NEW ACLAND MINE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2026
From the General Manager IT HAS BEEN A BRILLIANT YEAR AT NEW ACLAND COAL (NAC). As the operation grows, so does our workforce, with 330 employees now on site. This number will grow again when we gain access to Manning Vale West Pit in late November. The revamped NAC Community Investment Fund is having a substantial impact on the local community, and local business initiatives. I recently had the pleasure of attending the partnership launch with Outback Instincts, a farmbased youth program for young people who are disengaged, isolated, or doing it tough. Over two years, NAC will award $300K to the Goombungee charity. This funding will allow Outback Instincts Founder, Hayley Chambers, and her team to support an additional 50 young
people, so they can rediscover stability, confidence, and hope for a positive future. In late July, I was pleased to welcome Leader of The Nationals, Matthew Canavan, and Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton to NAC. The visit was an opportunity to show Matt and Garth around site, including the Willeroo Pit. At NAC, our door is always open, irrespective of your political colours. The ramp-up of operations at NAC has allowed the business to relaunch its traineeship program, with Darling Down’s locals Maddy Russell, and Sarah Kruger NAC’s first trainees since emerging from care and maintenance. Maddy is half way through her traineeship, while Sarah recently accepted a 12-month maternity leave
contract after completing her Business Administration traineeship in August. Finally, a big congratulations to NAC Community Advisor, Chelsea Lucas who was recently recognised as the Community Champion of the Year at the annual NAIDOC awards night at Toowoomba. In additional to being a brilliant Community Advisor, Chelsea is also a passionate advocate for the younger generation and is dedicated to showing young First Nations people what they are capable of. I hope you all continue to have a safe and productive 2026.
Dave O’Dwyer
New Acland Mine General Manager
NAC Community Investment Fund awards $300K to Outback Instincts The NAC Community Investment Fund has awarded $300K to Toowoomba charity, Outback Instincts, so it can deliver hands-on, farm-based youth programs for young people who are disengaged, isolated, or doing it tough. The funding, split over two years, will allow Outback Instincts to support an additional 50 young people, so they can rediscover stability, confidence, and hope for a positive future. Outback Instincts Founder, and Chairperson, Hayley Chambers said NAC’s support will save and transform young lives. “The funding is life changing,” Ms Chambers said. “It will change the participants lives, their family’s lives, and the lives of everyone around them. “Outback Instincts is a youth charity that uses animal assisted programs, trades, and rural farm life to help young people who are disengaged, at risk, or vulnerable. “I regularly see young people going from completely disengaged and having no hope for their future, to realising there are pathways for them back into education, friendships, family, and community.” 14-year old Izzy Randall was expelled from four schools before discovering purpose, and joy at Outback Instincts. “Ever since I started coming to Outback Instincts, my whole life has turned around,” Izzy said. “I was going down the wrong path, hanging out with the wrong people. “Hayley and Outback Instincts have reminded me that I can succeed, and that I do belong. “I love horses and one day want to work in agriculture or on a cattle station.” NAC General Manager, Dave O’Dwyer said the $300K contribution is courtesy of the NAC Community Investment Fund, which supports the long-term wellbeing, economic development, and social cohesion of the Toowoomba region. “Youth and community engagement is one of the key pillars of the NAC Community Investment Fund,” Mr O’Dwyer said. “The funding will directly benefit 50 young people, and allow Outback Instincts to deliver long‑term, resiliencebuilding programs, including youth development, education pathways, and social support programs.
“NAC has a long and proud history of supporting and financially backing the local community via strong investment in the towns surrounding New Acland Mine. This investment in Outback Instincts will be life changing for the program’s young people. “Sponsoring and supporting local community groups, sporting teams, schools, and charities, like Outback Instincts, allows NAC to build stronger and more sustainable communities surrounding our operation. “Over the past two years, NAC has spent $113.4 million with 599 local suppliers, donated more than $2 million to local community groups and schools and provided in-kind support to countless community activities and events.” NAC Community Investment Fund applications are now open. Applications must be received from an incorporated community group, club, association, community-based organisation, or recognised academic institution (such as a school or university). NAC Community Investment Fund programs: • The NAC Sponsorship Program provides funding up to $5,000* and supports smaller-scale initiatives that strengthen community connection and enhance participation in sporting, cultural, educational, and health activities. • The NAC Community Development Program provides funding of more than $5,000* and supports sustainable community initiatives that improve local infrastructure, enhance economic development, or provide measurable community benefit. • The NAC Community Bursary Program provides financial assistance of up to $10,000*, learning resources, to individuals, supporting continued study and the development of skills in fields essential to the region’s long‑term sustainability, growth, and resilience. • The NAC Community Partnerships Program provides funding of more than $10,000* and is designed for strategic partnerships with community organisations to deliver long‑term, resilience-building programs, including youth development, education pathways, community capability building, and social support programs. • The NAC Legacy Program provides funding of more than $20,000* and is focused on long-term, high-impact infrastructure or social investment that will deliver enduring benefits to the region. *Per successful applicant, annually.
