Coal miners throughout the Hunter Valley and beyond have had to wait just under 18 months 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, however like many local events in 2020 this annual event was postponed due to COVID-19 to ensure the health and safe of our community. Whilst we are still experiencing a global health pandemic all steps have been taken to ensure that we can bring back this event at Singleton’s Pirtek Park on March 20
 
The day will still see 16 men’s teams battling it out for bragging rights and the converted Charity Shield. All teams will compete in a 10’s format completion with 10 players on the field playing 10 minute halves. Each 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 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 in October 2019 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. Event Manager and the Rescue Helicopter Service’s Community Liaison Officer, Danny Eather believes that whilst this event will be a little different to past events due to venue capacity limits and Covid-19 precautions the day is still going to be a resounding success.
 
“I like many was disappointed that we had to postpone the event from our original date back in October last year, however it was the most responsible thing for us to do. Whilst the impacts have been felt on the Rescue Helicopter Service  given our inability to host face-to-face events and activities the health and safety of our volunteers, staff, supporters and the wider community has been paramount and our key priority” said Mr Eather 
 
“To see that this event is back on the calendar and that we are now just two weeks out it is very exciting. The support we have received from the players, our sponsors and the wider community since announcing the return of the event has been incredible. Nearly all 500 tickets available to the general public have been pre-purchased and we expect that the sold out sign will be up in the coming days.”
 
“Personally I just cannot thank the community enough not only for their support but also their understanding during the challenging times we are all navigating”
 
All the action of the day will commence from 9am with the first of 16 pool games kicking off with the finals expected to get under way from 3.40pm. Whilst tickets to the event are limited to 500 those that will not be able to attend can enjoy the games by livestream to their devices or from one of the local venues that will be streaming. Simply visit www.charityrugbyleagueday.com.au for the livestream details and to purchase tickets.
 
This event would not be possible without the continued support of event partners A-Plus Contracting, 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
 

​Well it’s definitely been an interesting month for us all with the Covid-19 crisis impacting all of our organisation and us personally as we get use to social distancing, self-isolating and new restrictions on everyday life.

As a Service, here at the Rescue Helicopter we have had to take the steps to postpone a substantial number of fundraising events and activities for the immediate future, specifically; 

• Events – Postponement of face to face fundraising events, with ongoing review that may require more to be cancelled.
• Volunteer Support Groups – Suspension of all face to face Volunteer fundraising .
• Club Housie – Suspension of all housie games in line with the closure of Clubs across NSW, expected 4-6 months.
• Op Shops – Temporary closure of seven (7) shops indefinitely and until we determine it is safe to resume.
• Adoption of Work from Home policies is now indefinitely preventing workplace engagement so important in achieving support through Workplace Giving.

In each case, our position with regard to these activities is presently being reviewed every two weeks.

Whilst it is disappointing for all involved, the safety and well-being of our supporters and staff is paramount and out of precaution and in consultation with our Board, Senior Management Team and NSW Health, we have decided this is the best course of action.

Although for the duration of this health crisis, despite the unique challenges we all may face in the communities where we live, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service will continue to be focused on providing the best in aeromedical support for those most in need 24-7.

With this positivity in mind, we can confirm after consultation of many, that we are progressing with our 7th installment of our annual A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Day to be held once again at Pirtek Park, Singleton on Saturday 17th October. We do stress though, we will continue to monitor the Covid-19 situation and will make announcements accordingly, should it be required.

All previous team managers have been advised today via email that team and player registrations are now open.

For further information or details please contact Danny Eather, Event Coordinator on 0439072077 or danny.eather@rescuhelicopter.com.au

​

Long-time participants crowned first time champions, a record breaking number of team entries and an astonishing $120,000 raised for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
 
It was the sweetest of victory for the 2019 Men’s Champions the Wambo Wolves after finally securing their first win after many finals appearances during the past several years. In our ladies competition, the Valley Vixen battled it and finally claimed a win over rival Hunter Hawkettes at this year’s A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Day, last Saturday in Singleton.
 
Following some ‘serious training’ sessions and a determination to play with the pride for their Wambo mine site, the Wolves battled it out with the reigning champions the Bengalla Badgers, until the final minutes, in a convincing 13 - 8 grand final win. Whilst the Valley Vixens were victorious over the Hunter Hawkettes in a hard fought 2–1 series victory in the third annual ‘Women in Mining’ series.
 
Undeniably the biggest winner on the day was the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, with a record breaking $120,000 raised, bring total funds raised during the past six years of this event to a total of $412,000.
 
Organised by the Singleton Volunteer Support Group for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, this year’s event saw over 450 mining employees come together to make up the 23 teams competing in the rugby league 10’s competition.
 
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.
“We knew that this year was going to be big on the field with 23 teams participating, however we just never anticipated it to be so big off the field with $120,000 to be raised from this single day event”
 
“Sometimes you question whether or not the support for an event will dwindle away, however this is not the case with the Charity Rugby League Day, each year it just seems to get bigger and better. Our team of committed volunteers have worked hard to establish this event to be a highly anticipated event on the local sporting calendar” Mr Eather said.
 
More than 80 local businesses supported the teams to help their fundraising targets with major sponsorship secured from A-Plus Contracting along with Jennings Print, Pirtek, TyreDoctor, Mine Super, Pirtek, Slater & Gordon, Aletek, NSW Mining, Mader NSW Yancoal Mt Thorley Warkworth, Bowers Heavy Haulage, Hunter Valley Operations, Hunter Isuzu Ute, OilTest, Coal Services, Imperial Hotel, ISC, @The Coalface 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 Charity Rugby League Day to ensure that the rescue helicopter is available 24-7.