FUELED UP FAMILY
Jai and Xavier Timmermans grew up immersed in the exhilarating world of motorsport, with parents Sarah and Jake passing down their love of the sport to their sons. “From a young age, the boys were drawn to motorsport,” said Sarah. “For Xav’s 4th birthday, we bought him a CRF50 while holidaying on the Sunshine Coast. […]
TAKING ON THE GREAT WALL MARATHON
On May 18, fifteen participants from Mackay representing Tri-ActiV8 embarked on the challenge of a lifetime at the Great Wall Marathon in China. The team tackled various distances, two participants competed in the 8.5km Fun Run, one in the 21km race, and 12 took on the full 42km marathon. Selena Corness, a volunteer and participant […]
PENTATHLETE EN ROUTE TO PARIS
At just 20 years old, Singleton-born Genevieve Janse van Rensburg is about to achieve her ultimate goal – competing in the Modern Pentathlon at the Paris Olympics. What is the Modern Pentathlon you might be thinking. Well, it consists of four events, fencing, swimming, equestrian (show jumping) and the oneLaser Run (running and shooting). The […]
DESERT DAREDEVILS
The Tatts Finke Desert Race is iconic. It’s Australia’s toughest off-road motorsport event for cars, buggies, trophy trucks, SXS and bikes out of Alice Springs. It’s not just for professionals like Singleton’s Toby Price either, hundreds of bike riders make the trek to the heart of Australia to experience the Finke Desert Race. Toby Morgan […]
LACHLAN HAVING A BALL
Kicking the footy around the local footy fields at Merriwa, Lachlan Walmsley never thought he would be playing in front of thousands of people at Wembley Stadium in the UK winning back-to-back 1895 cup trophies. At 26 years old that’s exactly what he’s done. Lachlan started kicking the football around when he was 4 years […]
BMX TAKES OVER MORANBAH
Moranbah BMX Club’s annual Weekend of Madness Carnival in May saw over 300 riders from all over Queensland descend on Moranbah. However, this event is much more than a BMX competition. Renee Cross, Moranbah BMX Club President, said that the Club has had a few rebuilding years since covid but the record turnout for the […]
RIDING HER WAY TO THE TOP
Emily Howkins, a Central Queensland Ranch Bronc Rider is heading to the US to compete in the WRBC World Finals held on July 20-21 at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. Known for her resilience and determination, Emily has carved out a significant presence in the rodeo world. Taking two months off work dedicated to training, […]
ISABELLA LEAPS TO SUCCESS
At a young age, Isabella Cummins of Mackay has danced her way into the spotlight, securing a prestigious position in the global Irish dancing scene. Daughter of Rebecca and Paul, Isabella’s exceptional talent stems from her early fascination with Irish dance, initially inspired by Emma Wiggle’s performances. “Isabella was just two when she first showed […]
FROM UNDERGROUND TO OVERSEAS
Whitehaven Underground Operator Wade Ryan went from amateur to professional boxer in 2012 and has just competed for the WBO Asia Pacific Super Welter and Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation Super Welter titles in Japan. Wade took on Japanese boxer Takeshi Inoue in the 12-round fight in Tokyo in late March and came away with […]
DIVING INTO MINING
Balancing full-time work and a professional sporting career should be an Olympic sport on its own, but for Maddison Keeney that’s what she’s done since 2021 – and represented Australia at the Olympic Games. Maddison joined mining giant BHP through the Minerals Australia Lift Program while she was preparing for the Olympics in Tokyo in […]
LIVING LIFE ON THE EDGE
Like many sports, cliff diving is an artform. Free falling from up to 27-metres combined with awe-inducing aerobatics. It’s a sport that dates back to the 1700s, and Lake Macquarie’s Rhiannan Iffland is looking to be crowned the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Champion for an eighth consecutive time. When she was little, Rhiannan’s mum […]
STICKING IT TO THE TOP
In the world of sports, where the spotlight often favours those from well-known hubs of talent, Jacob “Boccy” Anderson’s journey from the modest beginnings to the international hockey stage is a narrative of relentless ambition and unwavering dedication. “I picked the sport up at an early age and started making representative teams in primary school,” […]
IT’S A KNOCKOUT
In the heart of the coalfields an extraordinary event brought together the boxing community and showcased talent, determination and sportsmanship. The In-house Open Sparring Night, organised by Dig Deep Boxing in Dysart, emerged from a year of achievements and challenges, including extensive travel across Queensland, participation in national titles in Adelaide, and international representation. Craig […]
A NEED FOR SIDECAR SPEED
Trevor Harvey has worked at Glencore’s Mangoola mine at Muswellbrook for 14 years, but in his spare time he’s just retired after 43 years motorcycle racing. He started at the bottom, pit crewing at races in Sydney when he was a teenager, and working his way up to racing when he was 17 years old […]
HOWZAT!
