Mining Matters - April-June 2012 1.38 MB

APRIL – JUNE 2012
Pictured at the Otraco Tyre Training Centre opening event (from left) are Training Manager – Otraco, Tony Crilly; Head of Community and
Indigenous Affairs – BHP Billiton, Richard O’Connell; General Manager – Otraco, Alistair Swanson; and CEO – Downer Mining, David Overall.
Stanwell Corporation welcomed as new client
O
ur new contract with Stanwell Corporation, to operate Meandu Mine in South East
Queensland, ticks all the boxes with regard to the way we like to do business.
The long-term nature of the contract – five-and-a-half years with options to extend – provides
the opportunity for us to build effective, lasting relationships with our new client, as well as with the
local community.
It also enables us to showcase the versatility of our business, as we will be providing a wide range
of services, including mine management, planning, drilling, overburden removal (including dragline
and truck-and-shovel operations), coal mining, coal processing, rehabilitation, and maintenance of
mobile and fixed plant.
Valued in the range of $600 million to $800 million, the contract commences in January 2013 but
will involve a six-month transition between now and December to replace the current incumbent.
This will include the transfer to Downer Mining of around 350–400 employees.
Downer Mining Chief Operations Officer Open Cut East, Kurt Baumgart, said that this contract
win was the culmination of many months of hard work.
“The award of this contract followed a rigorous six-month tendering process. It clearly demonstrates
how well our people, systems and experience stack up in a competitive situation,” he said.
“We are very excited about this win, and I’d like to thank all those members of my team who
contributed to this success. We are really looking forward to working with Stanwell on this project.”
Stanwell General Manager Mining Operations, Bob Rutten, said he looked forward to working
closely with Downer Mining to maximise the value of Meandu Mine, and further establish the mine
as a safe, responsible and commercially focused operation.
“The contract has been negotiated to deliver positive outcomes for both Stanwell and Downer
Mining, and commercial and operational benefits for the mine,” he said.
“A long-term contract provides stable employment, sustained local economic activity, and flowon benefits for the South Burnett community.”
Otraco’s new
tyre training
centre brings
mining experience
to Perth
O
n 27 April, our tyre
management business,
Otraco, officially opened its
new tyre training centre in
Maddington, Perth.
The training centre, which
comprises a 2,000m3 tyre pad and
1,500m3 of training rooms, offices,
workshop and hard stand, will train
tyre fitters for Otraco’s operations
on mine sites throughout Australia.
Otraco’s decision to establish the
centre was based primarily on two
key factors: safety considerations
and the nationwide shortage of
qualified off-the-road (OTR) tyre
fitters. (continued page 4)
Supporting
‘Jonesy’s’ vision
I
Pictured at the cheque handover ceremony (from left) are Downer Mining Chief Operating Officer Open Cut West,
Mike Sutton; Downer Mining Public Affairs Manager, Nikki Wood; Brightwater Graduate, Ben Carter;
Chairman Brightwater Care Group, Steven Cole; and CEO Brightwater Care Group, Dr Penny Flett.
n June we donated $75,000 to
Brightwater Care Group for its
new, state-of-the-art Oats Street
complex, which is currently under
construction to assist people who
are recovering from severe acquired
brain injuries. (continued page 3)
Mining Matters April–June 2012
1
Employees receive a
‘trade upgrade’
T
Hilton (left) and Barbara with Chief Operating Officer Downer Mining Services,
Peter Newman (right), at their long-service morning tea celebration.
Adapting to the times
D
ifficulties in attracting, recruiting and retaining skilled employees may be a hot topic
in the mining industry at present, but according to industrial relations gurus, Hilton
Hurst and Barbara Barnicoat, it has never been an easy task – rather one that requires
constant adaptation as the industry evolves.
Group General Manager Employee Relations and Remuneration, Hilton Hurst, and
Senior Advisor Employee Relations and Remuneration, Barbara Barnicoat, have between
them just chalked up 25 years of service at Downer Mining.
Having previously worked in the HR field, Hilton joined the company in 1996 as Payroll
Manager. In 2002 he changed role to head up the HR team, just a short time after Barbara
joined the company as an HR advisor.
In 2007 Hilton took on the remuneration and benefits portfolio in the new role of HR
Manager Corporate, and was promoted to General Manager in 2008. By 2009 Barbara was
working with him again, helping to support the growth of the business from an industrial
relations perspective.
