Coal & Allied promotes community information sessions

Coal & Allied Managing Director Bill Champion says increasing local community interest in mining activities in the Hunter has led to a new feature being implemented as part of the company's community relations programme.

Speaking at the Hunter Valley Research Foundation's annual economic breakfast in Muswellbrook today, Mr Champion said Coal & Allied has decided to run information sessions on a range of topics at the company's shopfronts in Muswellbrook and Singleton in coming months.

"People are showing a real interest in Coal & Allied's operations, and in the wider contribution we make to the Hunter Valley community," Mr Champion said.

"People are telling us they want to know more about issues such employment, community investment, environmental management and cultural heritage.

"We have started information sessions this month at both of our shopfronts. During August our Singleton shopfront has an information display on employment at Coal & Allied, while our Muswellbrook shopfront is running an information display about our community investment programme.

"Throughout August people can drop in, take a look at the displays, talk to our staff and pick up some information to take away with them. On two days of the month, we are making available specialists in these fields for people to speak to in dedicated information sessions."

Yesterday (11 August) both shopfronts held information sessions between 9am to midday. Further sessions are planned between midday and 3pm on 25 August.

"We're pleased to provide information about working for Coal & Allied, as we're a major employer in the Hunter Valley, employing 1800 people and 1300 contractors, as well as supporting thousands of other jobs by doing business locally," Mr Champion said.

"Our Singleton shopfront staff will be on hand during August to talk to people about how to apply for vacancies, as well as programmes such as apprenticeships, traineeships and scholarships.

"You can also find out more about Coal & Allied's commitment to increasing the diversity of its workforce, for example we have a range of programmes such as cadetships and traineeships to promote indigenous employment."

Mr Champion said the Muswellbrook shopfront display in August was designed to showcase Coal & Allied's community investment approach in the Hunter Valley, where the company has invested more than $9.6 million through its community development funds.

"We continue to support a wide range of programmes this year, including the Hunter Medical Research Institute's Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids project, Conservation Volunteers Australia's work on the Hunter Valley's rivers and the Parents and Learning program in Muswellbrook, getting indigenous parents involved in their children's learning," Mr Champion said.

"We also undertake a range of corporate sponsorships, such as our support for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, and our Community Alliance with the Newcastle Knights."

Mr Champion said it was already the case that anyone can phone or visit the Singleton shopfront to speak to Coal & Allied during business hours.

"We've had this 'open door' for the community since we opened this shopfront in Singleton in 2008, and have had a shopfront open in Muswellbrook since 2007," Mr Champion said.

"We look forward to hearing from the community about specific items that they would like us to focus on and have information available in our shopfronts. We're always keen to hear about matters that are important to our near neighbours and local communities."

A Coal & Allied human resources representative will be available at the 127 John Street, Singleton shopfront from midday to 3pm on 25 August. A Coal & Allied community relations specialist will be available at the 19 Bridge Street, Muswellbrook shopfront from midday to 3pm on 25 August.

Both shopfronts are open to all members of the community year-round during business hours, Monday to Friday. Coal & Allied also has a freecall telephone enquiries line 1800 727 745 and an 'email us' facility at info@rtca.riotinto.com.au .

Media Enquiries:
Alison Smith
07 3361 4223 / 0438 787 038

Media release - Coal & Allied promotes community information sessions [PDF: 38 KB]