Bowen Basin communities raise $75K for charity

‘Dig Deep for Charity’ was established by CQMS Razer to help celebrate the delivery of its 150th dragline bucket to BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance’s (BMA) Norwich Park Mine in March 2010.
Hosted by the two companies, the industry and community fundraising event raised an impressive $77,500 for the McGrath Foundation.
CQMS Razer CEO, David Haslett said it was inspiring to see so many people attend the event which included a celebrity cricket match with the Konica Minolta Queensland Fire, industry lunch, live charity auction, celebrity appearances and exclusive photo opportunities with CQMS Razer’s 40 tonne, pink dragline bucket.
“Thanks to the support and generosity of industry and communities from across the region, we are absolutely delighted with this achievement,” he said.
“Despite the wet weather, the turn out on the day was exceptional, demonstrating the true spirit and generosity of our Bowen Basin communities, not to mention the important role they play in supporting our mining industry and the Queensland economy.”
BMA Norwich Park mine manager, Gus Gomes said he was delighted to be a part of the event.
"I thank everyone who joined with us on the day, from the sponsors, the many organisations and individuals who helped raise ‘bucket loads’ of money for such an important charity," he said.
All of the funds raised from the day will go towards the placement of McGrath Breast Care Nurses in rural and regional communities while increasing breast awareness in younger women.
Officially opening the event, Jan Jarratt, Parliamentary Secretary for Employment and Economic Development & Member for Whitsunday commended ‘Dig Deep for Charity’ for celebrating the contribution of Australia’s regional and remote communities to the mining industry.
The highlight of the day was a charity cricket match between the Konica Minolta Queensland Fire Women’s cricket team and the Mackay All Stars who teamed up for the day with Olympic Gold medallists Linda Mackenzie and Tracey Belbin.