But, after more than six months of planning and a plethora of activities in three major locations – Singleton, Muswellbrook and Newcastle, the inaugural Hunter Coal Festival has been hailed a success.

Three action-packed weeks ended on a high note last Sunday with the women in mining-themed Muswellbrook Race Day and a celebrity lunch raising funds for charity.

Festival chairman Peter Eason said the event had certainly achieved its aim of celebrating the role and contribution of mining to the region, while involving and engaging the industry and a big cross-section of the community – from the Upper Hunter to Newcastle.

“We’ve been delighted with the success of our first festival, and the way we have been able to engage with the community and the mining industry,” he said.

“We put on a very ambitious and wide-ranging program, including a trade show, sporting and cultural events, business and networking lunches and dinners, educational sessions, and fundraisers.

“As a result, we have truly brought the industry and community together in a deeper appreciation of the contribution of mining to the success and prosperity of the entire Hunter region.”

Mr Eason highlighted some of the festival’s real success stories:

The inaugural Hunter Mining Show, which kicked off the festival on March 12, and included a Community Day which involved and engaged more than 5000 people

Sold out business information presentations in Newcastle put on by the Hunter Business Chamber

Singleton Rugby Club’s Mining Legends Lunch, which attracted more than 530 people

Bloomfield Group’s Rix’s Creek Invitational Golf Day, which raised about $30,000 for charity (story page 10)

The mining-themed debating competition across public and private Singleton and Muswellbrook high and primary schools

The visionary Community Forums looking at the value of mining and the “big ideas” for the region’s diverse economic future

The NRL’s Voice for Mining game, which saw the Newcastle Knights thrash Penrith Panthers – while at the same time highlighting the support for mining in the region

Muswellbrook Race Day with a huge racing program and highlighting the role of women in mining, including a Fashions in the Field competition

“The success of the festival is something I think the whole region can be very proud of,” Mr Eason said.

“We had a core team of volunteers managing the program and events, and they were able to tap into a great community network to help us deliver.

“We could not have achieved this without the generous support of all of our tremendous sponsors – an incredible contribution from companies, many of who are suffering the effects of the mining downturn.

“We hope that the festival has given them heart to continue with the struggle, knowing they have the support and appreciation of community organisations, businesses, local councils, community groups and service organisations, sports clubs and schools. 

“The engagement of our local schools was a real inspiration to us; for example, students from Singleton High School made an amazing contribution to the Hunter Mining Show, in terms of providing food, administration assistance and customer service.

“The community as a whole can be incredibly proud of these young men and women.”

Mr Eason said the organising committee would now take the time to review the achievements, organisation, management and programming of the inaugural festival – and begin the planning process for the next one.

“We’re not sure what it looks like just yet, and when it will be, but on the back of this success, we should definitely make space on everyone’s calendar for a repeat performance,” he said.

“For now, all I can say is ‘thanks everyone for your support and participation. You can all claim to be responsible for the success of Hunter Coal Festival number one’.”