Newcastle Knights and Coal & Allied score with Maitland Blitz

The Maitland community and surrounds scored high today when the Coal & Allied and Newcastle Knights 'Hunter Valley Blitz' came to town.

Rain and mud forced the event undercover with a late venue change to the Maitland Federation Centre - transforming the basketball courts with football activities for children with the entire Newcastle Knights squad, activities by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, and displays and interactive activities with many Coal & Allied supported community programmes that are run in the region.

Following its success, the Community Alliance has announced plans for a second Hunter Valley Blitz - to be held in Singleton on 23 May.

Coal & Allied General Manager External Relations, Fiona Nicholls, said a number of blitzes are planned for Hunter Valley communities throughout the year.

"These blitzes are part of our Community Alliance with the Knights, in which we are working together to help make a difference in Newcastle and Hunter Valley communities," Ms Nicholls said.

"We want to give back to our local communities with programmes in which they can prosper, learn, work and live.

"Today has been a great opportunity to educate children about sport and team skills. Parents haven't missed out either, as we provided the Health and Wellness education to them which we provide to our mine employees.

"We also used today to showcase the very important and valuable contribution that groups such as The Songroom are making in this community.

"We are proud to partner with the Newcastle Knights in this Community Alliance so that we can together give back to the region - not just to football supporters, but to the community of workers, families, farmers, miners and all who are part of the rich fabric that is the Hunter Valley."

Entry to the event was by gold coin donation, serving as a fundraiser for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.