The Central Queensland (CQ) under-18 cricket team, representing the vast and diverse mining regions of Central Queensland, has clinched a historic victory at the North Queensland Under 18 Zone Championships in Mackay. This achievement highlights the burgeoning cricket talent in the area, drawing players from various towns including Gladstone, Emerald, and Rockhampton. Team Manager Geoff […]
PITT’S PATH TO PACIFIC GAMES
Moranbah’s own Jovyn Pitt recently represented Australia on the international stage, participating in the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands. The former Moranbah State High School Captain and Indigenous Captain is studying Health Science at James Cook University in Townsville. Having stood out for his academic excellence and his compelling application, Jovyn was selected […]
GLENCORE SUPPORTS SPORT
Junior athletes across regional NSW will soon have greater access to skills, equipment and important safety programs thanks to almost $95,000 in collective funding from Glencore’s Junior Sports Development Program (JSDP). Fourteen junior sporting clubs across the state have received JSDP grants of up to $7,500, with the aim of enhancing the sustainability and strength […]
JULES KICKING GOALS
Jules Kirkpatrick only started playing rugby league four years ago, but she’s already made it to the top tier of the sport in NSW. The 20-year-old from Singleton played her first club game with the Muswellbrook Rams and that same year tried out for the under 19s Tarsha Gale Cup side with the Newcastle Knights. […]
SMALL CLUB, BIG HEART
The Mackay Rowing Club might be a small club, but there’s nothing small about its achievements. Mari Simmonds, President of the Mackay Rowing Club and a 15-year enthusiast, embodies the club’s spirit of perseverance and passion. Starting her rowing journey at 52, Mari’s story is a testament to the club’s welcoming ethos. “It’s never too […]
ALL POWER TO MAX
One of Glencore’s Ravensworth Mine’s Open Cut Examiners (OCE) has just lifted nearly a tonne of weight. It wasn’t with a digger though, he used his human strength. Max Jones recently won the Global Powerlifting Committee (GPC) Australian Nationals title and secured an Australian record. The 30-year-old lifted the biggest total in the competition, 925 […]
NIC’S RACING DREAM IS RIGHT ON TRACK
If you were playing racing car video games when you were a kid and never thought you would be able to race around a track at 100km/hr in real life, well you were wrong. Nic Reid from Newcastle is just 13 years old and he is a licenced go-kart racer. “I played Forza Horizon on […]
FOOTY FEVER SWEEPS ISAAC
Former rugby league greats took to the field at Moranbah on October 14, with the Anglo American Australian Legends taking the field against the Vitrinite Moranbah Miners All Stars. 2023 Reserve Grade Coach and All Stars player Mick Curcio said it was a significant event for the local community. “It’s all for the young people […]
A BUCKING GOOD TIME
In a display of talent and grit, Australia’s Youth Rodeo Organisation (YRO) made its presence felt at the recent Mini Bull Riding Championships in Mesquite, Texas. YRO’s participation not only highlighted the growing talent in Australia and New Zealand but also threw light on the unique challenges and aspirations of young rodeo enthusiasts aiming for […]
SENSEI-TIONAL KARATE IN SINGLETON
Shuseki Shihan Natalie Young and Hanshi Bill Young started Kaigan-Kan Karate-Do specialising in Traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate 35 years ago. They set up in Coffs Harbour when they first started the business and have been in the Hunter Valley for the last 14 years. Since then, thousands of karate students of every age and skill […]
A GOOD RUN
