we don’t really think
about when eating a burger, but
subconsciously appreciate.
that the authors are planning to
conquer burgers all around Australia.
Let’s hope their next stop is the
Hunter Valley and maybe they can
catch up with resident reviewer and
miner Sol for the low down on the
best burgers in this region!
The Burger Book, Smudge
Publishing, released January 2014.
There are also some pretty decent
recipes for fries and aioli if you
want to have a crack at making
your own.
You don’t have to live in Victoria
to appreciate this book, although
one read may have you booking
the next ticket to the southern
state to wrap your lips around
the tasty creations profiled. But
don’t despair if you can’t get
there NSW burger lovers - we
have it from a good source
Please drink responsibly.
TIME SAVER: You can make this
same mixture into a meatloaf if
you don’t want to shape them into
patties. Cook in an oven heated to
180 degrees for approx. 45 minutes.
Directions
1. Throw all the ingredients into a
food processor and process until the
vegetables are finely chopped and
mixed with the other ingredients.
email: cms.services@bigpond.com
phone: 02 6571 1472 fax: 02 6571 1703
mobile: 0409 254 106 Warren | 0409 715 962 peter
4 magpie st
maison dieU indUstrial estate singleton
46 February 2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
2. Shape into burger patties.
3. Heat a pan and spray with oil.
4. Cook the patties in the pan for
about 5-7 minutes on both sides.
coalfacemagazine.com.au | February 2014 47
savour
savour
rump steak ($38.50). The ribs
are as famously tender as their
menu promises and the rump
equally so, while the barbecue
sauce ensures the final stamp of
approval. It’s their most popular
dish and for good reason. For
James, the whole rack of pork
ribs was an obvious choice
cooked so well it easily tore from
the skin.
and spinach, wrapped in prosciutto,
served with mash and a sweet chilli
and mango sauce.
Two empty plates and satisfied
bellies left a clear indication of
our opinion of the night, but we
couldn’t leave without sampling
something sweet. Opting to
share, we tried the chef’s special
orange-infused panna cotta with
Shannon and I opted for traditional
pub meals – a chicken schnitzel served
with chips, salad and gravy for me
($22) and a 300g scotch fillet, cooked
medium, topped with Diane sauce and
accompanied by vegetables and mash
($29) for Shannon.
Drop in for more than just a drink
Located a stone’s throw from Rutherford’s booming industrial
estates, The Bradford Hotel bills itself as the “place where the
tradies drink”.
and his empty plate signaled
his satisfaction.
Dining Out:
SSS BBQ Barn Cessnock
Every dish comes served with
a side salad, a ramekin of
succotash and your choice of
chips, sweet potato or potato
skins. I opted for the sweet
potato topped with cinnamon,
berry sorbet – a delightful fresh
and fruity dish to end the night
and cool down the palate.
In the heart of this coal mining
community, Cessnock has
struck gold with SSS and we’ll
definitely be back again soon to
dig in for more.
Coalface deputy editor Shannon Noud thought she
would check out one of the most popular eateries
in a historic Hunter coal mining community.
Cessnock’s SSS BBQ Barn
steakhouse is the quintessential
country and western hangout
with its timber floors, wooden
tables, country décor and of
course its offering of the best
quality meat and produce
available in our backyard.
Accompanying me to SSS was
21-year-old James Purcival
to talk about his most recent
career change at Origin Energy’s
Eraring Power Station. Funnily
enough, SSS also happens to be
one of his favourite restaurants.
One of the best things about
SSS is the free self-serve
peanuts and popcorn you can
nibble on before dinner - just
make sure you leave enough
room for the real food!
In keeping with the country and
western theme, you’ll find that
naming of Looms Restaurant and
the Yarn Bar - a nod to the massive
National Textiles mills that formed the
backbone of employment in Rutherford
for many years.
With a commanding position on the
edge of the New England Highway,
there’s no missing the Bradford
Hotel if you pass through Rutherford
on your way to work at the nearby
Anambah Business Park or Rutherford
Industrial Estate.
