Former Origin Greats (FOGs) are lining up to help the coal industry restore its place in the community.
They’ve joined the ‘Jobs for Mining’ team which has been formed to ensure a future for mining communities and help restore the industrys’ reputation.
Former Queensland representative front rower Sam Thaiday and New South Wales hooker Danny Buderus have been enlisted to help champion the significant contribution mining communities make to the country.
State of Origin legend and Queensland five-eighth Darren Lockyer works behind the scenes on the board of directors.
Main image: Paul Fennelly (Jobs for Mining Communities board member), Danny Buderus (FOG), Grant Wechsel (Jobs for Mining Communities MD), Sam Thaiday (FOG) and Darren Lockyer (FOG and Jobs for Mining Communities board member)
JMC founder and managing director, businessman Grant Wechsel, launched the campaign.
It aimed to promote mining’s role in powering Australia’s industrial strength and economic prosperity, supporting jobs, contracting opportunities and funding for grassroots community groups, he said.
JMC provided a new platform to promote the interests of those living in mining communities by advocating for job creation, economic development and investment in amenity, he said.
Target areas include Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Townsville and the broader Bowen Basin in Queensland as well as the Hunter Valley in New South Wales.
Promoting the significant contribution these regions made to national prosperity, and instilling pride in the workers and communities were goals of the campaign, Mr Wechsel said.
“I’ve been involved in the mining industry for over 20 years,” he said. “I’m passionate about our industry and the benefits it provides to our economy, especially around jobs.
“Across the industry, we know how important what we do is to our country and the significant contribution our work makes to funding schools, hospitals and critical infrastructure.
“We also know the indirect impact our work has on supporting jobs in small local businesses like pubs, hairdressers, supermarkets, car dealerships and cafes, because if we’re not here, then they won’t be either.”
The message needed to be spread wider, Mr Wechsel said.
“What’s important for us is that the broader public understands this and realises that without mining jobs, many of our major regional centres would be severely impacted, and our smaller mining communities simply wouldn’t exist,” he said.
“Our aim is to promote our industry, support workers and their families, and continue to create jobs. If we do that well, there are great opportunities, jobs and a bright future for generations to come.
“If I can get Thaiday and Buderus to agree on that, I’m confident we can get the rest of the country on board too.”
Rugby league legend Darren Lockyer, Mr Wechsel’s long-term business partner, will advise the JMC board, with Sam Thaiday and Danny Buderus kicking off JMC’s initial advertising campaign.
Mr Wechsel reasons that rugby league is a big part of the community in most towns in Queensland and New South Wales, just like mining.
“Mining communities are rugby league heartland and while we’re used to cheering on our favourite teams and players, it’s fantastic to see the players cheering on our industry,” he said.
“It’s exciting to have Sam who grew up in Townsville, and Danny from Newcastle – both great mining communities – on board with us.
“We’re also looking forward to welcoming a number of current NRL players who grew up in or played junior rugby league in mining communities to join us over the coming weeks.”
Mr Wechsel is immersed in the industry with mining services companies that employ more than 600 coal miners in Queensland.
He also operates businesses including Black Rock Accommodation Group, supplying accommodation and meal services in mining towns.
Mr Wechsel will be championing the cause throughout Australia in the coming months.