Maintaining a Relationship with the Community

The Bulga Complex values the relationship it has with the community and makes concerted efforts to maintain that relationship.  Our approach is to:

• Be open about our activities;
• Respond to community concerns  and complaints in a timely and professional manner;
• Maintain a dialogue with the community; and
• Support community events and activities.

Maintaining a Dialogue with the Community

The Bulga Complex maintains a dialogue with the community through the community barbeque program, community newsletters and personal meetings.  The community barbeque program was developed to provide opportunity for the community to meet staff from our underground and surface operations in an informal setting and for us to provide an update of our mining operations as well as answer any questions the community may have.  The community barbeques also provide a social opportunity for community members. 

Community Support

We believe that local communities should benefit from our operations, both in the short and long-term.  The Bulga Complex supports the local communities in the following areas: 

• Sponsorship, donations and buying locally
• In kind support
• Employing local contractors and using local businesses where possible
• Holding positions on committees such as the Broke Fair Committee
• Good working relationships with local community groups
• Local school tours on sustainable mining
• Community barbeque program aimed at strengthening our relationships with community members

Broke Fordwich History

A history capturing the essence of life in Broke Fordwich, the characters, their spirit and the changing landscapes has been researched and written by professional historians.  From Brook to Broke: A history of Broke Fordwich is complete and available for sale through the Singleton Visitor Information Centre.  For more information about the book, contact the Community Relations Officer on 6570 2976 or email thayward@xstratacoal.com.au  

Broke Village Fair and Vintage Car Display

The Bulga Complex is the major sponsor of the Broke Fair, a community based fair which attracts thousands of visitors from the Hunter Valley every year. 

Broke Public School

The Bulga Complex is proud to support initiatives associated with educating our children.   Our contributions include a soft fall play area, school shirts for every student and the Language Development Partnership and Teachers Aide. 

Broke P&C Association

It’s the little things that make a difference.  Our support includes funding for blue light discos and swimming lessons.

Milbrodale Public School

With only a small number of families at the school, fundraising can be tough.  Lending a hand at the 2011 Trash and Treasure Day, the donation from the Bulga Complex helped purchase prizes for the raffles. The children also participated in an intenstive swim school in December.  The swim school  provided 2 lessons a day over 5 days.   In 2009, a team of apprentices and staff were a part of the ‘Milbrodale Blitz’ which saw the lunch area and vegie patch upgraded and a new bmx track completed.

Xstrata Coal – Corporate Social Involvement

Xstrata Coal is committed to making a significant positive difference to the lives of others through its Corporate Social Involvement (CSI).  Through the program, Xstrata Coal partners with 50 organisations that deliver a range of services such as providing heathcare in remote commuities and funding social workers who help youth in crisis make a new start in life.  Our support helps our partners create better and more accessible health services, increase education opportunities, build sustainable local businesses and develop vibrant arts and cultural initiatives.

Our Corporate Social Involvement in NSW totals approximatley $5.9M.  The projects in the Hunter area include:

• Maitland Neighbourhood Centre $80,000
• Carrie's Place $125,000
• Muswellbrook Women and Children’s Refuge $80,000
• Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service $135,000
• LifeLine – Hunter Support Program, Upper Hunter Region $150,000
• Singleton Lcoal Junior Sports Development Program $150,000
• Calvary Mater Hospital, Newcastle $150,000
• Singleton Primary Schools Information Technology Program $80,000 over 3 years
• John Hunter Children's Hospital Neonatal Unit $200,000
• John Hunter Hospital Trauma Unit $200,000
• The Song Room $128,000
• Hunter Valley Star Struck $135,000
• Sydney Symphony Regional Tour $30,000
• NSW Premier's Teachers Scholarships $78,000
• University of Newcastle Scholarship Program $320,000
• Kids Foundation School Injury Prevention Program $350,000
• Hunter Valley Training Company $360,000
• Hunter Indigenous Regeneration Support Team $150,000

Community Consultative Committee

A combined Community Consultative Committee (CCC) operates for Bulga Underground Operations and Bulga Coal Surface Operations.  For more information on our CCC meetings, click here.

The purpose of the CCC is to provide a forum for open discussion between Bulga Underground and Bulga Coal representatives, the community, the Council and other stakeholders on issues directly relating to the mine's operations and environmental performance, and to keep the community informed on these matters.