But enough of the history – let’s get to
the food.
But its location next to this blue-collar
hub has provided more than just a
steady stream of customers.
many of the SSS dishes pack
a bit of punch, from the spicy
seasoning to the chilli toppings.
In order to sample that, we
couldn’t go past the sweet chilli,
bacon and cheese melt with a
ranch dressing ($9.95) - all the
best ingredients packed together
on two mouthwatering slices of
bread with the ranch dressing
adding an appropriately western
finish. We also shared the prawn
and avocado bake – a delicious
parcel of prawns enveloped in
avocado and cheese … lots
of cheese!
It was also the inspiration behind the
Looms Restaurant features an
extensive menu, which was
recently updated by head chef
Christoph Perney.
With something for everyone, the
menu ranges from classic pub grub to
fancier fare including one of the meals
Looms has become known for – its
chicken breast stuffed with prawns
Tradies with a man-sized appetite after
a hard day in the workshop also have
the option of a number of sides and
starters, while those with a sweet tooth
can cap off their meal with treat from
the daily dessert menu.
Unlike some schnitzels,
this one was made from
quality chicken breast,
with a crumb that was
not too thick ensuring
it was nice and crispy
when cooked.
The gravy was plentiful,
while a fresh summery
salad with dressing
ensured I had little room
left to consider a starter
or dessert.
Shannon was dished
up with an equally
generous meal,
once again served
with lashings of
sauce to satisfy the
most demanding of
topping‑lovers.
The steak was finished
off nicely with a creamy
mash, although
Shannon secretly
wished she had opted
for the chips that
look oh-so-tasty on
my plate!
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the restaurant’s trademark.
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research and refinement has gone into making the
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Combine both in one dish with
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slab of pork ribs and a 200g
James Purcival recently started an electrical
apprenticeship at Eraring Power Station, where
he has worked for the past five years.
James was previously
employed as a junior store
person but was yearning for
a challenge, so he jumped
at the opportunity when the
mature age apprenticeship
became available.
“I wanted to challenge
myself more at work and
my previous job didn’t allow
me to do that,” he said.
“As soon as I saw the
expression of interest
for the mature age
apprenticeship I knew it
was the perfect opportunity
for me to make a change
48 February 2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
But is there a reason for them to
stay on beyond that after-work ale?
Coalface editor Michelle Meehan and
deputy editor Shannon Noud decided
to stop by and find out for themselves.
the mains provide good value
for money, while there is also a
$12 lunch menu with plenty of
tasty‑sounding options.
and progress my career.”
James said in today’s
changing industry, it was very
important for people to retrain or upgrade their skill set.
“A main advantage being that
it makes employees more
valuable to their employers,”
he said.
“Apprenticeships and
traineeships are a valuable
pathway into the industry
and I am grateful that there
are opportunities for mature
age people to still undertake
such training.”
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coalfacemagazine.com.au | February 2014 49
travel
WIN STUFF
movie world
Leather products to keep tools close to hand
You’ve just celebrated Australia Day –
so why not celebrate this great country
all year round by wearing proudly
Australian-made leather products.
• 1 x measuring tape holder
TO ENTER:
• 1 x heavy duty key keeper
SMS the number 1, your name, email
address and postcode to: 0417 037
369 by February 21.
• 1 x large phone pouch
You’ll be the envy of the workshop if
you win this lot, which will ensure you
can also keep your key tools close at
hand on every job.
Innovative Australian leather apparel
manufacturers Buckaroo are offering to
kit out one lucky Hunter miner with an
array of their quality work products.
Ever watched a movie and wanted to
meet your favourite character? Warner
Bros. Movie World is the place to go,
where you can experience rides as
thrilling as the movie they represent,
including the exhilarating Superman
rollercoaster that reaches speeds of up
to 100kph in just two seconds.
The winner’s name will be published
on the Coalface website.
• 1 x 2” wide leather work belt
wet‘n’wild
Mining operators can compare their
driving skills against the classic
Hollywood stunt driver show, while a pit
pass will get you closer to the action
as you ride shot gun with one of the
professional drivers.
