Whitehaven Coal kicks goals in NSW

Whitehaven Coal has pledged $30,000 to the Group 4 Rugby League Association, which oversees the premier rugby league competition across north-west New South Wales.

The sponsorship aims to provide financial support for local clubs and contribute to the sport’s ongoing development and growth in the region.

Whitehaven’s support will directly benefit the eight clubs in the competition – Moree, Narrabri, Boggabri, Gunnedah, Tamworth, Werris Creek, Kootingal, and Dungowan.

Whitehaven’s involvement will enable the Group 4 Rugby League board to extend further assistance to junior league clubs across the region, helping to deliver a sustainable future for the sport at the grassroots level.

The Group 4 Rugby League Board welcomed Whitehaven’s commitment to the game in regional NSW.

“The sponsorship from Whitehaven Coal comes at a crucial time,” a spokesperson for the Group 4 Board said.

“With this funding, the Group 4 board aims to alleviate club expenses, enhance development opportunities, upgrade referee equipment, and bolster the junior league.

“With around 1000 people registered as players, coaches, or volunteers and substantial Indigenous participation, the impact of Whitehaven’s sponsorship will be significant.”

With around 75 per cent of Whitehaven’s 2750-strong workforce living in towns around its operations in north-west NSW, many of the company’s employees and contractors are involved in local sporting clubs across a range of codes, including the Group 4 Rugby League competition.

“At Whitehaven, we believe in the power of sport to unite and inspire,” Whitehaven community engagement general manager Darren Swain said.

“Our sponsorship of the Group 4 Rugby League Association reflects our commitment to supporting community organisations that play an important role in our region.

“We’re delighted to be contributing to the nurturing of local talent, from juniors right through to first grade, and the ongoing development of rugby league in regional New South Wales.”