Rewind ten years and Barbara remembers how recruitment was aided by the
company’s reputation.
“In the early years people were attracted to the business based on its reputation and
diversification. Roche had a big following of employees because it was known as a family
company and employees were treated as such,” Barbara said.
According to Hilton, staying in the game is about remaining competitive with the times.
“Since I first started out in the mining industry 32 years ago, there’s been a huge
increase in both the number of mines and the number of key players, from both an owneroperator and contract mining perspective,” Hilton said.
“As changes occur to legislation and industry needs, strategies need to change with
them. We are still regarded as a people company but, to remain competitive now and
into the future, we also need to offer generous employment packages and lifestylefriendly rosters. We also need to be aware that although FIFO options have become a
way of life in the mining industry, this too can also come with many personal and family
problems.”
With Hilton having just recently celebrated 15 years of service with the company and
Barbara 10 years, it appears the pair knows all about the drawcards of Downer Mining.
“I enjoy my job because every day is different, and working for Downer Mining allows
me to make decisions and be a member of a great HR team that can make a difference,”
Hilton said.
According to Barbara: “Word of mouth is the best form of advertisement, and we
frequently have employees achieve long-service milestones, with many employees who
leave returning to the business. That’s a testament to the family-friendly culture and
development opportunities Downer Mining has to offer.”
2
Mining Matters April–June 2012
he Maintenance Training team in the
Western Region has recently signed
up 15 employees for their ‘trade upgrade’
apprenticeship program.
The program up-skills employees to
become Certificate III qualified Mobile
Plant Mechanics in as little as 8–24 months,
and the benefits are twofold – we can fill
positions on site that are notoriously difficult
to fill, while providing long-term career
prospects to our employees.
Employees currently on the program
include light/heavy vehicle mechanics
and servicemen from our Christmas Creek,
Sunrise Dam and Argyle projects, and two
employees from Force Equipment. Force
Equipment is a major subcontractor at
Christmas Creek, and their apprentices are
part of a long-term Downer Mining/Force
Equipment training alliance to support and
develop all our tradespeople on site.
The plan is to enrol apprentices on
the program every six months, at sites all
over Western Australia. Employees should
keep an eye out for the ‘trade upgrade’
apprenticeship program happening at their
site. For further information on the program,
please contact Maintenance Training
Superintendent, West, Andrew Scudds.
Pictured with Downer Mining and Polytechnic West
staff are the first group of apprentices to sign up
to the trade-upgrade (from left): Andrew Scudds
(Maintenance Training Superintendent), Jeff Gittos
(Head of Programs – Heavy Vehicle Polytechnic
West), Ivar Kent (Apprentice Fitter Christmas Creek),
Andrew Ayres (Apprentice Fitter – Christmas Creek),
Anthony Borovina (Apprentice Fitter – Sunrise Dam),
Richard Edmiston (Regional Plant Manager – West)
and Alex Grechko (GM Plant West).
Downer Mining wins AHRI Diversity Award
O
General Manager Business Development West and Indigenous Affairs,
Daniel Archer, and Public Affairs Graduate, Hana Parkinson, receive
the award on behalf of Downer Mining.
n 17 May we were recognised for the significant contribution
that we have made in the area of workplace equity and
inclusion when we were announced joint winner of the Indigenous
Employment Award at the inaugural AHRI (Australian Human
Resources Institute) Diversity Awards.
The award also acknowledged our practical and focused approach
to Indigenous employment, in particular the specialist recruitment and
training methodology that we undertake to recruit Indigenous employees.
Responding to hurdles faced by many Indigenous people when
applying for positions through mainstream recruitment strategies,
we deliver a culturally appropriate selection process in place of the
standard interview format. The three-step process includes local
community consultation, community information sessions and an
assessment workshop at the mine site at which the prospective
employees would work.
General Manager Business Development West and Indigenous
Affairs, Daniel Archer, said: “Downer Mining has proved to be leaders in
many aspects of the sustainability space. Our Indigenous recruitment
process works because of the positive culture, leadership and
commitment to diversity that is clearly demonstrated by our frontline
management right across our business.”
The recruitment process has been run at six mine sites since
November 2010, bringing into the business over 70 new Indigenous
employees with little to no mining industry experience. Following its
introduction, our Indigenous employee representation in the workforce
doubled in the 2010–2011 financial year from 40 to 80 employees.
