16 December 2020

Whitehaven workforce digs deep for men’s health

To raise awareness – and funds – for men’s mental and physical health, teams across Whitehaven Coal’s sites and offices participated in the Movember Mining Challenge.

The Movember Mining Challenge brings together workers from Australia’s resources sectors to address some of the leading issues facing men’s health, including mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

To help change the face of men’s health, participants raise funds by growing a moustache or committing to walking or running 60 kms over the month of November.

Whitehaven’s four teams raised more than $25,000 with Tarra’s Tashes leading the way with $11,450, smashing their $5,000 target. Whitehaven donated an additional $5,000, bring the total funds raised by Whitehaven teams to almost $30,000.

The leader of Tarra’s Tashes, Omar Romeril, said the challenge is a life saver for many men across the country.

“I’ve been growing the mo each Movember for the past nine years. As well as being fun, it raises funding for men’s health issues and prompts those important conversations that need to be had.

“Too many blokes find it difficult to talk about health issues, particularly mental health issues. We all get down at times so it’s vital we recognise when a mate is doing it tough.

“It’s important to keep an eye on each other and have those conversations when needed, particularly during these challenging times.”

Murray O’Keefe, who led the MCC Autonomos team, added: “If you say you haven’t been touched by the effects of poor mental or physical health, you’re not looking hard enough!

“I’ve been rocked by a friend taking his own life suddenly, had family members survive prostate cancer and, importantly, know blokes who got themselves to a doctor before it was too late.

“That’s why I grew a mo this Movember – any why I’d encourage every other Australian to participate and help raise funds for an important cause.”

Whitehaven is committed to enhancing the health and wellbeing of its workforce and runs regular initiatives and awareness campaigns across topics ranging from physical activity, injury prevention and fatigue management to nutrition and mental health.

During the month, the team at the Narrabri underground mine hosted barbeques to raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation, raising a total of $1240.

Pictured: Tarra’s Tashes team leader Omar Romeril.

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