For more information about Buckroo’s
great range of tools belts, nail bags
and miner’s accessories, visit www.
buckarooleather.com.au
This pack, which is worth
$215, contains:
World, where The Wedgie, Pipeline
Plunge, Blue Ringed Octopus and
Wiggle Bay provide water park fun for
all ages.
• 1 x hold all leather bag
dreamworld
Dinner for two with a view
Manpower here to rock your world
Wine and dine yourself at one
of Newcastle’s most popular
restaurants.
Steady yourself ladies – the rippling
abs and rock hard biceps of
Manpower Australia are about to hit
the Hunter!
Home to arguably the scariest rides on
the Gold Coast, Dreamworld is jawdropping, voice-losing and sometimes
pant-wetting fun with its big eight thrill
rides. A more family-friendly experience
can be found on the Log Rides and
River Rapids while there’s Wigglesinspired rides for young children.
one $200 restaurant voucher to one
lucky Coalface reader.
Merewether Surfhouse is giving away
Sample some of the freshest produce
from the sea, while enjoying the
picturesque surrounds
of Merewether beach.
You might even spot a
few coal ships out on the
horizon.
Ok, so this competition may not
appeal to every Coalface reader,
but we’re sure there will be plenty
of ladies out there happy to hear
To enter:
the world’s No.1 male revue show
is making a pit stop in the Hunter
during their current national tour.
For more details visit www.
manpower.net.au
Coalface readers have the chance
to win one of four double passes to
their show at Belmont 16s on Friday,
February 28.
Entry is only open to readers
aged 18+.
SMS the number 2, your
name, email address and
postcode to: 0417 037
369 by February 21.
TO ENTER:
SMS the number 3, your name,
email address and postcode to:
0417 037 369 by February 21.
The winner’s name will
be published on the
Coalface website.
Winners will be notified
by phone.
Create a theme of fun
for the end of summer
Sad fact – summer is almost officially over. Why not soak up the
feeling of the season before it fades away with a trip to one of
Australia’s celebrated theme parks?
The Gold Coast is Australia’s theme
park capital, but if you don’t have the
time to head north, don’t panic. Theme
park lovers have a new reason to rejoice
with the opening of Wet’n’Wild Sydney
– making summer fun even closer to
home for Hunter mine workers looking
to treat the kids.
Seaworld
There’s something fishy going on at
Sea World, but don’t worry, resident
fish detectives and sea lions Buddy
Next door to Dreamworld is WhiteWater
Arguably one of the coolest theme parks
of all, Wet‘n’Wild is a place to both have
fun, relax and soak up the sun (with
sunscreen of course).
While it’s always been a highlight of a
Gold Coast trip, Hunter residents can
now more easily enjoy the Wet’n’Wild
experience following its opening
in the Sydney suburb of Prospect
during December.
It features more than 40 slides and
attractions including the world’s tallest
double Sky Coaster and the 360rush,
which includes a jaw-dropping 12m near
vertical drop that sees you reach speeds
of up to 60kph.
This summer, why not take the family
to a theme park and create some
memories that will last a lifetime?
and Clawde are on hand to get to the
bottom of the crime in the live Fish
Detectives show.
You can come face-to-face with the
predators of the sea in Shark Bay or
meet the polar bears and penguins
at the penguin encounter exhibit,
which offers both underwater and
topside viewing.
While there are also rides on offer,
Sea World is a more relaxed and
educational experience.
Singleton Nissan
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50 February 2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
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coalfacemagazine.com.au | February 2014 51
time out
like many mines in the Hunter that
invest in education programs.
Considered one of the most successful
female country artists of all time,
don’t miss your chance to see Parton
perform live in the beautiful Pokolbin
countryside. Tickets are available for
purchase from Ticketmaster.
The following week will see the return
of the one and only Bruce Springsteen.
The Boss will hit the stage at Hope
Estate on February 22 and 23
alongside the E Street band – which
was arguably the catalyst for his rise to
fame in the 1970s.