Consequently, an increased target of 135 was set for 2011–2012, and was
met, with a total of 162 employees hired in the last financial year.
Supporting ‘Jonesy’s’ vision
(continued from page 1)
Our donation contributes to ‘Jonesy’s
Vision’, the project of the late John Jones
(‘Jonesy’ to his friends and colleagues).
John’s vision was for the minerals and
resources sectors to get behind this special
project. Sadly, he was denied seeing his
vision realised when his life was tragically
cut short by a plane crash while on business
in West Africa in 2010.
We are committed to continuing John’s
challenge, with our donation going towards
building the ‘Learning Hub’, a purposedesigned rehabilitation centre for people
living with an acquired brain injury at Oats
Street and in the community.
“We are proud to be leading the way
with our substantial support of this project,
and look forward to being joined by other
mining and resources companies to help
raise $2 million and keep John’s vision
alive,” said our Chief Operating Officer
Open Cut West, Mike Sutton.
CEO of Brightwater Care Group (Inc),
Dr Penny Flett, one of Australia’s most
eminent leaders in the Care sector,
expressed her hope that this donation
would encourage the mining and
resources sectors to follow in the footsteps
of our generosity.
“The truly great support of organisations
like Downer Mining will enable Brightwater
to continue its groundbreaking work on
behalf of all Western Australians living
with acquired brain injury, now and in the
future,” she said.
People who go to Oats Street have had
a catastrophic brain injury, and their chance
of recovery is deemed insufficient to justify
further hospital-based rehabilitation,
being beyond the scope and timeframe of
existing services.
The sad fact is that without Oats
Street, the alternative for many of these
people would be living the rest of their
lives in a nursing home, on welfare
support, suffering from homelessness or
even in prison.
We encourage all our employees to
learn about and donate to this important
cause. The ‘Leaping Lizards’ program
has been developed for members of
the community to donate to the Oats
Street Redevelopment Project. For more
information, please visit:
www.thinkaboutit.org.au
Mining Matters April–June 2012
3
Murrin Murrin Mine puts its emergency procedures to the test
I
n May Downer Blasting Services (DBS) conducted a large-scale
emergency drill at Minara Resources’ Murrin Murrin Mine in
Western Australia.
The drill was run by Site Supervisor, Warren Jones, and involved
combined resources from DBS, the Minara Emergency Response
Team (ERT), police from both Leonora and Laverton, and the Fire and
Emergency Services of WA (FESA).
Simulating a real emergency situation, the teams were faced with
a road traffic accident involving a DBS mobile processing unit and a
passenger vehicle. There were five injuries, a fatality and a fire that had
the potential to lead to an explosion.
On arrival, the emergency personnel assessed the scene for danger,
put out the fire ensuring chemicals were separated, and then removed
the injured people for treatment.
The exercise was a good opportunity for each service involved to
experience the challenges that arise in a high-pressure emergency and use
these experiences to implement improvements to emergency procedures.
A key learning for DBS is to ensure the 1800 technical support
number is used to access emergency information quickly.
Well done to everyone involved. These drills are an effective way of
ensuring we are constantly prepared to look after our employees and
the surrounding community in the event of an incident.
The Minara ERT and FESA attend to DBS employees during the drill.
Otraco’s new tyre training centre brings mining experience to Perth
(continued from page 1)
Otraco General Manager, Alistair
Swanson, said: “A key component of the
training offered by Otraco is that it involves
simulating the mine environment, and
trainees are able to work on real mining
equipment just 30 minutes from Perth’s CBD.
“One of the most important advantages
of this approach is that it enables the
trainees to undergo their training in a very
safe, controlled environment. It also enables
them to decide whether they like the life,
as training and trainees will be required
to work a full mine roster, work nights,
undergo mock client audits and even eat in
a crib room.
“After completing the six-week course
at the centre, the trainees continue their
training on mine sites. Previously trainees
would have received all their training on
4
Mining Matters April–June 2012
site; now they start their job equipped
with key skills, and the role of a trainer
on site becomes more that of a mentor,”
Mr Swanson said.
Thanks to the generous support of the
mining industry and local businesses, the
centre is equipped with both open-cut and
underground mining equipment, including
a Caterpillar 789B haul truck donated by BHP
Billiton, and an Elphinstone R2900 bogger
(underground loader) and tyre handler from
Downer Mining.
BHP Billiton Iron Ore Head of Community
and Indigenous Affairs, Richard O’Connell,
said the Company actively supports training
initiatives that provide real-life and practical
training experiences.
