New Hope Group’s latest sponsorship announcement means it has donated more than $300,000 to 30 local schools, community groups and sporting teams over the past six months.
Rosalie Shire Historical Society President, Denise Iseppi said New Acland Coal’s donation has reinvigorated plans for this year’s Jacaranda Day.
“Jacaranda Day is the premier community and cultural event on the Goombungee calendar,” Ms Iseppi said.
“New Acland Coal’s support is a huge vote of confidence for the event.
“Jacaranda Day celebrates Goombungee’s proud history and magnificent jacaranda trees which line the main street.
“Jacaranda Day will feature an historic vehicle parade, an outdoor art exhibition, steam engine and machinery displays, face-painting and a local market.”
New Acland Mine General Manager, Dave O’Dwyer said New Hope Group had no hesitation supporting the event, which was cancelled last year.
“Sponsoring and supporting local organisations and events allows us to build stronger and more sustainable communities,” Mr O’Dwyer said.
“More than 90 per cent of the current workforce live within 50 kilometres of New Acland Mine, including at Goombungee. It’s a privilege to support the Rosalie Shire Historical Society who are responsible forJacaranda Day.
“New Acland Coal’s Community Investment Fund aims to support a wide-range of community projects and initiatives in the local area.
“If you’re a local community group, sporting team, charity or school in need of support, like Rosalie Shire Historical Society and Jacaranda Day, please reach out to the team at the New Acland Coal Community Information Centre for an application form.
“Over the past 20 years, New Acland Mine has donated more than $7 million to local community groups and provided in-kind support to hundreds of community activities and events.”
There are now more than 150 employees at New Acland Mine.
At the peak of construction, there will be approximately 600 local workers at New Acland Mine. Throughout the life of the project, the permanent workforce will be approximately 400 full-time roles, made up of Darling Downs locals.
Unlike a lot of other mines in Queensland, New Acland Mine does not engage fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers, with more than 90per cent of the current workforce living within 50 kilometres of the site.
Local workers, contractors and local businesses will benefit to the tune of $1 billion over the life of the New Acland Mine Stage 3 project.
Goombungee’s Jacaranda Day will be held on 1 November 2024