Return of the classics
Two legendary Yanks to tour Australia in February
Hope Estate will embrace the
presence of two esteemed American
musicians this month, starting with
legendary country singer Dolly Parton
on February 15.
and took home her first Grammy in
1977 for Best Female Country Vocal
Performance, for her song Here You
Come Again.
Parton is considered one of the most
successful female country artists of
all time, but she is also known as a
philanthropist. She has supported
many charitable efforts including the
Dolly Parton Imagination Library, as
part of the Dollywood Foundation,
which mails one book per month to
each enrolled child from the time of
their birth until they enter kindergarten.
Parton started recording songs at
the age of 13 and moved to Nashville
when she was 18 to launch her
country music career. She shot to
fame on the Porter Wagoner Show
from 1967 with one of her singles
Joshua reaching number one in 1970.
She left the show to become a solo
artist in 1974 and would go on to
release hit singles like Jolene, I Will
Always Love You (also a Whitney
Houston hit) and Nine to Five.
She has also worked to raise money
on behalf of several other causes,
including HIV/AIDS charities and the
American Red Cross.
Famous for her platinum blonde hair,
big lips and soprano voice, Dolly won
numerous Country Music awards
Her efforts resonate a support for
education, particularly literacy – much
Springsteen’s music career kicked
off in 1965 where
he became the lead
guitarist in the band
The Castiles, using
the $60 Kent guitar
his mother took out a
loan to purchase. He
would eventually go on
to become lead singer,
before forming another
band in 1969.
time out
Born in the U.S.A., which featured
seven top 10 singles, including
Dancing in the Dark. The album sold
15 million copies in the US alone,
carving its place in music history as
one of the best-selling albums of
all time.
Springsteen was voted the 23rd
Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Artist of all time
by Rolling Stone and like coal is to the
Hunter, Springsteen is an icon to the
music industry. His shows with the E
Street Band should not be missed.
Tickets for the February 22 show are
exhausted, but there may still be seats
available for the 23rd on Ticketmaster.
CD Review:
Perfect Tripod – Australian Songs
(Liberation)
When I first came
across this album I had
never heard of Eddie
Perfect, although I
was familiar with
the comedic genius
of Tripod through
the Song in an Hour
challenges they used
to complete on triple j.
I’m always a bit wary of cover
albums - and on seeing the
eclectic mix of Australian
songs on the track list, I was
unsure whether this in fact
would be my cup of tea.
But as soon as the first notes of the
opening track (their cover of Gotye’s hit
Hearts A Mess) sounded through my
speakers, I knew I was onto a winner.
In 1972, Springsteen
released his debut
album, Greetings from
Asbury Park, N.J., with
his New Jersey-based
colleagues, later to
become the E Street
Band. Their third album
in 1975 achieved the
most commercial
success, until 1978
when Springsteen
released Darkness
on the Edge of Town,
which was a turning
point musically in
his career.
Coalface CROSSWORD
Relying predominantly of their
celebrated “vocussion” (vocal
percussion) abilities, the harmony
supergroup deliver an album that
delights and surprises at every turn, with
a barber shop quartet flavour that is
cooler than it sounds.
While the opener remained my highlight,
Australian Songs is a covers album
that really stands out from the crowd
– a collection of iconic Aussie hits
from across the ages, arranged and
performed as only Perfect Tripod can.
The group’s celebrated rendition of Paul
Kelly’s Meet Me in the Middle of the Air,
which they performed at the 2011 Logie
Awards and was the inspiration behind
this album and a sell-out tour across
Australia, is beautiful in its simplicity,
while songs such as Oh Well That’s
What You Get Falling In Love With a
Cowboy (Lanie Lane), Reminiscing
(Little River Band) and You’re The Voice
(John Farnham) let their innate comedic
talents and truly versatile vocals shine
through perfectly.