“At BHP Billiton we understand the
importance of skill development to meet
the needs of our growing Western Australian
community. Equally, we are committed
to reinforcing a culture of safety and best
practice,” Mr O’Connell said.
“We are proud to be supporting our
safety commitment and our community by
contributing to this state-of-the-art facility
through the donation of a Caterpillar 789B
haul truck.”
Initially the centre will be offering courses
on an as-required basis to meet Otraco’s
need for tyre fitters. Each intake will comprise
six to eight trainees, who will ultimately
graduate with a Certificate II in Automotive
Mechanical – Tyre Fitting Heavy (which has
been customised to incorporate OTR).
In addition to supplying trained tyre
fitters to the mines, the training centre will
be offering commercial courses to mining
equipment companies and local tyre
suppliers.
A busy year for Civil Projects
O
ur Civil Projects teams have been busy this past year ensuring
that our employees, and those of our clients, have safe and
efficient work areas on our projects across the country.
In Western Australia, the Civil Projects team was responsible for the
construction of a central yard, an ammonium nitrate and emulsion
storage facility and an explosives magazine facility, at both our
Christmas Creek and Karara projects.
At Christmas Creek, the central yard incorporates an 8-bay heavy
vehicle workshop, with a light vehicle workshop and stores, 3-bay and
2-bay ancillary workshops (dome shelter style), a 3.7 million litre diesel
The new workshop at Christmas Creek.
fuel farm, an office complex, wash-pad facility and associated oily
water processing ponds, as well as service reticulation to all structures.
In the East, the Civil Projects team is busy with a project at
Goonyella Riverside. Valued at $29 million, the project includes a
new 4-bay workshop, stores area, heavy and light vehicle wash
bays, water-treatment facility, oil and lube facility and fire protection
system, as well as expansion of the existing administration
building and upgraded IT network. Due for completion in July, the
new facilities will support the servicing and maintenance of our
100 vehicles on site.
The new 4-bay workshop at Goonyella Riverside.
Inspiration and Spanish fare at the
Downer Mining - WIMARQ event
I
n April we played host to 80 women from Queensland’s
resources sector when we sponsored a Women in Mining and
Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) networking event.
Held at Moda Restaurant in Brisbane, guests socialised
the Spanish way, sharing tapas, sampling Spanish wines and
savouring a paella made by Moda’s founder and Executive Chef,
Javier Codina.
They were also treated to an inspirational address from
Downer Non-executive Director, Annabelle Chaplain, who shared
her perspective on how women can have it all – a career, marriage
and motherhood – by prioritising each at different stages of their
career journey.
At Downer Mining we’re working to lift the profile and number
of women within our business, and we see sponsoring this event
as another step in the right direction.
Downer Non-executive Director, Annabelle Chaplain, encouraged guests
to prioritise different commitments throughout their career journey.
Mining Matters April–June 2012
5
Dust-A-Side Australia proves its value to Australian
mining industry
D
ust-A-Side Australia, a joint venture between Dust-A-Side and our tyre management business, Otraco
International, is already proving its worth to the industry in Australia, with recent results from an
Australian coal mine suggesting its total haul road and dust control management system may reduce dust
levels by as much as 92%.
The Dust-A-Side system uses an environmentally-friendly refined petroleum emulsion to create a
stabilised haul road wearing layer that reduces dust and saves water.
At the above-mentioned Australian coal mine, Dust-A-Side measured dust generation over a six-week
period on both Dust-A-Side-treated roads and ‘conventional’ untreated ones, using its unique, proprietary
dust-monitoring trailer. The trailer has a real-time, light-scatter Aerosol Monitor, powered by solar panels,
which can measure dust levels while in motion or stationary. An on-board weather station records wind
direction, wind speed, ambient temperature and humidity, ensuring that the results take into account
different climatic conditions.
Both static and mobile trials were conducted, with the dust monitor configured to measure PM10
(particles with a diameter of 10 microns or less), which are those that are small enough to enter the deepest
part of the lungs and cause health problems.
Static monitoring was performed at one-minute averaging intervals, with a high-volume data logger
fitted for the mobile trials to enable one-second averaging intervals, and thus greater clarity and validity of
results. For the latter, the trailer was towed at a consistent speed of 40 kilometres per hour, and a log was
kept of the type of road being travelled and any significant events that may have caused abnormal dust
generation. A total of 4,337 valid data points were obtained through static trials, with the results classified
into Untreated haul road surface and Dust-A-Side haul road.
