Maitland mine workers will swap hard hats for headgear in three months time for the second annual Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Knockout Competition.

They will be part of the 14 teams ­contesting the 2015 Charity Shield at Singleton’s Pirtek Park on October 10. 

Open-cut mines Drayton, Glendell, Mount Owen, Hunter Valley Operations, Mount Thorley Warkworth, Ravensworth, Bulga, Mount Arthur, Rixs Creek, Lidell and Bengalla will be in the mix.

Underground mines Ashton and Austar will participate. 

Last year’s inaugural event raised $20,000 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, which will make a special guest appearance in 2015 to celebrate 40 years of service in the Hunter.

Off-field entertainment will also be ­provided for children with jumping castles, slides, face painting and a craft stall.

Event manager Danny Eather said he was pleased with the response of sponsors in ­difficult economic times.

“It has been well documented that many of our local businesses have faced challenging times during the past 12 months, so it is extremely humbling that so many have jumped at the opportunity to sponsor the 14 teams,” he said

By Josh Callinan, The Maitland Mercury - http://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/story/3210744/charity-comp-celebrates-leagues-mining-links/

In less than three months, 240 local coal mining employees will swap their hi-vis uniforms for football jerseys, shorts and boots for the second annual A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Knockout Competition to support the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

Hosted at Pirtek Park (Singleton) on Saturday 10 October, 14 teams comprising of employees from both local open-cut mines of Drayton, Glendell, Mount Owen, Hunter Valley Operations, Mount Thorley Warkworth, Ravensworth, Bulga, Mount Arthur, Rix’s Creek, Liddell, Bengalla along with underground mines of Ashton and Austar, will compete to be crowned 2015 Charity Shield Champions.

Danny Eather, Event Manager and Secretary of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service - Singleton Support Group believes the success of last year’s inaugural event is not only measured by the $20,000 raised but through the support that has received in continuing the event again from local miners wishing to participate but also from the Hunter Valley business community wishing to financial support the event. 

“It has been well documented that many of our local businesses have faced challenging times during the past 12 months, so it is extremely humbling that so many have jumped at the opportunity to sponsor the 14 teams. In particular, I would like to acknowledge the great support of our naming rights partner A-Plus Contracting & Poly Welding, along with fellow event partners Pirtek, Vital Insurance, Workpac, CAN Graphic Design and Jennings Print ” Mr Eather said.

Apart from what is sure to be ‘state of origin’ worthy rugby league there will be plenty of entertainment off the field for children with jumping castles, slides, face painting and a craft stall - all free of charge thanks to our event partners. As well the Westpac Rescue Helicopter will be making a special guest appearance on the day to celebrate the 40 years of Service to the Hunter Valley community.

The aim of the day is to provide an all-inclusive event that can unite the entire Hunter Valley community, through the love of rugby league whilst raising funds and awareness for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

Gates open at 8.00am with the first game kicking off at 9.00am, with food stalls and bar facilities available throughout the day. Entry Fee to the event is $5 per vehicle parking onsite or $2 per person.