Day at the Park wrap up

Over 8,500 people visited BMA Norwich Park mine to enjoy another successful “Day at the Park.” 

The crowds enjoyed a full line up of entertainment including free children’s amusement rides, displays, exhibitions, mine tours and concerts by Evermore, Dragon, Bjorn Again and The Hooley Dooleys.   

Olympics fever was also running with the BMA Olympics Kids Experience offering  visitors the opportunity to test their sporting skills and collect Olympic Ambassodor autographed cards and caps from pole vaulter Tatiana Grigorieva, hurdler Kyle Vander-Kuyp and Rocky’s own Olympic hopeful, softballer Kylie Cronk.

After Day at the Park another 5,000 people stayed on for an evening concert by Pete Murray and Ian Moss.

“Day at the Park” is a community event hosted by BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) Norwich Park coal mine which is located near the small mining town of Dysart.

A small committee of twenty dedicated volunteers coordinate the whole event, mobilising another 200 employee volunteers during the event itself. 

The main aim of Day at the Park is to allow the general public to see for themselves that mining in the 21st Century is a technologically advanced, environmentally sensitive and socially responsible industry. 

However, the committee also work to create a fun and affordable event for people of all ages while raising money for a worthwhile cause.  This year all money raised from entry donations will go to Conservation Volunteers Australia.  

Day at the Park is also a major fundraiser for local clubs, schools, and community groups who run different stalls on the day.  

BMA Norwich Park General Manager Ross Willis believes that Day at the Park 2007 seems to have struck the right balance in terms of numbers.

“We introduced a booking system for mine tours and increased the number of food and drink stalls so there were no long queues for anything,” he explained.

“This really helped create a very relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere during the day.”

Early feedback also suggests that the organisers also struck a good balance for the Pete Murray and Ian Moss evening concert held at the Rugby League grounds in Dysart.

“The party hard people enjoyed the concert from the hill close to the bar, leaving the oval free for the families,” Mr Willis said.

Mr Willis wanted to thank all the sponsors, all the volunteers and especially Leah and Deb who spent many months coordinating the event.

“I’d also like to thank all the people who attended, especially those who were prepared to travel for many hours to share the event with us.”