In addition, a total of 2,387 valid data points were obtained through mobile trials, with the results
classified into three categories:
Untreated haul road surface;
Haul road surface visibly watered with a water cart for dust-suppression purposes (typically less than
30 minutes prior to the dust-monitoring device passing); and
Dust-A-Side haul road (with previous maintenance sprays up to two days prior to the dust-monitoring
device passing).
A graphical representation of the complete set of results is shown below.
MOBILE DUST MONITORING TRIALS
6
WATERED HAUL ROAD
UNTREATED HAUL ROAD
DAS HAUL ROAD
PM10 Concentration (mg/m3)
5
4
3
2
1
2333
2377
2201
2245
2289
1233
1277
1321
1365
1409
1453
1497
1541
1585
1629
1673
1717
1761
1805
1849
1893
1937
1981
2025
2069
2113
2157
1013
1057
1101
1145
1189
1
45
89
133
177
221
265
309
353
397
441
485
529
573
617
661
705
749
793
837
881
925
969
0
Data Points Collected
Data collected on an Australian coal mine over a six-week period
0.2
0.18
6
Mining Matters April–June 2012
0 Concentration (mg/m3)
0.16
0.14
0.12
0.1
0.08
General Manager of Dust-A-Side Australia, Neil Hoskin, considers these to be pretty
conclusive results.
“Based upon the results obtained from the dust monitoring trials at the Australian
DUSTtrials,
MONITORING
TRIALS
site and otherSTATIC
international
we can conclude
that dust generation on DustA-Side haul roads is significantly lower than on comparative haul roads that are
UNTREATED HAULnot
ROAD
ROAD
treated with Dust-A-Side. Mobile DAS
trial HAUL
results
indicate a reduction in dust
levels in the range of 65% to 92%, while static trials indicate a reduction in
the range of 76% to 80%,” he said.
Optimising production from digger to dump
O
ur team at Goonyella Riverside is getting more
out of the mine after adopting the client’s mine
management dispatch system, MODULAR MINING, in
August last year.
Using pioneering field hardware and communications
software, the MODULAR system collects data, stores it and
provides real-time solutions to mine operational problems.
From optimised haul truck assignments and
extensive reporting capabilities to equipment vital signs
monitoring and maintenance tracking, the production
benefits of using MODULAR are abundant.
Efficiency is also optimised through the system’s
ability to transmit real-time data to monitors in the
Dispatch Control Centre and the Downer Mining site
office, allowing mine dispatch co-ordinators and the
Production team to view the status of the haulage fleet
without being in the pit.
But it’s not just production that benefits from using
the system – safety does too.
MODULAR sends messages to operators three times
per shift asking them to assess their level of fatigue, and
assigns breaks if required.
It also emails alerts to the dispatcher if electric dump
truck operators apply the service brake at greater than
12 kilometres per hour. This real-time monitoring of
‘brake applications at speed’ has significantly reduced
the occurrence of these potentially hazardous events.
Goonyella Riverside Business Improvement Manager, Steve Broad, spearheaded the
transition to, and implementation of, the MODULAR system.
Partners in health improvement
W
e have reaffirmed our commitment
to sustaining a healthy workforce by
extending our partnership with the Workforce
Health Innovation group at the Queensland
University of Technology Institute of Health
and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI) for a further
three years.
Catering to the health needs of an
increasingly diverse workforce, this partnership
develops a holistic, diversified and continuousimprovement approach to injury prevention
and health improvement.
A key outcome of this partnership to date
has been the implementation of numerous
procedures relating to the management of
mining-specific health issues. This came about
as the result of a review of our Health and
Safety system, which identified opportunities
for interventions across the continuum of
health surveillance.
Building on the work of our previous
contract, the new contract will focus on the
areas of musculoskeletal injury and disorder,
metabolic disorder and weight management,
and mental health.
Activities and findings resulting from
these focus areas will be used to improve
pre-employment screening, return-to-work
schemes, data management systems, and
health promotion and interventions.
With many workers in the mining industry
facing difficulties in maintaining a healthy
work-life balance, this partnership enables us
to provide employees with quality-assured,
tailored and pioneering health support.