About one in five Australians try running at some stage in their life. Running is an appealing exercise because it doesn’t cost a lot to take part and you can run at any time that suits you. One family in Newcastle are promoting the physical and mental health benefits of the sport. Fr Mark Cooper, […]
Clermont Bears Secure Back-to-Back Titles
In an electrifying match against the Dysart Bulls, the Clermont Bears Senior Rugby League emerged victorious with a 42-14 win, maintaining their winning streak. The grand final was held in Dysart on August 26 and was not merely a showdown between two teams, it was an event that brought together communities. @ The Coalface spoke […]
Twirling Superstars
At the heart of the International Baton Twirling Championships held at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England in August, was a group of standout athletes from Mackay’s very own International Dance Affair (IDA). Representing Australia among 1280 competitors from 21 countries, these six athletes displayed talent, determination and grace. IDA’s team was composed of […]
Hard Work Pays Off
Jake Douglas never thought when he was doing CrossFit in his garage in Tamworth 15 years ago that he would own his own gym with hundreds of members and go overseas to compete at the CrossFit Games. Fast forward to now, and that’s exactly what the father of two has done. Jake was introduced to […]
Straight Shooters
Recently @ The Coalface were invited out to shoot with the Hunter Bowmen Field Archery Club. Located at Elderslie, you will not find a more beautiful neck of the woods to put your archery skills to the test. The Hunter Bowmen Field Archery Club is one of nine clubs in the Australian Bowhunters Association Northern […]
Anglo Dives into Dolphin Partnership
The Dolphins NRL team have welcomed Anglo American to the team as its newest Premier Partner from 2024, as well as the club’s official Mining Partner, and a Community Partner. CEO of Anglo American in Australia, Dan van der Westhuizen, said a key driver of the partnership was a strong mutual connection to Central Queensland […]
Clermont Sets Sail
In a historic moment for Clermont, the first-ever Clermont Outback Sailing Regatta embarked on its maiden voyage. Held against the breathtaking backdrop of Theresa Creek Dam, this inaugural event marked a significant milestone in the region’s recreational pursuits. The regatta was a brainchild of the Clermont Community Business Group (CCGB). Partnering with the Theresa Creek […]
Leaving Nothing on the Table
Table tennis has been played in Australia for more than 100 years, and there’s one young woman at Glencore’s Bulga Coal operation who doesn’t just play it for fun in her spare time. Danica Alburo is that talented, she made her debut at the 2023 National Championships in July. Danica started playing table tennis when […]
A Storching Success
Ciara Storch has secured the gold medal at the prestigious Oceania Youth Championships in Samoa. Her victory comes after a challenging journey, proving her mettle as a formidable athlete. For Ciara, winning the gold was a triumph marked by a whirlwind of emotions having endured the loss of her big brother the previous year. However, […]
IT’S ALL UP-TON FROM HERE
Much to many Queensland NRLW fans’ disappointment, Tamika Upton has never regretted her decision to move from Central Queensland to Newcastle to play for the Knights. 26-year-old Tamika played rugby league with the boys at Blackwater Crushers Junior Rugby League Club until she was 12. After that, Tamika played touch football, netball and every other […]
Balancing Act
It often feels like an impossible task to balance life at the best of times, whether you’re working on the lifestyle roster, fly-in fly-out, four-panel or residential. Add into the mix being a professional athlete and it’s a whole other kind of balancing act. Albert Nolan started boxing when he was 14 years old and […]
Buckle Up and Hold On!
