A white HitachiEH5000 mining haul truck is right now circling the pit at Bengalla Mining Company encouraging workers to make positive connections and speak openly about their mental health.
Mining manufacturing company Bradken partnered with Bengalla to refurbish and custom paint the haul truck to support local organisation ‘Where There’s A Will’ (WTAW).
The haul truck was officially unveiled at Bengalla in June with representatives from the mine, Bradken and WTAW including the organisation’s founder Pauline Carrigan.
WTAW was established in 2016 by Pauline, after she lost her son Will to suicide. The charity’s aim is to equip young people with positive educational skills and create a community that understands the importance of wellbeing.
Bengalla CEO Cam Halfpenny said the relationship between them and WTAW has been a special one for nearly a decade.
“We’ve been part of the community now for 30 years and the way in which Pauline interacts and engages with the community is fantastic.
“It’s the little things like having a conversation that can make a difference. If we can contribute to that then we’re extremely happy.
“We feel blessed to be a part of this community.”
Bengalla and Bradken also handed a $6,000 check over to WTAW from their employees.
Darryl Pyne, Bradken’s Mining and Sugar Services Manager for NSW and QLD said they have supported 30 community organisations where they live and work.
“At Bradken we have a long commitment to innovation and excellence in engineering, manufacturing solutions in partnership with our mining customers. Beyond our business achievements we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back.
“We are thrilled to team up with Bengalla to support WTAW. Mental health is something that affects us all and this truck will serve as an ongoing reminder of the help that is available.
“The mining and manufacturing industries, like many others, have their unique challenges including high pressure environments and demanding schedules that can take a toll on mental health and wellbeing.
“I love knowing we are looking after our young people to build an optimistic and resilient community.”
Pauline said she can’t thank Bengalla and Bradken enough.
“It’s been hard for us to get guaranteed funding to keep staff on and keep projects going, so to have this relationship with Bengalla is priceless.
“They’ve paid for teen mental health first aid across all of Year 8 in the Upper Hunter for the last seven years which is a massive commitment. Bengalla has also funded the training of four youth workers who are employed in the community and are spearheading this project.
“Every time we contribute something, or Bengalla and Bradken contribute something, it is slowly spreading. We are spreading a plan that has been lacking.”
Meg Southcombe is one of WTAW’s ambassadors and said the Upper Hunter is full of opportunities to make connections.
“The University of Melbourne and Mates in Mining conducted a study on the impact of suicide in the Australian mining industry. The results from this research indicted 287 males and 13 females took their own lives between 2001 and 2019.
“This tray is a symbol of the ongoing support WTAW and Bengalla share. The tray is so much more than that though, it is to spark connection and conversation within the pit. So, people in this pit can have that conversation and make that connection with those around them.
“With this tray circulating the pit, you will always know that someone here at Bengalla is educated and knows about mental health and wellbeing,” she said.
