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First timers crowned champions, record breaking attendance and $85,000 raised for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. It was sweet victory for the Bengalla Badger who were crowned men’s champions in their first competition appearance, the Hunter Hawkettes reigned supreme in the ladies competition and a record setting 2500 spectators attended this year A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Competition at Singleton earlier this month on October 13. Following some ‘serious training’ sessions and a determination to play with the pride for their Bengalla mine site, the Badgers battled it out with the Hunter Valley Operations, United Cobras to the very last minute, securing a try and ultimate victory in a nail biting 18-12 grand final in the men’s decider. Whilst the Hunter Hawkettes were victorious over the Valley Vixens in 3 – 0 game series victory in the second annual ‘Women in Mining’ series. Although, undeniably the biggest winner on the day was the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, with a record breaking $85,000 raised, bring total funds raised during the past five year, just shy of $300,000. Organised by the Singleton Volunteer Support Group for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, this year’s event saw over 350 mining employees come together to make up the 18 teams competing in the rugby league 10’s competition at Pirtek Park. Event Coordinator and Community Liaison Officer for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Danny Eather said he is just astounded by the continued support of the both the business community and the wider community in supporting this event. ‘Being our 5th annual event, we are truly blown away by the continued support of the event, which continues to grow year on year.’ ‘Our team of committed volunteers have worked hard to establish this event to be a highly anticipated event on the local sporting calendar. This was evident in the number of spectators that attended, with over 2500 attendees passing through the gate during the day, which is heart-warming’ Mr Eather said. More than 70 local businesses supported the teams to help their fundraising targets with major sponsorship secured from A-Plus Contracting along with Jennings Print, Pirtek, Mine Super, Slater & Gordon, Matthews Jewellers, NSW Mining, Tyre Doctor, Bowers Haulage, Oiltest, The Eye Place, Hunter Isuzu Utes, SES Labour Solutions and the Imperial Hotel. Coal Services Mines Rescue, Group 21 Rugby League Referees Association, Singleton Rugby League Club and the Singleton Rotary and Lions clubs all provided in-kind support and assistance on the day. ‘The Upper Hunter community, and the mining sector, are well aware of vital work that the Rescue Helicopter undertakes within our region continue to be extremely supportive of fundraising events such as the Rugby League Day to ensure that the rescue helicopter is available free-of-charge 24-7.’ Mr Eather said. One week until annual Charity Rugby League Day kicks off for 5th year. The countdown is well and truly on with just one week until the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service’s – Singleton Support Group hosts the fifth installment of the annual A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Competition, with the event shaping up to be another great success for the community. This past week, representatives of the 18 competition teams including members of the “women in mining” teams gathered to launch the countdown to the charity competition as well as deciding upon the all-important pools draw for the competition. The opening match of the day will see the Glendell Gladiators take on newcomers to the competition the Bengalla Badgers. Several other match are getting many talking with the local industry with the highly anticipated 2017 grand final rematch between the reigning champions Ravensworth Rhinos and the Saxonvale Raiders. As well the debut of two new teams in the Rebel Roos and Integra Tigers. Excitement is also building for the second instalment of the ‘Women in Mining’ series, which will see two ladies teams going head to head in a best of three series. The talent and skills of the ladies displayed last year was incredible and will not disappoint this year. Community Liaison Officer for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Danny Eather, thanked the local miners in attendance for taking up the challenge and participating in the annual event to benefit the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. “We are extremely grateful for the continued support our local miners. The willingness of our local miners swap their steel caps boots for footy boots in the name of charity is unbelievable.” “Whilst bragging rights are on the line for all teams, the serious business of the day is to raise funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. The Service is vital to this region and we are extremely grateful for the continued support we receive from our local community, who ensure that the Rescue Helicopter can continue to fly 24-7 as a free service.” Mr Eather also acknowledge the support of the many event partners and sponsors whom has been critical to continued success of the event. “Special mention has to be given to long term naming partner A-Plus Contracting along with Jennings Print, Pirtek, Mine Super, Slater & Gordon, Jennings Print, Matthews Jewellers, NSW Mining, Tyre Doctor, Bower Haulage, Oiltest, The Eye Place, Hunter Isuzu Utes and SES Labour Solutions in supporting this year. All of whom go beyond the financial investment and really get behind the day” said Mr Eather Gates at Pirtek Park, Singleton will open on October 13th at 8.00am with the first game kicking off at 8.50am. Entry to the event is $5 per adult and $2 per child with FREE children’s activities including jumping castles, slides, face painting, hands on community displays. Plenty of food will be available along with full bar facilities.  Representatives from each of the 18 participating teams where on hand this afternoon at the Imperial Hotel, Singleton for the official competition pools draw of the A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Knockout Competition. Once again, we’re fortunate to have another 16 men’s teams participating and representing their respective mines of Austar, Ashton, Glendell, Hunter Valley Operations, Maules Creek, Mount Arthur, Mount Owen, Mount Thorley Warkworth, Ravensworth, Bulga, Wambo and Werris Creek, including two newly formed teams from Bengalla and Integra mines. We also welcome back our ‘Women in Mining’ series which made a strong debut last year and we look forward to watching two teams of our local female miners ready to battle it out in three highly anticipated games. Whilst bragging rights are on the line for all teams, the serious business of the day is to raise funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. The Rescue Helicopter is vital to this region and we are extremely grateful for the outstanding support we receive from our local community, who help us to ensure that the Rescue Helicopter can continue to fly 24-7 as a free service. Click to enlarfe
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