In a display of determination and a heartfelt commitment to making a difference, Shitbox Rally Autumn 2023 brought together 250 teams of 500 adventurous individuals from various backgrounds, including the inspiring team from Mt Isa known as Team Sweet Isa. Led by Dan Sweet, a local Mt Isa builder/roofer, and supported by Paul Breed, a […]
High Flyers
The Australian Championships witnessed an extraordinary display of talent and determination as four acrobats from Emerald Gymnastics and Trampoline Club competed in the Level 6 Pair category on May 21, 2023. Amber Collie and Bailee Kemp, along with Ariana Stewart and Ava Firth, showcased their skills at the prestigious event held at Carrara on the […]
Join the Cue Club
Recently, I went along to one of Muswellbrook Snooker & Billiards Club’s Sunday social days, and I have to tell you, I had a ball. Snooker and Billiards are both cue sports with a long and rich history. It is thought billiards was derived from a form of croquet in the 15th century. In comparison, […]
Moranbah Miners Making A Mark
Moranbah Miners Junior Rugby League’s U8 and U9 teams delivered outstanding performances at the Mini Mods program hosted by the North Queensland Cowboys. As a prelude to the Cowboys versus Knights game on April 22, these young athletes showcased their talents and created lasting memories at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. In the Anzac round spirit, […]
Bulls Kicking Goals Across the Ditch
The Singleton Bulls Under-18s Rugby Union side has had a trip to New Zealand they will never forget. Traditionally, the Under-16s Bulls team goes on tour every year but due to COVID last year’s tour was postponed until this year. The idea behind the team tour is to give players a sporting travel opportunity that, […]
Living Life on the Edge
Brett Comiskey is a name synonymous with off-road racing, having visited America over 35 times to compete in various championships. In a recent interview with @ The Coalface, Brett shared his journey from being a motocross and side by side racer in Australia, to becoming a champion in America. Brett’s story is one of hard […]
From Emerald to the World Stage
Emerald’s very own BMX prodigy, Maggie McDougall, has been making waves on the world stage with her impressive performance at the 2022 UCI BMX World Challenge in Nantes, France. Placing 24th in the world, Maggie has become a role model for young athletes everywhere. According to Maggie, her BMX journey started when she was just […]
No Knights Without Mining
With player agreements in place and contracts being signed, the Newcastle Knights NRLW season will soon get underway with the backing of the NSW Minerals Council for a further two seasons. The NSW Minerals Council will sponsor the 2022 NRLW Premiership winners throughout the 2023 season and the next. The Knights NRLW side won last […]
Dig Deep Boxing Club Shines at State Tournament
The Dig Deep Boxing Club, based in Dysart, recently made their presence felt at the Queensland Novice Boxing Titles held in Brisbane. The club sent six of their boxers to compete in the three-day tournament, and five of them emerged victorious, earning gold medals in their respective weight categories. The team comprised of Les-Thomas Edwards […]
Ayrton Risby: One of the Fittest Teens You’ll Ever Meet
The fittest people in the world compete against one another every year at an event called the CrossFit Games. Competitors are put through the toughest tests of strength and endurance to see who is the fittest of them all. CrossFit is a form of high-intensity interval training that involves varied functional movements, strength and endurance. […]
Hard Hitter
Joshua Johnston, an underground operator at Kestrel mine, is making waves with his incredible achievements in various sports and his commitment to giving back to the community. Despite juggling a full-time job, family responsibilities, and community work, Joshua has managed to excel in various sports, including boxing and rugby league. Before becoming an underground operator, […]
Speed Racer
Since he was two years old Simon Bestmann has been around the dust and adrenaline of speedway. His dad was building wings for Formula 500s, Litre Sprints and Sprintcars, and Simon was more than happy to tag along. “Going with him to the track every race meet, on the shoulders, I formed a love of […]
