OREANDA-NEWS On 18 February 2009 was announced, that Queensland Alumina employees received a special visit from two NRL Broncos players yesterday following the plant being a major sponsor of the junior rugby league coaching clinic held in Gladstone. Nick Kenny and PJ Marsh were in Gladstone as part of a seven-man One Community Carnival group, also including NRL players from Parramatta and Souths, who spent the last few days visiting schools and hosting two coaching clinics.

Nick and PJ were welcomed to our ‘playing field’ – a lot bigger than the one they are accustomed to – when they enjoyed a tour of the refinery, followed by a meet and greet with employees.

Employees came from all over the plant to have a chat with the players, take photos and have autographs signed. Nick and PJ also took a keen interest in what types of work the various employees undertake at the plant and were impressed with the training programs QAL offered such as work experience, apprenticeships and paid vacation employment.

PJ had mentioned that he grew up on a farm just outside of Gladstone and still has a lot of family around town he was hoping to catch up with while he was here, however he had not expected to see a relative during his visit to QAL!

Digestion Process AP James Wilson surprised PJ at the meet and greet and was very grateful to catch up with his nephew.

“I hadn’t seen PJ since I went down to see Broncos play Parramatta with [fellow colleague] Matthew Kennedy and his son Jarrod, who is a big fan of PJ. After the game I introduced Jarrod to PJ and he was very thrilled. It was also a good trip for me because the Broncos won and Matthew is a Parramatta fan!,” Mr Wilson said.

“I thank QAL for allowing the Broncos players on site and it was good to be able to see my nephew sooner than expected. It also gave me an opportunity to remind PJ of who helped his passing and his love of football in the backyard many years ago - it was good to hear he remembered.”

Nick, who is originally from Yeppoon, also enjoyed the visit to Gladstone and local schools. “We are travelling to most of the local schools to promote the ‘eat well, play well, stay well’ message and encourage kids to get active in rugby league, or any sport in general. It’s great to see that all of the kids are really enjoying it and getting a lot out of the visit,” Mr Kenny said. “It’s also good to get a few days off training and mix things up a bit before we play next weekend.”

Aside form QAL, the NRL One Community Carnival Group has visited Gladstone region schools as far north as Mt Larcom and as far south as Agnes Water.