Bengalla ready to show Muswellbrook what it's made of

Bengalla is calling all Hunter Valley locals to come along to its Community Open Day in October to learn more about the mine's operation and go behind the scenes with site tours and interactive displays on show.

The biennial event is being held at Muswellbrook Showgrounds on 30 October. It attracted more than 1700 people when it was last held in 2008.

At this year's event, locals can look forward to site bus tours, getting up close to some of the site's trucks and heavy machinery, a trade display from some of the mine's suppliers, live entertainment, an emergency rescue display and can learn about exciting careers in the industry.

Bengalla general manager operations Andrea Sutton said the event will not only show how the mine works and its progress but also the range of sustainable programmes it supports and delivers to ensure the community's long term growth.

"We're in the business of producing coal and being able to operate in a sustainable way that protects our environment and contributes to our local community which is very important to us," Ms Sutton said.

"Our Open Day is about opening our doors to the community so they get to know a bit more about us and have the opportunity to ask questions about the way we work."

"Many of our Community Partners will be on hand to talk about their initiatives that we support including Wildlife Aid, which will have a native fauna display; and also Conservation Volunteers Australia, which will showcase some of the ways we can protect the environment."

"Our environmental experts will share the types of equipment we use on site, such as dust gauges, to monitor and measure our environmental impacts. We will also give away samples of the seeds, grasses and native trees we use for rehabilitation for people to plant in their own backyards."

"Thanks to our Community Alliance with the Newcastle Knights, a Knights Mini Clinic will also be set up to share football tips and skills to some of the local junior talent.

The event will feature a host of fun activities for families including a free BBQ, face painting, balloon sculpting, a jumping castle, 'Dress like a Miner' photo opportunity, and some great competitions and prizes.

"We're very pleased to provide this opportunity to display what we do and we hope to see as many people from the local community as possible," Ms Sutton said.

The event is being held on 30 October from 10am to 2pm and entry is FREE. Bus tours will depart every 15 minutes from the showgrounds to Bengalla and back and closed-in shoes are required for the tours. For more information contact Debbie Day at Bengalla on 02 6542 9511.

Media Enquiries: Naomi Jamieson 07 3361 4347 / 0457 824 672

Media release - Bengalla ready to show Muswellbrook what it's made of [PDF: 21 KB]