23 April 2017

Whitehaven’s Murray wins NSW Mining Young Achiever Award

Whitehaven Coal employee Murray O’Keefe has been awarded the Young Achiever Award at the 2017 NSW Mining Industry and Suppliers’ Awards.

The Young Achiever Award recognises an inspirational young professional aged between 18-35 years who is building a successful career in mining.

Murray, 29, joined Whitehaven’s then under construction flagship open cut operation at Maules Creek in July 2014. Today, Whitehaven employs more than 450 people at Maules Creek.

Murray’s hard work and determination has been recognised since starting at Maules Creek and he now works in an acting Mining Supervisor role at the mine.

On a personal level, and reflecting his desire to contribute to the local community, Murray was elected to Gunnedah Shire Council in September 2016 on first preference votes alone.

Whitehaven Coal CEO and Managing Director Paul Flynn said Murray is to be congratulated for his achievements not only as a dedicated a gifted mining employee, but as a great local role model for young people in Gunnedah.

“Murray is a great example of what young people can achieve if they set goals and work hard to achieve them”, said Mr Flynn.

Attending the Awards was NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills and Small Business, The Hon John Barilaro, who welcomed attendees and praised the contribution the NSW mining industry and its thousands of mining supplier businesses make to the NSW economy and local communities.

NSW Minister for Resources, Energy, Utilities and the Arts, The Hon Don Harwin MLC delivered the keynote address, focusing on the importance of mining in fostering the growth and strength of regional communities. Minister Harwin also highlighted the critical importance of the mining industry to the NSW economy. The NSW Mining Industry and Suppliers’ Awards were held on Thursday 6 April at NSW Parliament House.

Pictured: Murray O’Keefe (centre) celebrates his award with Whitehaven’s EGM Operations,  Jamie Frankcombe (left), and Peter Wilkinson (right), General Manager Maules Creek.

Back to News