Local kids, and others in regional communities doing it tough this year, will receive a bit of Christmas joy from toys built by Hunter Valley Operations’ (HVO) workers.
Singleton Family Support is the first organisation to benefit from some of the more than 200 billy carts, kitchenettes and animal nesting boxes that the mine’s 1,200-strong workforce built at training days last month.
HVO staff delivered the items on Friday so they could be handed out to people attending the organisation’s picnic.
The remainder of the carts and kitchenettes will be delivered to Samaritans to hand out at its Christmas lunch and to The Salvation Army for its flood relief in Forbes and Parkes.
A nesting box has been delivered to Singleton Community Garden and the remainder to Hunter Wildlife Rescue for installation across the Upper Hunter as well as in Lake Macquarie and at the Shortland Wetlands Centre.
General manger Tony Morris said making the toys and nesting boxes was part of team building exercises that also had a positive community benefit.
“Hopefully, we can brighten people’s Christmas,” he explained.
“It was heart-warming to hear that there were lots of smiles at the Singleton Family Support picnic.
“In Forbes and Parkes, some families have lost everything.
“Helping native birds and wildlife to nest and breed safely is an important way we can increase local populations.”
Mr Morris said teamwork was vital in mining.
Making the toys and boxes was designed to reinforce HVO’s culture and underpinning values.
“To come together with people you don’t always work with to achieve an outcome in a short timeframe is challenging,” he said.
“Today is about thinking sharp, digging in and caring for others.”
The training days allowed Mr Morris and his team to provide all staff with a business update.
“We’re making some significant and exciting investments in technology and equipment,” he said.
“The sessions are about bringing the team together to celebrate their achievements.
“They’re also about laying the foundation for the future and bringing our staff on the journey with us.”
About 300 employees attended each of the four sessions at the Singleton Civic Centre.
For more community stories:
- Small Cessnock school receives big community boost
- Christmas comes early for Hunter-based charities
- Four-legged friend to change life of Newcastle resident
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