Collie community is Premier Coal’s number one

Car racing enthusiasts in Collie, WA, will be able to hear all the speedway action loud and clear this 2023/2024 season, from October to April, thanks to a $4,900 donation from Premier Coal.

This comes a month after the coal miner opened its gates for employees, managed contractors and their families to get an up-close experience of being on the mine as part of its Family Fun Days.

New audio system & technical upgrade

The $4,900 funding will enable the installation and purchase of a full-range sound solution including microphones, antennas, amplifier and the cabling and wiring of a new electronic PA system for Collie Speedway.

Collie Racing Drivers Association president Greg Avins says he is excited about this new audio system.

“We recognised the immediate need to replace out old and broken PA system, which was preventing us from hosting race meeting,” he said.

“The new system has impressive power and sound quality, which means the audience can clearly hear our commentary.

“We can now make event, safety or sponsorship announcements that are clear and audible across the venue.

Collie Speedway has up to 1,500 people entering its doors on a busy race night and with the sporting venue run by volunteers and heavily reliant on community support, Mr Avins says the local community is grateful to Premier Coal for supporting them.

“It’s critical our communication is clear and effective,” Mr Avins said.

“This ensures a better experience for everyone who has come to watch an exciting night of racing.”

Premier Coal operations manager Braedon Gaske says he is happy to help upgrade the speedway.

““The Collie Speedway has a long history in our community and brings people together for a fun, action packed and enjoyable night,” he said.

“Our Community Support Program aims to have a positive impact on the people in our community and we hope with this funding to purchase a new electronic PA system, the event is even more captivating for the crowds.”

The Premier Coal Community Support Program is funded by Yancoal Australia (ASX: YAL), which since 2004, has grown to be one of Australia’s largest coal exporters.

It owns or operates nine producing mines across the country and employs over 4,300 Australians.

Weekend of “opening your mine”

Over 700 people flocked to the Collie Football Ground over a weekend in October to enjoy a range of family activities and tour the Premier Coal site to see where their family members work and what they do every day.

The family fun days kicked off with interactive displays showcasing the suppliers, emergency services with competitions including guessing the weight of a lump of coal.

At the Football Ground, families were treated to face painting, a giant bubble factory, bouncy castles, colouring-in and a kid-sized hand operated digger in a pit of plastic balls.

Families were then able to enjoy a bus tour of the mine with a viewing of Pit 3 mining in action and heavy equipment displays in the workshop.

Mr Gaske says he was delighted to host the family days.

“Our families are so important to us and it’s wonderful to invite them onsite to showcase where we are every day and to put on an event to enjoy some fun activities, giveaways and tasty food and treats in a safe environment offsite,” he said.

“These types of events provide a unique experience where we can open the mine and give our families and friends a little snapshot into the operation and to allow workers to share their work career with their family.

“The family days were highly successful thanks to the Premier Coal workers that volunteered their time and our suppliers that supported the event.

“We were overwhelmed with positive feedback and saw lots of smiles on faces which was fantastic.

“We are pleased we could offer a fun experience for our people and those closest to them.”