They were bitter rivals on the field, and here’s not much that former Queensland representative Sam Thaiday and New South Wales hooker Danny Buderus can agree on when it comes to footy.
Off the field though, they have found common ground. The former footy legends are wholeheartedly throwing their support behinda new mining advocacy body, Jobs for Mining Communities (JMC), launched to champion the significant contribution mining communities make to our nation.
JMC Founder and Managing Director Grant Wechsel is the force behind the new venture, launching a campaign to promote mining’s role in powering Australia’s industrial strength and economic prosperity, supporting tens of thousands of high paid jobs, billions of dollars in contracting opportunities and funding for grassroots community groups – from local rugby league competitions, to daycare centres and health services.
It’s a clear message, and one that Wechsel will be championing throughout Australia in the coming months. JMC provides a new platform to promote the interests of those living in mining communities by advocating for job creation,economic development and investment in amenity.
JMC’s mission is to boost mining regions such as Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Townsville and the broader Bowen Basin
in Queensland, as well as the Hunter Valley in New South Wales through job creation, promoting the significant contribution these regions make to our national prosperity, and instilling pride in the workers and communities who drive our mining industry.
Wechsel is well placed to be a voice on the issue. His mining services companies employ over 600 coal miners in Queensland alone, and he operates businesses such as Black Rock Accommodation Group, supplying accommodation and meal services in mining towns.
“I’ve been involved in the mining industry for over 20 years,” he said. “I’m passionate about our industry and the benefits it provides
to our economy, especially around jobs. “Across the industry, we know how important what we do is to our country and the significant contribution our work makes to funding schools, hospitals and critical infrastructure. We also know the indirect impact our work has on supporting jobs in small local businesses like pubs, hairdressers, supermarkets, car dealerships and cafes, because if we’re not here, then they won’t be either.
“What’s important for us is that the broader public understands this and realises that without mining jobs, many of our major regional centres would be severely impacted, and our smaller mining communities simply wouldn’t exist.
“Our aim is to promote our industry, support workers and their families, and continue to create jobs. If we do that well, there are great opportunities, jobs and a bright future for generations to come. “If I can get Thaiday and Buderus to agree on that, I’m confident we can get the rest of the country on board too!”
Rugby league legend Darren Lockyer, Wechsel’s long term business partner, will advise the JMC Board, with Sam Thaiday and Danny Buderus kicking off JMC’s initial advertising campaign.
Wechsel reasons that rugby league is a big part of the community in most towns in Queensland and New South Wales, just like mining.
“Mining communities are rugby league heartland and while we’re used to cheering on our favourite teams and players, it’s fantastic to see the players cheering on our industry,” he said.
“It’s exciting to have Sam who grew up in Townsville, and Danny from Newcastle – both great mining communities – on board with us.
“We’re also looking forward to welcoming a number of current NRL players who grew up in or played junior rugby league in mining communities to join us over the coming weeks.”
For more information visit www.jobsformining.com.au
