Progressive metallurgical coal company Vitrinite paused production for the afternoon last Saturday, 27th July, to host their fourth annual Family Day. Close to 150 dads, mums, grandparents, and kids of all ages gathered to enjoy an afternoon filled with amusement rides such as jumbo slides, dodgem cars, rock climbing walls, and teacup rides. The event also featured food trucks offering American BBQ and woodfired pizzas.
Managing Director and Co-Founder Nick Williams emphasised the importance of celebrating Vitrinite’s family-centric culture and fostering team unity.
“It’s crucial for families to see where their loved ones work and what they do, especially when they are working away from home,” Williams said.
Vitrinite’s Field Operations Manager, Kess Marstella, who attended with his wife Stone (who also works with Vitrinite in their Currumbin office), and their three children, expressed his appreciation for the event. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to show our kids where their dad goes away to work. The kids love it, and it’s great to catch up with your co-workers’ families each year.”
Isaac Regional Council Mayor, Kelly Vea Vea, also attended the event and mingled with locals as well as Vitrinite’s directors, including Williams, Ryan Welker, and Alyce Neilsen.
“It was wonderful to see Vitrinite pause production to bring their workers’ families to the region and out to Vulcan Mine for a Family Fun Day,” said Mayor Vea Vea.
Vice-Chairperson & Project Manager Cultural Heritage at Barada Barna, Luarna Dynevor, brought some of her family and workers to the event. “My team loves these events. They all had great things to say about the day and appreciate the workplace culture that Vitrinite has created. It’s further evidence of Vitrinite’s genuine commitment to people, family, and the local community,” Dynevor remarked.
Vulcan Mine Office Manager and Moranbah local, Sarah McCulkin, who champions the coordination of the Family Fun Day, highlighted the contributions of key team members and loyal suppliers including CAT – Hasting Deering, Komatsu, Flysha Trades, Hillcock Industrial and Van Damme Plant Hire.
“It keeps getting bigger and better every year. I’m fortunate the ladies at the office help me out because the event is almost a full-time role with how much effort goes into it. We’re grateful to our suppliers who continue to support it with fantastic merchandise and giveaways for the kids. Nobody goes home empty-handed,” said McCulkin.
The day included a bus tour down into the Jupiter pit, where families could see some of Vitrinite’s CAT dump trucks and Komatsu diggers. Vitrinite’s growth is expected to continue, and team retention will continue to be supported by Vitrinite’s strong culture and events like the Family Fun Day.
