Coal Australia’s purpose is to promote the significant and positive contribution of the Australian coal industry and to provide a voice for its people. People like Lachlan May, CHPP Superintendent at Whitehaven’s Maules Creek Coal Mine.

Raised as a coal miner’s son, Lachlan was destined to work in the coal mining industry.

“When I was a four year old I knew from the moment I stood next to the tracks of a D10 bulldozer at Ulan CHPP that that was what I wanted to do,” he shared.

“I went to school and university knowing I wanted to be in this industry and now that I am working in it I love coming in every day and working alongside passionate and enthusiastic people.

“Washeries are a very close knit bunch. It is great to witness the team around me drive my expectations and I get a laugh most days when I see and hear my mannerisms come out in conversations. Who would’ve thought an electrician would care so much about coal quality!”

Lachlan said the time is right for the industry to come together to advocate on these issues and it’s great to have Coal Australia step up and provide a platform.

“Coal Australia has reinvigorated our industries voice. To see 10,000 people sign up in a matter of weeks is truly inspirational and a credit to the leadership team.

“Coal mining businesses and families are passionate people and we underestimate how influential this can be when promoting our industry. Coal Australia is important as it will help deliver this passion.”

But it is also up to all of us to be advocates and Lachlan does this by immersing himself in coal conversations whenever the opportunity arises.

“I love educating as many people as possible about our industry, from school kids and teachers to farmers. When they learn about the work we do, the approach we have to safe and sustainable mining and the statistics that come with it, they are always impressed.

“Although we know that coal mining has an impact, we also know that it is vital for Australia, not only the economy but to the people also.

“This industry affords my wife Lauren and I and our two boys, Theo (9) and Banjo (6), a wonderful lifestyle. We all acknowledge that the role comes with a certain workload and responsibility, however we try and balance this as best as possible. 

“Coal mining also makes a sizeable and noticeable contribution to our communities, as well as the state and national economies. This must remain to support future energy transitions, and we need to lead this front.

“My local community has benefited so much from the coal industry and supporters like Whitehaven Coal. They have ensured that their strong contributions are embedded on so many levels. I am fortunate enough to be the Club President of the Gunnedah Soccer Club with over 600 registered members and a large portion of sponsorship came from the coal industry. This not only benefits the club but also the players, family and community.

“From a very young age I have been proud of being a part of Australia’s coal industry, an industry that allows so many of us to achieve our dreams.

“I encourage everyone to sign up to Coal Australia and help ensure its future so that the next generations will also be able to achieve their dreams.”

Lachlan’s story isn’t unusual, it’s a story that we hear from so many people living in coal mining communities right across Australia. Reach out if you want to share your story or join the coal community and help forge Australia’s future at www.coalaustralia.com