13 August 2026

How giving it a go led to a life in Gunnedah

When Ezra Gibson first arrived in Gunnedah in 2023 as part of Whitehaven’s graduate program, he wasn’t sure exactly where the opportunity would lead.

Three years on, he’s built a career at Maules Creek Coal Mine, bought a home in town and become an active part of the local community – on and off the field.

Originally from Port Macquarie, Ezra moved to Sydney after finishing school to study Environmental Biology at the University of Technology Sydney. Like many graduates, he was weighing up his next step when he applied for a handful of roles, including one with Whitehaven.

“It was one of the first opportunities that came back to me,” he said. “I knew the area a bit and thought I’d give it a go – and I’m still here, so it’s worked out pretty well.”

After completing the graduate program and gaining experience across different parts of the mine, Ezra moved into his current role as an Environment Officer. Early on, living arrangements meant staying in camp during the week and spending weekends with friends in Gunnedah and Tamworth. But it wasn’t long before Ezra made the decision to fully commit and relocate.

“Camp was good to start with, but I was pretty keen to get into town and be part of the community,” he said. “This year I bought a place in Gunnedah with my partner, which has been great.”

That decision reflects what Ezra sees as one of the key benefits of working in the region – the ability to live locally, rather than operate on a fly-in, fly-out roster.

“I really enjoy the lifestyle here,” he said. “Working Monday to Friday, getting home at a good time in the afternoon, and having weekends free – it gives you the chance to actually be part of the community.”

For Ezra, a large part of that connection comes through sport. He plays rugby league with the Gunnedah Bulldogs and is heavily involved in the Gunnedah Goannas touch football club, where he recently coached the under-18 representative side to a regional title.

“Sport’s been a massive part of settling in,” he said. “It’s how I met most of my mates here.”

These days, weekends are often spent on the sidelines as much as on the field, coaching and spectating with friends and family.

“It pretty quickly becomes a big part of your life, but that’s what makes it enjoyable – you’re connected to people and contributing to something local.”

That sense of connection also carries through to Ezra’s work. As part of the Maules Creek environment team, he focuses on rehabilitating and preserving the local landscape.

“When you live here as well, you’re fully invested,” he said. “You don’t want to be part of something that has a negative impact on the community, so there’s a real focus on doing the right thing.”

The role also provides opportunities to engage directly with the community, from consultative committee meetings to site open days, where locals can see firsthand how the operation works.

“I really enjoy those interactions – whether people come with concerns or just curiosity, it’s a chance to explain what we’re doing and why,” he said.

Now firmly settled in Gunnedah, Ezra says his long-term outlook has shifted significantly since those early days as a graduate.

“Moving to Gunnedah has been a bit of a game changer for me,” he said. “I always say to people who are thinking about it – come out, try it. If it’s not for you, you can always go somewhere else.

“For me, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made.”

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