16 September 2024

Whitehaven Coal and VIVA Energy Strengthen Walhallow Community with $30K Infrastructure Boost

Whitehaven Coal has partnered with VIVA Energy to contribute to the Walhallow Community infrastructure project, continuing the company’s commitment to supporting local communities and empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups.

Whitehaven donated $20,000, and VIVA Energy added a further $10,000, boosting the efforts of the Walhallow Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) to upgrade critical infrastructure within the community. These donations are in conjunction with a grant from the NSW Government’s Growing Regions Program.

The infrastructure upgrades will include improvements to existing buildings, such as the health centre and community hall, and the development of a new cultural centre. This Centre will be the hub of Liverpool Plains culture and history, not only for the local Gamilaroi people but for the entire region to enjoy.

Jason Allan, CEO of Walhallow LALC, emphasised the power of this initiative.

“The Cultural Centre will have an intergenerational impact on the Walhallow Aboriginal Community. The Elders can now share their stories in both English and Gamilaraay, their Ancestors’ language, instilling pride in their culture and passing down this knowledge to future generations.

“The Cultural Centre and Hall will serve as a platform to showcase their heritage and living culture for the next generation.”

Bob Sutherland, Whitehaven’s Senior Manager Aboriginal Community Relations, expressed the company’s pride in supporting the Walhallow Community infrastructure project.

“An important part of our reconciliation approach is a commitment to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people stay connected to Country, community and culture – something this project will help to achieve for the Walhallow community.

“We have a long-standing relationship with the Walhallow LALC and deep connections with many Aboriginal families across the Tamworth, Quirindi, and Gunnedah areas.

“This project is vital for the community, and we’re delighted to be involved.”

Todd Alderson of VIVA Energy’s Product Services team reinforced the importance of this collaborative effort.

“We are proud to join Whitehaven in supporting the Walhallow LALC. Investing in infrastructure that benefits local communities and preserves cultural heritage is central to our values.”

Jason Allan added. “The contributions from Whitehaven and VIVA Energy, along with the NSW Government grant, are key to advancing our community’s infrastructure.

“The upgrades will ensure that our people stay connected to our culture and have access to essential services right here in Walhallow.”

For more information about Whitehaven’s commitment to community health, wellbeing, and partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, please refer to our Reconciliation Action Plan.

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