After multiple delays due to COVID and wet weather it was fantastic to see the return of the A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Charity Rugby League Day at Singleton’s Pirtek Park last month.

With 11 men’s teams participated on the day with eventual Men’s Champions, Mount Arthur Meerkats defeating Bengalla Badgers 22-14 in the final. In the Coxons Women’s in Mining Series the Champions on the day were the Hunter Hawkettes, who defeated the Valley Vixens 2-1 in a hard fought series.

Undeniably the biggest winner from the return was the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, with an incredible $100,000 raised, bring total funds raised during the past six years of this event to a total of $512,000.

Event Coordinator and Regional Partnerships Officer for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Danny Eather said he is just astounded by the continued support from community in supporting this event after a hiatus.

“We knew that following multiple postponement due to COVID and wet weather, that anticipation amongst our local miners was high and everyone was looking forward to get back together to support the cause however never did we imagine that the return event would see $100,000 raised, this is just testament to the support the community and for that we are so grateful” 

“Sometimes you question whether the support for an event will dwindle following a larger absence from the calendar, however this is not the case. With strong spectator numbers, participants and sponsors, all in is a reflection of the hard work our team of committed volunteers that have gone to in order grow this event year on year.” Mr Eather said.

More than 90 local businesses supported the teams to help their fundraising targets with major support from naming partner A-Plus Contracting & Poly Welding and event partners Australiasian Mining Service, Coxons, Tyre Doctor, Mine Super, Pirtek, Slater & Gordon, Jennings Print, Mader New South Wales, NSW Mining, Yancoal, Hunter Valley Operations, All-Pro, Bower's Heavy Haulage, Oiltest, Coal Services Mines Rescue, Walton Mine Services, Kennards, Invent Air, At The Coalface, Rotary Club of Singleton, Lions Club of Singleton and host venue Singleton United Rugby League Club.

The Hunter Valley community, and in particular the mining sector, are well aware of vital work that the Rescue Helicopter undertakes within our region, so to receive this support is amazing and highlights the passion the community has in ensuring that the Rescue Helicopters are available 24-7 to save local lives.

​Coal miners throughout the Hunter Valley and beyond have had to wait over two long years for the return of the traditional battle of the mines in the annual A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Day in support of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
 
Each year the event continues to grow in popularity and despite multiple postponements due to pandemic restrictions and adverse weather conditions all roads will lead to Pirtek Park Singleton on Saturday, September 17 for what will be a return to normality.
 
The day will see 13 men’s teams and two women’s teams battling it out for bragging rights and the converted Charity Shield. All teams will compete in a 10’s format competition with 10 players on the field playing 10-minute halves. Each men’s team will play a minimum of two games before the highest points scorer in each pool will advance through to a sudden death semi-final, before the winner of each semi competes in the Grand Final. Whilst the women’s will battle it out in a best of three series as part of the Women in Mining Championship.
 
Whilst the focus of the day will be on the action happening on the field, the importance of the day is not lost on the players or spectators with $120,000 raised at the last event in October 2019 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. Event Manager and the Rescue Helicopter Service’s Regional Partnerships Officer, Danny Eather believes that despite the multiple postponements that the day is still going to be a resounding success given the continued support of participants, event partners and sponsors.
 
“I like many was disappointed that we had to postpone the event multiple times during these past two years, for the right reasons of course, how since announcing the return of the event back to the calendar the anticipation has been building. I am so looking forward to stand on the hill at Pirtek Park seeing a full field of participants and spectators.” said Mr Eather 
 
“The continued support we have received from the players, our sponsors and the wider community has been heartening and I guess that is why the event has grown to become the highlight of the local events calendar. This event offers something for everyone and ultimately celebrate the community’s love of rugby league, local miners and the vital lifesaving work undertaken by their Rescue Helicopter.”

Westpac Rescue Helicopter CEO Richard Jones OAM echoed Mr Eather’s sentiments about the event.
 
“The rugby league community and mining industry have always been great supporters of the Service. This event brings both groups together in a unique competition in support of the Rescue Helicopter and we greatly appreciate the ongoing support of sponsors, players and spectators,’ Jones said. “Personally, I cannot thank the community enough, not only for their support but also their understanding during the challenging times we have navigated during the past two years.”

All the action of the day will commence from 9am with the first of pool games kicking off, with the finals expected to get underway at 4pm. Off the field there will be children’s activities, giveaways and additional fundraise by way of raffles. 

Entry is just $10 per person with those 16 years and under free of charge. Prepurchase of tickets via the website is strongly encouraged to reduce congestion at entry. Tickets can be purchased at www.charityrugbyleagueday.com.au/tickets 
 
This event would not be possible without the continued support of event partners A-Plus Contracting, Australian Mine Services, Jennings Print, Mine Super, Pirtek, Slater & Gordon, Tyre Doctor, All-Pro, Hunter Valley Operations, NSW Mining, Mader NSW, Yancoal, Bowers Heavy Haulage, Coal Services, Oiltest Walton Mining Services, Harvey Norman, At The Coalface and Singleton Rugby League Club

Watch the 2022 Competition Draw being conducted below.

Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, it is with great disappointment that we have taken the difficult but necessary decision to postpone the A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Day that was to be held on Saturday 19 March 2022.
​
While it is deeply disappointing to have to postpone our flagship fundraising event in the Upper Hunter event for a third time, the Rescue Helicopter Service prides itself on delivering amazing event experiences, and the wellbeing of our supporters, volunteers, staff, and the wider community is paramount. Rescheduling the event for later in the is the most responsible action we can take given the current circumstances.

The new date will be Saturday 17 September 2022, which is an earlier time to our traditional October month due to availability of Pirtek Park, given the upcoming construction works of the new clubhouse and amenities.

The support we have received for this event over the past 7 years has been incredible, and the ongoing support is crucial in helping keep our helicopter crews across Newcastle, Tamworth and Lismore to be ready to respond 24-7.

All player registrations will be simply moved across to the new date, along with all sponsor benefits being delivered up at this time. Those individuals that had pre-purchased entry tickets will have their money refunded via the Sticky Tickets platform within the next 7 days, with ticket sale reopening a closer date to the new event date.

Once again thank you to everyone for your support and understanding, and hope you can all come and join us this September.