and the Sundance air crash’, Mr Jones relived some of the difficult
and tragic circumstances surrounding the 2010 plane crash in
West Africa, which killed the company’s entire Board of directors.
Mr Jones was not only left to grieve the loss of his colleagues, but
had to find the strength to keep the company afloat. Reflecting
on the search operation for the plane, Mr Jones commented the
French military did an outstanding job to find the wreckage.
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 its life-saving
work. The Club is pleased to have donated over $100,000 to the
RFDS to date. The Raffle is now an established activity on the
Club’s calendar, receiving great support from members and others
in the mining industry.
The whole fundraising 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, a trip to Cable Beach Club Resort Broome and exquisite
Kailis pearl jewellery.
After President Neil Watson presented RFDS Medical Director
Dr Stephen Langford with the Club’s donation, Dr Langford
explained how the organisation would put the money towards
expensive on-board medical testing equipment so that more lives
could be saved by this essential service.
It is important to hold annual events such as the WA Mining
Club’s St Barbara’s Day, where people can take time in their busy
schedules to reflect on how strong the industry’s friendship and
solidarity remains. In celebrating the St Barbara’s Festival, the
Club joins with other mining communities around the world, from
Kalgoorlie to Poland to Mexico, in appreciating the significance
of the mining industry and its people, and in celebrating the
rich endowment of mineral wealth that underpins much of our
economy and holds such hope for our future.
Dr Stephen Langford (left) of RFDS receiving further
proceeds from President Neil Watson after the lunch
Guest speaker George Jones
Chairman, Sundance Resources
Guests observe one minute's silence
Piper from the WA Police Pipe Band
Mateship celebrated
Minesite 2013
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