CMOC-Northparkes Mines (Northparkes) employees and their families and friends welcomed the return of Northparkes Family Day on Saturday, 29 April. Over 400 family and friends visited the Northparkes operations and even the weather couldn’t dampen spirits, with everyone enjoying the chance to see where their family members work every day. One child described the day as “mum’s work is better than Santa!”

People caught buses from Northparkes Oval and once off the bus they got to enjoy the heavy vehicle display made up of underground loaders, dump trucks, graders, trucks, cranes and more.

They then took a train tour ride around the ore processing area, and then checked out the underground mining display and SCADA control room. Kids loved the chance to do some cool experiments with our Lab team, learned about our Environment and Farming activities and even made a pet rock to take home with our Geologists!

Then people reached Kids’ Corner where the fun was only just beginning! This was a chance for parents to relax and grab a coffee and something to eat and listen to live music while the kids burned their last bit of energy on a rock climbing wall, a kids’ construction zone and getting their face painted.

Jianjun Tian, Managing Director, Northparkes, said, “the Northparkes Family Day was a way of celebrating our workplace and our employees. It was fantastic to see everyone filled with pride whilst touring our operations. Having the opportunity to bring your family and friends to site to personally take them on a tour is really special and not something you get to do every day in the mining industry.”

Stacey Kelly, Manager People Safety & Environment said “kids’ corner and our heavy machinery display were very popular with the kids. It was a relaxed and happy atmosphere. Everyone relished the opportunity to spend time with their family and friends, sharing them on what we do at Northparkes every single day.”

“Thank you to all of the local vendors who came out to site to support this special event for our families. Also, to each and every one of our employee volunteers who helped in any way, events like this do not happen without the support of so many people.” Ms Kelly said.