2024 Family Day a HUGE success!

Batchfire Resources welcomed more than 1,100 workers, family and friends to Callide Mine for our 2024 Family Day on Saturday 7 September. 

After the overwhelming success of our first Family Day in 2022, we set out to host an even bigger event this time around with organiser Amanda de Git delivering the largest event we’ve ever held at Callide Mine! 

“We put together our first Family Day in 2022, which people haven’t stopped talking about since – it was a huge success!” Amanda said. 

“But this year we had 300 more registrations and the turnout on the day was bigger than we could have hoped for.” 

Our employees, industry partners and local suppliers all helped make the day a resounding success, putting on a variety of family-friendly activities that showcased our mining operations, incredible machinery, and a behind-the-scenes look at what a day at Callide Mine involves.  

Of course, being a family event there was plenty for the little ones to do. We allowed children (and adults) to climb aboard some of our biggest mine machinery – under the careful supervision of our team – for a view like no other from the cabin of a Komatsu 930 Dump Truck and Caterpillar 994K Loader!  

The jaws of the budding operators dropped as they stepped into the cabin of the machinery, accompanied by an operator who could explain the controls and onboard systems. 

Face painting, colouring competitions, and an epic Komatsu dump truck-themed jumping castle kept children busy, while treats like ice cream, fairy floss and of course a sausage sizzle meant no one went hungry! 

Aurizon brought its latest and greatest virtual reality training system along, to see if any future train operators could be found amongst the crowd, and the MaxMine team was also busy showing off its advanced mine management software. 

The most popular attraction of the day was the Lolly Drop, performed by the legends at Lee Crane Hire from their pick and carry crane. Based on the smiles, it’s hard to know who enjoyed it more – the children or the gentlemen dropping the lollies! 

Our incredible Emergency Response Team performed several simulated rescue exercises using specialty equipment like the Jaws of Life, to showcase their vital and high-stakes work on-site – as our very own team of superheroes.  

There were also bus tours of various mine areas across the day, which proved hugely popular, showing what our operation looks like on the ground. We were hard-pressed spotting a spare seat across the day! 

Our Family Day coincided with the 80th anniversary of Callide Mine this year, with many second and third generation workers bringing their families along. 

“This mine has been here for 80 years, so having new generations coming through – it’s part of life for the families growing up in Biloela,” said Batchfire CEO Allan Fidock. 

“A lot of the children visiting today will probably end up working here, because Callide Mine still has a long operating life ahead, so it’s great to see the excitement on their faces. 

“We’ll definitely be doing Family Day again in two years’ time!” 

Our 2024 Family Day would not have been possible without the work of our incredible event committee; Leam Bunker, Ed Burchill, Amanda de Git, Casey Evans, Hannah Brosnan and Clayton Tarry. 

We would also like to thank our incredible sponsors and vendors, who went above and beyond to make the day a success. 

Thank you to all the sponsors, vendors and volunteers including Komatsu, Aurizon, Maxmine, Lee Crane Hire, Hastings Deering, WorkPac, Action Drill & Blast, Gold Training, Kaltire, AMAST Safety & Rescue, Orica, Biloela Quality Meats, Bridgestone, Penske, Bileola Basketball Association, Street Treats and so many more! 

Check out the photo gallery from this year’s event and be sure to follow our social media accounts below for updates on the 2024 Callide Mine Family Day! 

To find out more about Batchfire you can connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or contact us here.