NAC Community Investment Fund
supporting the heartbeat of the local community
The Bowenville Memorial Hall was opened in July 1925 and was built to honour the town’s soldiers who fought in World War I. A century on, the Memorial Hall recently received a $15,000 contribution from the NAC Community Investment Fund to mend broken gutters, fascia’s, and down pipes. Bowenville Memorial Hall Association Secretary, Karen Smith said the hall has been the heartbeat of the local community for more than a hundred years. “The hall serves as a post office and still hosts monthly dances, and school and community events,” Ms Smith said. “But she does need a bit of love. From head to toe! “It’s everything to have the support of NAC. We’re a small community and we don’t have the funds to complete the repair work ourselves.” It’s a similar story just down the road. St Matthew’s Lutheran Church Hall at Goombungee was built in the 1960s, with the much-loved local landmark recently receiving a facelift courtesy of a $5,000 contribution from the NAC Investment Fund. St Matthew’s Lutheran Church Treasurer, Peter Kuhl said the Church Committee’s fundraising efforts fell $5,000 short of the cost to paint the Church Hall. “When we received initial quotes from the painter, we panicked. We’re a pretty small congregation, with limited funds,” Mr Kuhl said. “Thankfully, the NAC Community Investment Fund was able to contribute $5,000 so we could complete the project. “It’s an uplifting feeling to have the buildings, including the Church, Church Hall and neighbouring childcare centre all painted. “Even though this is a Church Hall, it is available to the general public, who regularly use it for dance, and exercise classes. “We don’t really have anybody else in the community to rely on for projects like this except NAC. Without them, we’d be in a lot of trouble with our fundraising.”
Canavan visit In late July, Leader of The Nationals, Matthew Canavan toured NAC with Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton. The pair met with New Hope Group CEO, Robert Bishop, Executive General Manager, Dom O’Brien, and NAC General Manager, Dave O’Dwyer. NAC’s door is always open. We’re extremely proud of our operation, and our contribution to the local economy. NAC has a long and proud history of supporting and financially backing the local community via strong investment in the towns surrounding New Acland Mine and local region. Over the past two years, NAC has spent $113.4 million with 599 local suppliers, donated millions to local community groups, charities, and schools and provided in-kind support to countless community activities and events. We firmly believe thermal coal, produced in Australia, will continue to provide reliable energy supply within Australia and globally for a long time to come.
More than 1,900 EOI for jobs at booming NAC NAC has received more than 1,900 expressions of interest for entry level, and experienced production operator jobs at New Acland Mine in the past month. The volume of applications emphasises the local community’s support of the mine, and the appetite for well paid, local jobs. • 1,900+ expressions of interest for jobs at NAC. • 781 expressions of interest from the Darling Downs. » 3 58 expressions of interest from the 4350 postcode (includes Toowoomba). » 1 39 expressions of interest from the 4352 postcode (includes Highfields, Kulpi, etc.). » 6 7 expressions of interest from the 4401 postcode (Oakey). • 1,578 expressions of interest from Queensland. • 3 7 expressions of interest from mining industry professionals who live near NAC. NAC General Manager, Dave O’Dwyer said operation is looking to fill 33 new roles in the next six months. “There are approximately a dozen operator roles for experienced mining professionals,” Mr O’Dwyer said. “The remaining opportunities are for a variety of entry level positions, with no prior mining experience required. “We’re eager to meet with candidates who live locally and are excited about a career in the mining industry. “The new to industry roles will play an important role in ensuring safe coal production and delivery, with trainees working both days and nights on site. “No mining experience is necessary to be considered for the entry level roles, with comprehensive training provided to the successful candidates. “The entry level positions will control some of the biggest machines and drive some of the largest vehicles on site, including the fleet of CAT haul trucks. “The number of expressions of interest in the past month proves there is a thirst for well paid, local jobs at NAC. “The volume of applications also highlight the local community’s overwhelming support for NAC and its local workforce. Former plumber turned haul truck operator, Ben Cox joined NAC during the 2025 new to industry intake. “Mining was something I always wanted to get into,” Mr Cox said. “The mining industry is very different to the outside world, however, the transition has been great. “The people at NAC are very supportive, and the work life balance has been fantastic. It’s an awesome place to work.” There are now more than 330 employees at NAC.