Across
2. Tasty subject to read about
7. Contract extension
9. Sculpted entertainment
10. Day not to forget in February
11. Bruce Springsteen estate
13. Issue theme
15. Helping victims
16. Anticipated infrastructure
January crossword answers Across: 7. Apprentices, 8. Expressway, 9. Resolutions, 10.
Collectors, 13. Rutherford, 14. Yancoal, 15. Whitney Down: 1. Kooragang, 2. Karcher,
3. Nutrition, 4. Hedweld, 5. Holden, 6. Perth, 7. Australia Day 11. Thornton, 12. Worx
Rating: 9/10
In 1984, he released
his most popular and
recognisable album,
YOUR SOLAR POWER SPECIALISTS
02 4954 3310
Rock hard abs return to Hunter
With abs so hard they could have been carved out of coal,
Manpower Australia is set to stun the Hunter’s female
population with their world-class show this month.
The home-grown group have come
a long way from their humble
beginnings in a Surfers Paradise
nightclub, when celebrity landscape
designer Jamie Durie was among
those strutting their stuff on stage.
During the past 20 years the troupe –
with various line-up changes – have
honed their bodies and their dynamic
dance routines to become the No.1
male revue show in the world.
Time to shuffle
The Aston Shuffle are back in Newcastle this month as part of
their new single and national tour.
Miners who prefer a bit of dance
music should get to Argyle House on
February 27.
The house music duo from Canberra
is made up of DJs and electronic
producers Mikah Freeman and Vance
Musgrove, who also host their own
show on triple j known as the Friday
Night Shuffle.
Remixes of various songs in 2006 and
2007 helped the duo rise to fame, with
their first appearance on a Ministry of
Album annual CD in 2008.
A regular on the national festival scene,
the Aston Shuffle have evolved into one
of Australia’s favourite electronic acts
and return with their latest single Tear It
Down, the second installment from their
upcoming Sophomore album.
So if you love the Shuffle - the band
that is, not the dance - or just want a
fun night out, be sure to catch their
upcoming Hunter performance at
the Argyle.
General admission tickets are $15 and
can be purchased from Moshtix.
52 February 2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
Over the years they have performed
in more than 15 countries in front
of over eight million women, before
making their base at the Excalibur
Casino in Las Vegas,
where they are heralded
as Australia’s Thunder
From Down Under.
Now the buffed bodies,
world class costumes
and dazzling dance
moves are returning
home for an exhausting
50-date tour that takes
in four states.
But the Hunter’s female
Down
1. Successful mine rehab
3. Western destination
4. Hunter innovation to reduce paperwork
5. New use for coal
6. Cover star workplace
8. Hall of Fame inductee
12. Doggy-sounding festival
14. Joyful addition to Rutherford
mine workers will only have one
chance to catch a glimpse of their
world-famous moves, with Manpower
Australia taking to the stage at
Belmont 16s on Friday, February 28.
Tickets for the 18+ show are on sale
now from the club for $30, or pay
$65 for dinner and the show.
Need reliable power
in remote locations?
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- Heavy duty steel encased
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SOLAR POWER STATIONS
Thanks to Manpower Australia
Coalface also have four double
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this month, so make sure you check
out the competitions page!
- Programmed to run 13
hours/night – every night
- Modular, easy to install, highly efficient
- Programmed with 5 days autonomy
- Endless applications including telemetry, SCADA,
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- Perfect where security
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- Power where you need it, when you need it.
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VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE OUR LATEST PROJECTS
|
www.solarpoweraustralia.com.au
coalfacemagazine.com.au | February 2014 53
MINI MINERS
MINI MINERS
Just for laughs
Here’s a selection of some of the cracking jokes Coalface
received in our Christmas crackers during the festive season…
Q. What happened to the hyena who swallowed a stock
cube?
A. He made a laughing stock of himself!
Q. Why was Cinderella no good at football?
A. Because her coach was a pumpkin!
Q. What’s Pete Sampras’ favourite dish?
A. Bangers and smash!
time is it?
Kids Colouring What
It’s colour time! Dig-in
Page competition! to the textas or pencils
Win $50 cash and a Happy Meal for you and your four best mates!
and show us your stuff.
