Day 14 - Moranbah Nebo

GOONYELLA RIVERSIDE AND BROADMEADOWS

Another Monday, another coal mine, but this one was a bit different. Goonyella Riverside, CQO and Broadmeadows combined to host us for a BBQ breakfast, and contributed a whopping $2000 to the RFDS. Megan and Cara organised the whole shebang, and Steve Johnson cooked, and he must have done alright becuase we collected a further $150 from those who made it to the BBQ.

Neil, Tom, Ben Zietsman and Andrew Clough

We had a natter with Ben Zietsman (GYRV) and Andrew Clough (Broadmeadow) - unfortuantely Ben was unable to ride his 1200GS to work that day, which is probably for the best becuase we would have got bike envy, and Tyso would have got leg envy (too short to touch the ground on those hooas). It was an outstanding effort from the Goonside crew and we appreciate everything that was done to make the breakfast a success.

SOUTH WALKER CREEK

After dodging a truck tray on the road near Coppabella, we made it safely to SWC, where Thiess and BMA combined to host us for a BBQ lunch. Yes, we are both struggling to fit into our strides. Neil last worked there as a grad, and things have changed a bit since then, most notably the bitumen road in. We caught up with Carl O'Hehir, a mate from uni and the project manager for Thiess, as well as Tom's recent workmates from his stint re-negotiating the contract on site.

Out of my way tray

Many feasted, and then we spoke to them before they could escape to explain the importance to the RFDS to all who work in mines, and pointed out that the rescue helicopter is not the be all and end all when it comes to their families' safety. Carl then piped up with his recent brush with the RFDS, who performed a lifesaving flight from Mackay to Townsville so their newborn could be operated on hours after birth.

Thiess Project Manager Carl O'Hehir Shows Us How It's Done

Hopefully this story should be on the main site soon. We raised $235 at the BBQ, and both Thiess and South Walker Creek donated $250, as well as accommodation for the night in camp and a feed at the pub - thanks from us for such a good effort, and making the time when all and sundry are flat out.