Welcome, Shakinah Welcome to the NAC Community team, Shakinah. Shakinah, a student at Oakey State School is completing a Certificate III in Business as a school-based trainee. The team at New Hope Group believes developing, coaching, and leading young people, like Shakinah, and introducing them to our industry and operation, is critical to our long-term success. Throughout the year, NAC’s Next Generation program offers students, trainees, and apprentices diverse opportunities to develop their skills and progress their careers.
Community Champion A huge congratulations to NAC Community Advisor, Chelsea Lucas who was recently recognised as the Community Champion of the Year at the annual NAIDOC awards night at Toowoomba. Chelsea is a passionate advocate for the younger generation and is dedicated to showing young First Nations people what they are capable of by setting a strong example. Image credit: Nev Madsen / Toowoomba Chronicle
Maddy Russell, and Sarah Kruger
NAC’s first Business Administration trainees
New Hope Group’s traineeship program has allowed Business Administration trainees Maddy Russell, and Sarah Kruger to develop their skills and learn on-the-job. A Darling Downs’ local, the 12-month traineeship will allow Maddy to study and work at NAC. “I had a family member reach out, who suggested I would be perfect for the traineeship,” Maddy said. “I thought I was no chance, but here I am. It has been really cool to explore the industry and get my foot in the door. “I graduated from Oakey State High School last year. I didn’t really know what to expect, but I love the people, and how NAC operates. It’s a very good business.” Sarah Kruger was working at a local dairy farm when she saw the NAC trainee program advertised online. “I recently completed a Certificate III in Business Administration,” Sarah said. “It was completed online, with the team at NAC helping me every step of the way. “It has been an eye-opening, and really fun experience learning about the different aspects of the coal industry. “The opportunity to learn on-the-job is invaluable because I get to see why certain decisions are being made and how they are implemented. “I really love it here. The people are amazing, and it is brilliant working for NAC.” In August, Sarah accepted a 12-month maternity leave contract after completing her Business Administration traineeship.
Sign perfect Before and after... A big thank you to Oakey Men’s Shed, and NAC Logistics Superintendent, Mark Van Dongen for overseeing the restoration of a New Hope Group sign, which will be proudly displayed at New Acland Mine.
NAIDOC Week During NAIDOC Week – “50 Years of Deadly”, the NAC Community Team hosted a NAIDOC afternoon tea, providing an opportunity to come together, share yarns, and celebrate the rich cultures, achievements, and contributions of First Nations people. The event also highlighted the important initiatives being delivered to support First Nations communities throughout the Toowoomba region.
NAC is booming
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of a commissioned artwork that reflects the story and journey of NAC. Created by local artist Pearl Hood, the piece was presented to the NAC team, with Pearl sharing the meaning, cultural significance, and story behind the artwork.
We firmly believe thermal coal, produced in Australia, will continue to provide reliable energy supply within Australia and globally for a long time to come.
We’re proud to be a leading employer in the region, by offering well-paid, local jobs to more than 330 hard-working Queenslanders.
NAC – Connections Through the centre of the painting, the sky blue and dark blue colours represent NAC. Surrounding these are symbols of people gathering, reflecting NAC’s connections with the local community, Traditional Owners, and First Nations communities. The footprints acknowledge the Ancestors who once walked this land and symbolise the journey of NAC as it continues today. Across the centre of the artwork are traditional cultural symbols, including boomerangs, digging sticks, kangaroo tracks, spears, hunting boomerangs, and coolamons. These elements honour the rich cultural heritage and enduring connection to Country. The top-right corner of the painting represents the rehabilitation of Country. Trees, layered soil profiles, and emerging roots symbolise the restoration of the land, reflecting regeneration, renewal, and the return of healthy growth across the landscape. This area also represents NAC’s support for regional growth and community connections. The new growth within the artwork symbolises investment in the future of the region, highlighting ongoing support for local communities and the strength of relationships that contribute to a thriving and sustainable future. The bottom-left corner features the rolling hills of the Darling Downs, representing both the landscape and the history of NAC’s presence on this land. Together, these elements acknowledge the company’s connection to the region and the land on which it operates.
