More big moments in mining hi-vis in 2021

Author: Newcastle Knights
Timestamp: Fri 5 Mar 2021, 10:31 AM

There will be more big moments in mining hi-vis as Voice for Mining Family Day returns to the NRL in 2021, recognising mining families and all the good things mining brings to NSW.

The major community event did not go ahead last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the Newcastle Knights will wear the famous hi-vis mining jersey in Round 4 when they take on the St George-Illawarra Dragons, another team representing a region with strong links to our mining communities.

The game on Sunday 4 April marks the 9th year of the NSW Minerals Council’s partnership with the Newcastle Knights.

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The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is the official charity partner for the event and Newcastle Knights club legend Kurt Gidley will be an ambassador for the mining round.

NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee says it will be fantastic to see thousands of mining families back in the stadium cheering on the Knights after a challenging year for everyone.

“Throughout the pandemic our mines have kept going with strict coronavirus safety measures in place and the hard work and commitment of our miners,” he said.

“This helped keep the NSW economy moving when things were really difficult and we want to thank everyone by celebrating together at this COVID-safe event.”

Newcastle Knights CEO Philip Gardner said the connection between Knights fans and the mining community grows stronger each year.

“It’s been a tough year. But without mining and the Hunter’s mining families, things would have been even tougher,” Mr Gardner said.

“There are so many local people connected to the industry, like premiership winner Bill Peden and NRL forward Josh King who have both worked in mining. And so many more players and fans who have friends and family that work in mining, like Matt and Kurt Gidley whose father Geoff drove trains up and down the Hunter Valley for almost 30 years.

“That’s why the team is so proud to wear the mining colours and show we support NSW mining families and the mining industry again in 2021,” he said.

Speaking ahead of the game, Voice for Mining Family Day Ambassador and former club captain Kurt Gidley said this game means a lot to the players.

“It was emotional for me. I’m always passionate and emotional before every game. I was representing my family - my Dad, my brother Adam who worked at Pacific National for ten years. It stirred some emotion for me personally, but I think it resonated with the rest of the team too that it was more than just a normal game.”

The NSW Minerals Council is also the major sponsor of the Newcastle Knights women’s team in the U19 Tarsha Gale Cup.