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By Tamara Robertson
From underground to above ground, SIMEC Mining’s Tahmoor Coking Coal workforce has been supporting its local Wollondilly community in New South Wales, Australia.
During Tahmoor Coking Coal’s annual Mine Maintenance Shutdown, 38 members of the mine’s underground staff were out and about in the Wollondilly region to complete projects requested by local organisations.
Eight organisations including Tahmoor Uniting Community Garden, The Oaks Historical Society and Tahmoor Riding for the Disabled Association saw their projects completed over a two-day period in February.
One of the largest projects was the construction of a 30x20m mesh vegetable garden cover including full irrigation at the Tahmoor Uniting Community Garden.
The community garden is a volunteer-run project apart of the Church’s community outreach program which aims to involve Wollondilly locals outside of the church in community programs. The vegetables from the garden are sold at the local church markets every second Saturday of the month. The garden is also open to the public every Monday and Friday to purchase vegetables; any leftovers are donated to Wollondilly Anglican College who use the home-grown veggies to cook meals for those in need or in crisis situations.
Judith Wilson, garden Coordinator, expressed her appreciation for the hard work while explaining what it means for the non-profit organisation.
“It’s been great having the mine here, the work means we can grow our vegetables under the cover without cabbage moth, it’s great,” Judith said.
Graduate Mining Engineer, Abood Alshafee, who assisted at the garden project as well as maintenance at the Dingo Sanctuary in Bargo, enjoyed the experience of giving back to his community.
“It was a good opportunity to give back to our community and connect with the local area more,” Abood said.
“It was nice to see our work have such a positive effect on local organisations.”
Another volunteer, mine operator Daniel D’Aran agreed.
“It’s been great working for the community while the mine is shutdown, it gives us a chance to get out here and help where we can,” Daniel said.
Tahmoor Uniting Church:
Bargo Dingo Sanctuary
Riding for the Disabled Association
NSW Rail Museum
Wollondilly Shire Council Nursery
Wollondilly Pony Club
The Oaks Historical Society/Wollondilly Heritage Centre
Australian Wildlife Sanctuary
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