Moranbah Mustangs Basketball – Bouncing into 2023
Young Moranbah basketballers attended a basketball holiday skills clinic in January with newly formed community sporting group Moranbah Mustangs Basketball. Guest Coach Tamsyn Bock from Emerald put the kids aged 5-16 through a range of skill exercises in different court settings as well as fundamental drills in footwork, dribbling, shooting, passing and defence. The clinic […]
Competition is in their Blood
Hunter Valley triplets Ben, Sam and Jake Russell have made memories that will last a lifetime, crossing the finish line at the 2022 World Triathlon Championship Finals together. By day, Ben is a Mechanical Maintainer at Yancoal Australia’s Mount Thorley Warkworth (MTW) mine. He’s had a long career with Yancoal having worked with the company […]
Champion Couple
Wade & Enja Ryan have dedicated themselves to the sport of boxing and have achieved impressive victories through their hard work and determination. Recently I caught up with local boxers Wade & Enja Ryan who both had a lot to share about what it takes to be a professional boxer. I also learnt that it […]
Ryan Racing to Success
Singleton race car driver Ryan Gilroy has ticked a big item off his bucket list, lining up in the front row for a race at Mount Panorama – the home of the Bathurst 1000. The 21-year-old races in the Toyota 86 Series with the Sieders Racing Team. The support race is a platform for talented […]
Heart in the Hunter
Kurt Gidley’s boots have always been firmly planted in the Hunter and his new ventures haven’t changed that. @ The Coalface sat down with the Knights legend to find out what the future holds, including with the Hunter mining industry. “I still remember Dad coming home from work, the smell of diesel and coal on […]
Coalminers Cup
Over 280 kids from nine primary schools across the region gathered for a great day of rugby league competition at the annual Coalminers Cup Carnival in August. The Coalminers Cup, established and sponsored by the Northern Mining and NSW Energy District, is a long-running tradition in Gunnedah now in its 23rd year. The Cup is an […]
Supporting Sport
As a Platinum Partner of the North Queensland Cowboys, Bravus Mining and Resources has been the proud presenting partner of the Adopt-a-School program – the Cowboys’ longest running community program – since 2020. The program was established as a long-term social commitment to North Queensland communities and gives participating schools the opportunity to utilise their […]
Supercar Site
Crews at Glencore’s Rolleston Open Cut operation were stoked to meet Supercar racing legend, Mark ‘Frosty’ Winterbottom on a recent site visit, made possible thanks to their long-term supplier FUCHS Lubricants. Mark spent two days meeting the workforce as he toured the site and learnt about their operations. Although no stranger to powerful machinery, Mark […]
BRIKEN Back Local League
BRIKEN Group have come on board as a Major Sponsor for the Muswellbrook District Rugby League Club, Mini Mods division. Starting in a family garage in Muswellbrook in 2017 with just two employees, BRIKEN Group has grown from two electricians to a team of over 25 with a combined experience of over 30 years in […]
Playing it Safe
Footballers and spectators are safer at Singleton Rugby Club with the purchase of new first aid kits, thanks to a donation from Yancoal Australia’s Mount Thorley Warkworth (MTW) operation. The first aid kits include supplies appropriate for sports injuries including cold packs, bandages, wipes, dressing strips, eye pads, healing cream, gauzes, sports tape, wound dressings, […]
10 Years Together
The NSW Minerals Council and the Newcastle Knights have signed a new agreement for the mining industry to continue as a major sponsor of the NRL club for three more years, with players wearing a special anniversary edition of the now-famous hi-vis mining jersey in 2022 to mark 10 years together. Since 2013 the partnership has highlighted […]
The A Team
At just 13 years of age, athletes Alix O’Bryan and Alice Small are already turning heads in the pool. Local girls Alix and Alice have swum their way to National level competition, diving head first into the Hancock Prospecting Australian Age Swimming Championships held in April. The dream team came home smiling with Alix achieving personal […]