Pictured at the contract-renewal ceremony
(from left) are Downer Mining Chief Executive
Officer, David Overall; Chief Operating Officer
Downer Mining Services, Peter Newman; Director
Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation,
Professor Ross Young; and Leader – Workforce
Health Innovation Research Group, Professor
Tony Parker.
Mining Matters April–June 2012
7
A head-start to a healthy heart
B
y the time you finish reading this newsletter, someone in
Australia will have suffered a heart attack. With this alarming
statistic in mind, the Health team has decided to kick-start a series
of health campaigns with a Healthy Heart campaign.
The campaign is designed to educate employees about how to
recognise the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, and how they
can reduce their own risk with healthier lifestyle choices, such as
exercise and healthy eating. In addition, one of our employees who
had a heart attack shares this experience on camera.
At Downer Mining we recognise that promoting and
enhancing our employees’ health and well-being goes hand in
hand with maintaining their safety, and we hope these campaigns
will encourage employees to take a more proactive approach to
their health.
A win for Wambo’s injury management procedures
O
ur team at Wambo has recently
been acknowledged for having an
international best-practice approach to
injury management, with a score of over
80 per cent in the Benchmarking Injury
Management Audit (BIMA).
Developed in Canada, the BIMA tool
assesses injury management policy and
workplace resources, injury prevention
and early intervention, and return-towork processes.
The result of 84.6 per cent means
Wambo is now certified by the
International Disability Management
Standards Council (IDMSC) for a threeyear period.
This high score is no mean feat. It
is a testament to the diligence of the
onsite Health and Safety team and the
Regional Health Advisor in successfully
rolling out the Wambo One Life Health
and Wellness Program during the past
financial year and implementing a range
of new health initiatives.
8
Mining Matters April–June 2012
Operator, Jamie McDougall, pictured with nurse Debbie Pont at the CS Health Mobile Health van – a key
component of Wambo’s One Life Health and Wellness Program.
Raising diabetes awareness in the Pilbara
I
n April the Western Region HSE management
team arranged for Diabetes WA (DWA) to visit our
Paraburdoo project.
DWA Diabetes Educator, Catherine Fung, facilitated two
one-hour presentations for our employees on site, focusing
on Type 2 diabetes and, in particular, the pre-diabetes signs
and symptoms.
After the presentation, employees were offered the
opportunity to take part in an individual consultation,
which included registering those who currently have
diabetes with the National Diabetes Services Scheme,
conducting blood glucose readings, individual coaching
regarding the management of diabetes for those already
diagnosed and foot care assessments.
Catherine applauded Downer Mining for taking the
initiative to extend diabetes education to those workers
with the conditions, as well as those at risk. She stated
that working on a mine site presented particular health
challenges and that, while not everyone was at risk of
diabetes, messages on prevention and healthy lifestyle were
still extremely valuable.
Downer Mining Group Manager Health, Shaun Smith,
said: “Downer Mining has a dedicated Enhancing Workforce
Health program that aims to integrate and raise the profile
of health within the Health and Safety domain, and improve
the health of our mining workforce, now and into the future.
“Interventions such as the visit to Paraburdoo by Diabetes
WA are an important component of our health program,
not only raising employees’ awareness of their health risks
but also providing them with resources to link into their
communities to effect change.”
Catherine checks Stanley Collard’s blood pressure.
Is there a Beatrix Potter in our midst?
egional HR Superintendent, Chrys
McDuffie, recently started a new and
exciting chapter in her life when she teamed
up with her daughter, Kaela, to write,
illustrate and self-publish a children’s book
titled Doglet Dylan Finds a Home.
Eighteen months in the making, the
book was launched at Mackay’s Million Paws
Walk in May, with 10 per cent of sales on the
day going to RSPCA Animal Care Shelter.
Inspired by Kaela’s dog, Dylan, this
page-turner tells how Doglet Dylan learns to
accept being different, and to love who he is
to find his perfect human family and home.
But there’s more between the covers
than a fun children’s story, as the book
aims to teach children the importance of
self-acceptance, love and being true to
themselves.
Doglet Dylan Finds a Home is available for
purchase at www.mcduffiepublishing.com,
and there will be more exciting adventures
for Doglet Dylan to come.
Rapture Photography 2012
R
Chrys (right) and her daughter, Kaela (left), at the launch of their first children’s book.
Mining Matters April–June 2012
9
Triathlon triumph
BRW Triathlon
C
lear blue skies and a gentle breeze
greeted our troop of 45 triathletes
as they took on the Gold Coast’s BRW
Triathlon in May.
