Over the past two years, the New Acland Coal Community Investment Fund has gifted more than $156,000 to dozens of local organisations, schools and sporting teams, including the Oakey Men’s Shed.

Established in 2017, the Oakey Men’s Shed, under the watchful eye of president, John Greenhalgh makes and repairs furniture.

“We do everything, and we’re pretty dedicated to tackling anything that comes through the door,” Mr Greenhalgh said.

“I’ve been involved right from the start.

“I lost my wife a number of years ago. If it hadn’t been for the Men’s Shed, I don’t know what I would have done.

“I take work home on the weekends to keep me going. I like to help the public as much as I can.

“Right from the word go, New Acland Coal has been a big supporter of the Men’s Shed, with most of the power tools purchased through grants from the mine.

“It’s terrific, the mine supports the whole community really. I don’t think the Men’s Shed would exist without New Acland Coal’s support.”

New Acland Coal General Manager, Dave O’Dwyer said the mine is proud to support the local community via a wide range of projects, partnerships and in-kind support.

“The New Acland Coal Community Investment Fund supports a wide range of community projects and initiatives in the towns and regions surrounding New Acland Mine,” Mr O’Dwyer said.

“This support allows us to build stronger and more sustainable communities.

“More than 90 per cent of the current workforce live within 50 kilometres of New Acland Mine. It’s an honour to support so may local businesses, sporting teams and schools within the district.”

Local workers, contractors and local businesses will benefit to the tune of $1 billion over the life of the New Acland Coal Stage 3 project.