Pictured: The nine community groups kicked off celebrations at an event with Hail Creek Mine and the Isaac Regional Council.

OREANDA-NEWS. The regional Queensland town of Nebo, located 100km south-west of Mackay, has received a \$25,000 boost thanks to Rio Tinto’s Hail Creek Mine.

The funding was shared by nine community groups who will each put the much needed support into a range of resources for Nebo, from computer equipment to a memorial rest area for drivers.

Joy Cooper has lived in Nebo for 21 years and is a member of three community groups which received funding from the benefits scheme this year.

Ms Cooper said “Like many towns around the region, Nebo is doing it tough in the current economic climate.

“Hail Creek Mine’s Nebo Community Benefits Scheme has and continues to support many of the community groups I have been involved in, not just this year but over a number of years.

“This year’s funding will make a significant contribution towards achieving positive lasting outcomes for the town’s different services and groups that make Nebo the place it is.

“The Nebo Rural Town Fire Brigade for example, will be putting \$1000 towards ensuring the team remains up to date with training so they can continue to provide a professional service in an emergency.

“Hail Creek Mine’s continuing contribution helps volunteers and community groups to stay motivated to do more as it shows their hard work is not going unnoticed and is truly valued across the broader community.”

Hail Creek Mine manager health, safety and communities Fiona Kruger said “Hail Creek Mine is proud to continue our support of Nebo’s community groups.

“Nebo is Hail Creek Mine’s closest neighbouring town being a 55 minute drive along the Suttor developmental road.

“We established the Nebo Community Benefits Scheme alongside Isaac Regional Council at the same time as we commenced operations in 2003. The scheme provides Hail Creek Mine an opportunity to invest in projects which build local capacity in areas where the Nebo community feels it is needed most.

“We look forward to working with each community group this year and continue to appreciate the contribution of the partnerships we’ve built in the Nebo community over the past twelve years.”

The full list of community groups and projects for 2015 include:

  • Nebo RSL Citizens Auxiliary for its ‘War Hero’ photo restoration project
  • Nebo Pony Club for sun smart riding uniforms
  • Nebo Rural Town Fire brigade for online training equipment
  • Road Accident Action Group to construct the Susie Whitehead Memorial motorist rest area
  • Nebo State School for an ANZAC garden development
  • Nebo Bushman’s Carnival to purchase a community generator
  • Nebo Medical Action group for fundraising support
  • Nebo Community Development Group for a laptop computer
  • Nebo Museum for artefact conservation cabinets