Competing in 15 teams of three,
they gave it their all in a 400-metre
swim, 10-kilometre ride and a fourkilometre run.
Whether they were ticking their
bucket list or competing for a personalbest time, this triathlon allowed
employees to work as a team and put
their fitness to the test.
A special congratulations goes to
Jimmy Nilsen, Jordan Ho and Taylor
Elms who made up Downer Mining’s
top-performing team on the day.
Dysart Triathlon
n March HSE graduate, Erin Kelly, took
to the streets (and pool) of Dysart,
swimming, cycling and running when
she competed in the Dysart triathlon.
Battling hot conditions, Erin swam
700 metres, cycled 15 kilometres and
ran five kilometres.
Congratulations to Erin on
completing her first-ever triathlon.
I
Team Downer Mining triathletes gather for a photo before the start.
A group of Downer Mining employees and their family members about to embark on the fun run.
10
Mining Matters April–June 2012
Erin during the cycle leg of the Dysart Triathlon.
Rotary fun run –
a worthwhile choice
Community-conscious cappuccinos at
Goonyella Riverside
I
T
n May Downer Mining notched up its
fourth year as a major sponsor of the
Centenary Rotary’s Brisbane Fun Run/Walk,
donating over $6,500, both financially and
in-kind, to support the Wesley Hospital Kim
Walters Choices Program (Choices).
Choices offers those affected by breast
or gynaecological cancer free access to a
network of professionals and volunteers who
provide advice on anything from cancer
treatment to wig-fitting.
The Downer Mining spirit was alive and
well on the day, with a team of 81 employees
and family members taking part in either the
10-kilometre run or 5-kilometre walk.
he arrival of a new coffee machine woke up our Goonyella Riverside team to an
excellent opportunity to help others. They had the ‘free’ machine converted to
one that would take coins and now every time someone needs a caffeine hit, they are
helping a good cause.
The coffee machine initiative has been raising up to $1,000 a month, and some
of the charities to benefit so far have been Movember ($2,500),
Wayne Leonard’s Motorcycle Muster – Far North QLD Hospital
Foundation ($1,500)
and Point View Surf
Life Saving Club ($500).
Plant Administrator,
Emma McKenzie, buys
a drink and donates
to charity.
Mining Matters April–June 2012
11
The Redmont crew get behind a great cause.
Purple Bra Day June 22, 2012 at Redmont Quarry 8
By Pamela Baldrey
have always wanted to take part in this fun
way of fundraising for breast cancer, so I was
pleased when the site agreed to register our
crew online with Breast Cancer Care WA, with
an initial goal of $500.
I approached the ESS staff at Redmont to
donate cupcakes for a ‘gold coin donation’
morning tea. The Downer Mining girls sold the
I
cupcakes out on site and around the camp during
the lunch hour for donations while wearing our
purple bras! Many double looks and smiles, but
everyone was so willing to donate. We raised $317
just from donations for the cupcakes.
As well as the morning tea, everyone on
site got behind the initiative. We raised an
overwhelming total of $1,726, well and truly
surpassing our initial goal of $500. BHP Billiton
even decided to get involved, matching the
amount we raised at the Redmont camp during
the lunch hour. With their donation of $317, the
grand total raised was $2,043.
Breast Cancer Care WA is an amazing
organisation that raises funds to support
everyone who is affected by breast cancer in
WA. All their information can be found on
their website: www.breastcancer.org.au
Renelle Carter rides high at
national championships
By Stephen Vaughan
orwich Park operator Renelle Carter celebrated a massive win at the
Australian Trick Horse Riding Championships held in Sydney.
She was crowned Overall Champion following wins in both the Compulsory
and Freestyle sections where she performed tricks that less than a handful of
contestants had ever performed.
The competition was topped off with a fairy tale ending for Renelle, who
took home the saddle she used on her wedding day as first prize.
“I’ve been riding since I could walk and have been on the trick riding scene
for the past six years,” Renelle said.
“My aim is to make an appearance or two in Hollywood.”
Renelle put on an award-winning performance at the Australian Trick Horse
Riding Championships.
Level 7 SW1, 104 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101
PO Box 8221, Woolloongabba QLD 4102
T: +61 7 3026 6666 E: [email protected]
www.downergroup.com
12
Mining Matters April–June 2012
Mel. S
N