An intergenerational initiative involving student volunteers and community working together to improve access to health and wellbeing services in the Central Queensland rural mining community of Moura have had a busy few months’ preparing to host Anglo American’s 2024 Wellbeing Expo. 

Dawson Mine General Manager, Dan Illiffe, said Anglo American was pleased to be partnering again with Moura Multi-Purpose Health Service (MPHS) Auxiliary to deliver the Wellbeing Expo for a second year on February 24.

“Feedback from evaluation of the inaugural Wellbeing Expo in 2022 demonstrated overwhelming support from community for this type of event that brings services to the doorstep of residents,” Dan said.

President of the Moura MPHS Auxiliary, Nancy Rowe said the organising team was grateful to have students from Moura State High School (MSHS) volunteering at the 2024 Anglo American Wellbeing Expo.

“The students have been part of an intergenerational mentoring program during 2023 supporting seniors in the community to improve their skills using digital devices such as smartphones and computers,” Nancy said.

“In 2024 these student volunteers will be led by School Captains, Ava Haine and Scout Dickson, both recently returned from scholarships in Japan, to help out in a number of roles at the expo.”

Scout said: “Our student volunteers are looking forward to meeting other exhibitors and volunteers to gain firsthand experience communicating with the public, organising displays, delivering community events and networking.”

Ava added: “Leading up to the Wellbeing Expo we will be helping with promotion online with social media as well as with traditional channels such as posters. Student volunteers will be involved with registrations and evaluation surveying at the event.”

Acting School Principal MSHS, Halena Hall commended the student volunteers stating, “participation in events such as the Anglo American Wellbeing Expo was building capacity in our younger generation to contribute actively in their local community.”

More than 40 exhibitors have registered for the expo including health service providers, medical and rescue teams, businesses, organisations and local groups working in the wellbeing space.

In addition to information and interactive stands there will be prizes and giveaways and plenty of opportunity for attendees to socialise and learn about ways to boost wellbeing.