When you think about the people who rely on the coal mining industry, you think about coal miners. But what about all the other people? The people who make your coffee, service your car or cut your hair. Heck, even the people who advise you on how to spend your money! That’s what Coal Australia wants to tell everyone, that coal is more than just the people it directly employs.

Tom Moore is a Financial Advisor at Archer Private Wealth based in Newcastle. He is a strong believer in the positive future of the coal mining industry so he’s doing his part to spread Coal Australia’s message that coal is vital to our way of life, and our future whether you work in the industry or out of it.

“The business was founded over 30 years ago in Singleton, so we have a long history of working with the mining sector.

“I’m a corporate benefits specialist as well as a financial advisor. In the corporate benefits space, we build and implement large group life insurance and income protection policies for mining companies. These policies are designed to protect their people if the unforeseen happens and they suffer a serious medical incident or injury that prevents them from working for an extended period of time.

“We have set up these plans for several large mining companies in the Hunter Valley and in Queensland.

“Life insurance isn’t the sexiest thing to talk about and a lot of people are too quick to put it in the too hard basket.

“The best insurance policy is the one you never have to claim on, but it provides peace of mind knowing you’ll be able to keep food on the table and a roof over your families’ head if the unthinkable was to happen,” said Tom.

The coal community is tight knit, and that closeness is always on display when a member of that community is dealt a poor hand.

“The coal community is always quick to step in and help where they can so this is another way companies can protect people in their industry to provide that support when they really need it.

“These companies are out there keeping a large workforce employed and paying the excellent salaries that they do so our job is to protect those salaries if things don’t go as planned.

“It’s crucial for the prosperity of our region and the nation that the coal industry continues.

“We were fortunate to attend a local mining conference recently and I came away really bullish about the outlook for coal. The world’s energy needs are only increasing, and clean Australian coal will continue to be a key component of the global energy mix.

“If coal disappeared overnight, how far Newcastle has come in terms of development over the last decade or two, none of that would’ve happened without the coal industry.

“I was told recently that the mining industry contributes more to the government coffers from company tax and royalties than what is spent on Medicare each year. We wouldn’t be able to afford this world-class health system without mining – it’s that simple.

“It’s incredibly important that the broader community understands how important coal is. Coal Australia are doing an incredible job acting as the voice for all who benefit from the industry, and everyone who wants to see the continued prosperity of the industry should sign up to show their support. The more members they have, the more powerful their voice becomes.”

Tom’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