Whitehaven hosts Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service

Whitehaven Coal recently hosted members of the Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service (TAMS) Board and executive team on visits to its Rocglen rehabilitation site and Vickery operational site in NSW, further strengthening the partnership with the regional health organisation.

TAMS is a leading healthcare provider in the Tamworth region, helping to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people via comprehensive and culturally sensitive services.

The visits followed a presentation by Whitehaven’s Aboriginal community relations team to the TAMS Board, during which the Board expressed an interest in learning more about mining operations and the rehabilitation processes firsthand. The aim was to provide insight into Whitehaven’s commitment to sustainable mining practices and the rehabilitation of mined land.

TAMS chairperson Cath Trindall says it’s good to be able to see mining firsthand so the group can better understand the extensive environmental management work Whitehaven does.

“It was a great day interacting with the staff from Whitehaven and visiting an operational site and a rehab site,” she said.

Whitehaven Aboriginal community relations senior manager Bob Sutherland, says the TAMS Board and executive were appreciative of the insight they were able to gain, especially in the area of mine rehabilitation.

“Progressive rehabilitation is an integral part of the life cycle of our mines as we transition land from its temporary use for mining and return it to its post-mining use,” he said.

“Our rehabilitation activities aim to ensure the resulting final landform is safe, stable and meets land function that is consistent with the surrounding landscape or improves on it.

“We look forward to continuing to inform Aboriginal groups in the region about Whitehaven’s important work in this space.”

Whitehaven remains committed to developing strong relationships with TAMS and other Aboriginal groups in the region. The partnership aims to deliver mutual benefits and support initiatives that enhance opportunities for Aboriginal people.

Whitehaven’s commitment to supporting Indigenous communities, businesses and services is formalised through the company’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which includes ambitious but realistic targets that Whitehaven continues to make steady progress towards.