OUT of the mine whether it’s rain, hail or shine, workers from around the area will gather in Singleton on October 13 for the A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Competition.
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The event is held annually to raise money for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS), and exclusively features miners who get the chance to show off their skills, or lack there of.
Having raised an incredible amount of money since it’s inception, organisers are hoping to at least match the $80,000 they made last year, which would take their total over the last 5 years to just less than $300,000.
Speaking in terms of what that means for the service, it takes approximately $4500 per hour for the chopper to run, meaning they have produced enough funds to help save almost 70 lives.
Part of the reason for the increase is the additional number of teams, with the event going from 6 to 18 squads, including 2 women’s sides.
Community Liaison Officer for the WRHS, Danny Eather, said the inclusion of the ‘Women in Mining’ series has only made the competition stronger, and is a great initiative.
“They’re fiery, vocal and have as much talent and skill as the boys so it’s definitely a highlight of the whole day, so we’re really looking forward to the girls coming back again,” he said.
He also mentioned that while the day is full of fun and laughs, there are a number of players who dig deep once they cross the white line.
“There’s a few that never made it at the top grade so they take it really seriously, seeing the way they handle selections is priceless,” said Mr Eather.
As much as people love the football, he was quick to emphasise the focus of the day, which is the WRHS.
“It’s something that everyone knows is there, but they don’t ever want to need the helicopter service, but they’re more than happy to chip in and support an event that supports an icon within the community,” he said.
“I think it’s something that doesn’t discriminate, no one intentionally drives on the road and thinks they’re going to need the helicopter, but when they do it’s there.”
There will be kids entertainment as well as the games, with bouncy castles, slides, and even cranes for children to explore, on top of the food and drinks available.
Mr Eather is hopeful the expected wet weather doesn’t scare people off, and encourages the community to come along and help out an amazing cause.
Gates open at 8 am on Saturday, October 13 with the first match commencing at 8:50, entry is $5 for adults and $2 for children.