Komatsu have provided this month’s picture, which features one of their PC 200 excavators.
Driving an excavator is a dream job for most mining operators as it helps dig the coal out from the ground. Would you like to drive
one of these one day?
This picture is looking a little plain so let’s see you splash on a bit of colour. Show us your skills and you could be the lucky mini
miner to have your finished masterpiece chosen as the winner!
Q. What do you call a row of men waiting for a haircut?
A. A barbecue!
Q. What do you give a man who has everything?
A. Antibiotics!
Q. What is kept in the fridge but is always hot?
A. Mustard!
Q. Why did the jockey take his saddle to bed?
A. In case he had nightmares!
Drawing on
kids’ pride of place
Textas and paints have been taking centre stage in Singleton
recently, encouraging people of all ages to unleash their
creativity as part of the “Big Draw”.
The Place Making initiative,
supported by Coal & Allied and
Singleton Council, initially involved
more than 100 children from
Milbrodale, Jerrys Plains and Broke
public schools.
Liz Anelli.
The kids were encouraged to draw
“their place” on a map of their town
at a series of special workshops
during December, with the help of
children’s book author and illustrator
A collection of artwork created by
the children from all three schools
was also on show during the January
Big Draw.
The project took on a more public
face last month when the Big
Draw’s canvasses were unrolled in
Singleton Square for a few hours on
January 18.
Q. What wobbles in the sky?
A. A jellycopter!
Show us your skills and you could be the lucky mini miner to have your finished masterpiece chosen as the winner!
To enter, get mum or dad to take a photo of your finished product and email it to s.noud@coalfacemagazine.com.au with your name, age and a contact number by
February 22. We will draw a winner and publish their name on the Coalface website.
Mad Maze
Mini miners - use your mining skills to find your way
from A to B in this maze.
A
Turn a trip to the hardware store
into fun for all the family
Hey kids, does your mum or dad love nothing better than
spending a few hours lost amongst the tools at the
hardware store?
This could be the perfect solution for
a boring weekend for you too, if you
convince them to take a trip to one of
the Bunnings stores located across
the Hunter.
Spot the Difference
This vehicle is called a grader and uses a long blade to create
flat surfaces.
There are five (5) items missing in this working image of a Caterpillar 24M
Grader in Orionstone’s fleet. Can you spot them all? If so then you could win
a $50 BIG W gift voucher thanks to Orionstone.
To enter simply circle the sections on the left photo that are missing on the
right photo. Get mum or dad to take a photo of your answers and email your
entry with your name, age and your parent’s contact number to
s.noud@coalfacemagazine.com.au by February 22.
We will draw a winner and publish their name on the Coalface website.
January differences: 1.Missing Hungry Board on truck 2.Missing Anti Collision System Sensor on front of truck 3.Missing Power Step
System on truck 4. Missing Asset ID (on tray) on truck 5. Missing truck number on front of truck 6. Missing Caterpillar Logo (on tray) on
truck 7. Missing truck
54 February 2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
Not only do they have row upon
row of gadgets for your parents to
explore, they’ve also got a great
range of free kids workshops to keep
you occupied too.
B
Are you the crafty type? The Maitland
or Port Stephens stores should be
on your hit list on Sunday, February
2 (craft workshop) or Saturday,
February 8 (fun mosaics) and Sunday,
February 9 (fun with paint).
There’s also free kids workshops at
the five other Bunnings outlets in the
Hunter, with the calendar of activities
regularly updated.
Can’t make it into a store? The
Bunnings website is also a great
source of ideas for fun things to do
by yourself or with mum and dad.
Get your parents to help you log
on and explore the site, which has
step-by-step guides for everything
from making a star torch or pet rock
to how to build a flying saucer, worm
farm or scarecrow.
Go to www.bunnings.com.
au/diy-advice/family-craft for
more information.
February
coalfacemagazine.com.au
2014 | coalfacemagazine.com.au
| February 2014 55
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