STBARBARA’SDAY
The Club’s annual afternoon of fellowship and fraternity
Western Australia’s enthusiastic and hardworking mining
fraternity showed they still know how to have fun, as 550
guests descended upon the Hyatt Grand Ballroom to celebrate
St Barbara’s Day. This traditional celebration of the patron saint
of miners and geologists is held on the first Friday of December,
and is the major annual event in the Club’s monthly luncheon
presentations calendar.
The day started at UWA’s Tropical Gardens for the Miners’
Memorial Service, which was presented with compassion by
Lee Ranford. Andrew Chaplyn from the Department of Mines
and Petroleum followed with an address full of depth and
understanding in honour of miners whose lives were tragically
cut short during 2011.
It was then time for the celebrations. Babs McHugh, who
has become a regular feature as Mistress of Ceremonies at
Club luncheons, added her own special brand of humour as
the afternoon got underway at the Hyatt ballroom. The local
live music, wines and sumptuous fare contributed to the warm-
hearted atmosphere resonating throughout the room.
Greg Lilleyman, President Pilbara Operations of Rio Tinto
was introduced as the speaker for the major presentation
of the day. Asides from commenting on the significant
changes to the mining industry over the past two decades,
Mr Lilleyman’s address focused on some of the initiatives and
technologies that are evolving at Rio Tinto to facilitate more
safe and efficient procedures.
The afternoon progressed with the drawing of the
WA Mining Club Annual Raffle. Since 2007, the Club has
conducted a fundraising Raffle to contribute to the operation
and capability of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) to
carry out their life-saving work. The Club is pleased to have
donated over $80,000 to the RFDS to date, and will continue
its ongoing support to this vital organisation.
The whole fundraising raffle operation was again ably
directed by Craig Franklin, Vice President of the WA Mining
Club and Director of Unity Publications. Craig arranged the
very generous sponsors and kept the momentum going on raffle
ticket sales. Raffle prizes included a sensational Kimberley
Diamond Company yellow diamond, an exciting trip to Broome
and exquisite pearl jewellery. The Raffle is now an established
activity on the Club’s calendar and receives great support from
members and others in the mining industry.
Above: Andrew Chaplyn delivers
an address at the St Barbara’s
Day remembrance ceremony
Far left: Guests observe
one minute's silence
Middle: The Club receives good
support for their fundraising Raffle
Left: Memorial bench at the
Tropical Grove gardens at UWA
MINESITE 2012
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