Bush to the Beach … Tahmoor’s bus delivers

Coal mine sponsorship provides free service for community

Back for its second decade, the SIMEC Mining Tahmoor Coking Coal-sponsored free Beach Bus service returned to its Wollondilly routes in Australia during January.

In partnership with Tahmoor Coking Coal, the Wollondilly Shire Council and Picton Bus lines, the Beach Bus travels two routes from Bargo and Warragamba down the New South Wales coast to North Wollongong Beach every Thursday of January.

To see one of our community programs come into its second decade because of our support is wonderful
Peter Vale, Executive General Manager Coal Operation

Aimed at all ages and abilities, the beach bus sports low floor accessibility and stops at 12 locations across the Wollondilly Shire.

The bus is so popular that every seat is generally filled as locals try beat the summer heat with a trip from the bush to the beach.

The GFG Alliance SIMEC Mining coal operation at Tahmoor has made this free service possible through ongoing financial support for the past 11 years.

BEACH BOUND: Liam, Ella and Hugh Fitzgerald on the Tahmoor Coking Coal-sponsored Beach Bus

Peter Vale, Executive General Manager Coal Operations at Tahmoor, said entering the second decade of partnership to support the local community symbolises Tahmoor Coking Coal’s continuous community efforts.

“Tahmoor Coal is here for the community,” Peter said.

“To see one of our community programs come into its second decade because of our support is wonderful.

“It’s a safe and reliable way for our local kids, or anyone, to get down to the beach and have some fun over summer.

“We hope to see it continue for as long as the community needs it.”

The buses have run at capacity during the recent January school holidays, transporting more than 500 Wollondilly residents to and from the beach. Since its inception in 2014, more than 2500 community members have used the free service.

MAIN IMAGE: Tahmoor Coking Coal Executive General Manager Peter Vale, Graduate Communications Tamara Robertson and Environment and Community Manager Zina Ainsworth catch the last Beach Bus for 2024.