The Callide Mine has been at the heart of community life and economic prosperity in Biloela, the Callide Valley and Banana Shire for more than 80 years.
Batchfire is proud to be the Callide Valley’s largest employer, directly and indirectly supporting around 1250 families.
Our commitment to our workforce and suppliers extends into the wider region as we seek to benefit all local residents including the First Nations community, schools, not-for-profit groups and businesses throughout Banana Shire.
We understand that our role extends beyond driving the local economy. The Callide Mine is a catalyst for regional prosperity in the broadest sense as we drive employment, partnerships and a culture of local participation that bonds us all together.
Ways we give back
Batchfire was delighted to provide more than $170,000 for sponsorships, student scholarships and other donations in 2019-20.
This funding supported a broad range of activities in Biloela and right across Banana Shire.
Not-for-profit groups, volunteer-led events and industry education programs are the backbone of the Callide Valley’s community spirit.
These activities bring people of all ages and backgrounds together in a spirit of friendship, celebrating our diversity and benefitting families in many ways.
Callide Valley Show
The Callide Valley Show has celebrated our area’s farming prowess and agricultural productivity since it was established in 1930. Batchfire is a long-term supporter of the Show and in 2024 we were again delighted to present the animal nursery, where children loved connecting with many different animals and learned about how to handle and feed them.
‘Sticking Together for CQ Mental Health’
During Mental Health Week 2021 5,000 sticker messages of hope, support and mental health service information were distributed around Biloela through the growing network of coffee shops, bakeries, cafes and other businesses. Batchfire was proud to help fund this initiative as part of our commitment to raise awareness of mental health issues within our own workforce and across the community.
QMEA pathways for students
Batchfire is a committed supporter of the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy’s (QMEA) work to guide Banana Shire students towards pathways within the resources sector and other STEM industries.
The QMEA is Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led schools initiative, providing a pipeline of employees into resources-sector careers with a strong focus on opportunities for female and indigenous students.
Our team collaborates with the QMEA to provide STEM learning activities for students, plus professional development for teachers, from Biloela State High School and Redeemer Lutheran College.
Recent successful events included a ‘Tradies for a Day’ workshop, giving 16 Biloela students a practical introduction to skills in auto electrics, pneumatics and mechanics.
Three Batchfire team members shared their industry experiences at STEM Unearthed, where local Year 10 students focused upon the life cycle of mining operations through exploration, extraction and rehabilitation.
Batchfire is proud to sponsor the QMEA and we look forward to engaging with more local students as they transition from school to a career in the resources sector.
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