17 September 2015

Go the Roos!

Whitehaven Coal is proudly supporting the north west NSW region’s newest junior rugby league stars – the Gomeroi Roos.

The mining company is sponsoring the newly created under 15 boys side as they travel to Dubbo next month aiming to win the NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knock Out.

The boys will take on teams from other indigenous communities from across the state at Caltex Oval between Friday 2 October and Monday 5 October, under the watchful eye of coaches Michael Long and Brian Draper.

Michael Long said: “The boys have been training twice a week in Gunnedah in preparation and are looking forward to the tournament. We are a new team and it will be fantastic to go to Dubbo and represent our area in what is a prestigious tournament. Whitehaven’s sponsorship of the Gomeroi Roos gives the opportunity for young Aboriginal boys to participate and enjoy this important rugby league event.”

Brian Draper said: “The football is hard and fast and there are usually many current and past Aboriginal NRL players in attendance. It should be a great occasion for the boys to show off their talents.”

The Roos have been training twice a week in preparation for the competition  and were supported at the launch of their new Whitehaven-sponsored kit by former St George Dragons star Nathan Blacklock, who now works for Whitehaven as an operator at the company’s new Maules Creek mine. Joining in the practice session in Gunnedah was Paul Flynn, CEO and Managing Director of Whitehaven Coal.

Paul Flynn said: “Whitehaven’s commitment to supporting the local Indigenous community not only includes long-term training and employment opportunities to local Aboriginal people, but also addressing disadvantage and dislocation, and sport plays a role in doing that. We are delighted to sponsor the Gomeroi Roos and wish them all the very best for the NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knock Out.”

Whitehaven’s sponsorship of the Gomeroi Roos follows the recent launch of the company’s first Reconciliation Action Plan, The Innovate RAP focuses on practical and meaningful efforts Whitehaven will undertake to address issues affecting local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

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