Jondaryan Muldu Road The realignment of Jondaryan Muldu Road is well underway, with specialist contractors from South East Queensland engaged to deliver the multi-million project. The work, which will support both local traffic and the expansion of Stage 3 includes earthworks, pavement construction, drainage infrastructure, and roadworks. Built in consultation with local landholders and Toowoomba Regional Council, the 9.1 kilometre stretch will take approximately eight months to complete and will open to traffic in November.
NAC Community Development Program
NAC fuelling Oakey State High School Oakey State High School recently hosted the SEQ Hydrogen Grand Prix World Qualifier, finishing second. New Acland Coal proudly sponsors the race team, with a $14,000 grant from the New Acland Coal Community Investment Fund is fuelling Oakey State High School’s Hydrogen Horizon Program. The NAC Community Partnerships & Scholarships Program donation is helping students to design, engineer, build, and race a hydrogen-powered car.
In late May, six local businesses, charities, schools, and associations from Oakey, Bowenville, Goombungee, Maclagan, Cambooya, and Highfields have received a combined total of $74,000 in funding from the NAC Community Development Program. • Oakey Men’s Shed - Diode Laser Cutter/Engraver. • Bowenville State School P&C Ass. - Fencing project. • QLD Country Women’s Association Goombungee Branch - Repairs of ramp and equipment for a shade house. • Maclagan & District Men’s Shed - Sawstop Professional Cabinet Saw. • Cambooya Public Hall - Office printer. • Highfields District Kindergarten Association Inc. Replacement of safety fencing. The applications covered a variety of community initiatives aligned with NAC’s community investment priorities.
Enquiries & complaints For general, non-urgent matters please call (07) 4691 3445 or visit the Community team at the NAC Community Information Centre in Oakey, between 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday. 112 Campbell Street Oakey.
For urgent safety, environmental or operations matters requiring immediate attention, please call our 24-hour community hotline on 1800 882 142. You can also reach us by email: community@newhopegroup.com.au To find out more, please visit: https://newhopegroup.com.au/
NAC Community Investment Fund awards $1 million to Jondaryan State School In early May, the NAC Coal Community Investment Fund awarded $1 million to Jondaryan State School so it can complete a state-of-the-art multipurpose facility. The landmark partnership, which is part of the NAC Legacy Program will deliver enduring benefits to the region, specifically the social, sporting, and cultural needs of the Jondaryan community. In addition to being a valuable resource for the students and teachers at Jondaryan State School, the multipurpose facility will also be available to the broader Jondaryan community for events, training, youth engagement initiatives, and social activities. Following Stage 3 certainty, NAC undertook a thorough community needs analysis to determine how the Community Investment Fund could best support the local community and local business initiatives. NAC General Manager, Dave O’Dwyer said the $1 million contribution is the first for the re-vamped NAC Community Investment Fund. “The fund will support the long-term wellbeing, economic development, and social cohesion of the region,” Mr O’Dwyer said. “Our focus is supporting regional skills development and economic diversification, community infrastructure and connectivity, health and wellbeing, youth and community engagement, and environmental and heritage preservation.
“Sponsoring and supporting local community groups, sporting teams, charities, and schools, like Jondaryan State School, allows NAC to build stronger and more sustainable communities surrounding our operation. “Over the past two years, NAC has spent $113.4 million with 599 local suppliers, donated more than $2 million to local community groups and schools and provided in-kind support to countless community activities and events.” Jondaryan State School Principal, Carly Domrow said NAC’s $1 million contribution to help build the state-of-the-art multipurpose hall is welcomed by the school community. “Our school motto is ‘Strive for the best’, and we’ll have one of the best facilities in the Toowoomba region once the multipurpose hall is built,” Ms Domrow said. “This is a legacy project that will provide long term benefits to countless students, their families, and the Jondaryan community. “Thank you, NAC for supporting Jondaryan State School, and for believing in our students, and the broader community.” NAC Community Investment Fund applications are now open. Applications must be received from an incorporated community group, club, association, community-based organisation, or recognised academic institution (such as a school or university).
“NAC has a long and proud history of supporting and financially backing the local community via strong investment in the towns surrounding New Acland Mine.
New Hope Group, GPO Box 2440, Brisbane QLD 4001 community@newhopegroup.com.au +61 7 3418 0500 newhopegroup.com.au