THE Bengalla Mining Company is preparing to dig deep to improve the welfare of its workforce.
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The Muswellbrook site unveiled a colourful dragline bucket this week to throw its support behind Upper Hunter organisation Where There's a Will (WTAW).
And, although co-founder Pauline Carrigan is chuffed by the gesture, which is expected to raise some much-needed funds, she said there was a bigger story behind the scenes.
"WTAW is going into Bengalla, during its U days, over the next month to share its prevention model with them," she said.
"The company recognises our work as being so important, they're prepared to put it into action.
"It's certainly a pro-active approach to make people aware of mental wellbeing.
"It is a huge step for us, too.
"Bengalla's staff has raised money the past two years, so they could undertake mental health first aid as a group.
"Outside schools in the region, who embrace our initiatives, this company is leading the way to look after its employees.
"It's fantastic to hear they're adopting a holistic attitude to wellbeing.
"As for the dragline bucket, backing WTAW, it's amazing.
"I'll admit I was very emotional out there on Monday."
Funds will be raised through 100 clubs, while the company will also make a donation.
In fact, Bengalla presented WTAW with a $20,000 cheque two years ago.
It did something similar for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service previously, too.
Field maintenance superintendent Luke Holz said Where There's a Will was the obvious charity to be chosen for the fundraiser.
"As the apprentice coordinator at Bengalla, I have seen first-hand a number of our trainees very closely-affected by the strain of mental ill health," he explained.
"WTAW is doing a great job throughout our community to raise the awareness of mental health.
"So, it's not only terrific to be able to assist them with funding, but it's a chance to tell their story at our U days."
Bengalla general manager Cam Halfpenny stated the company was pleased to assist WTAW in any way possible.
"It is a wonderful organisation that Pauline leads in the face of personal tragedy," he said.
"It touches everyone in the community.
"We are proud to support WTAW, and are very happy for Pauline and Belinda to deliver their message to the Bengalla team.
"It is about building resilience in the community - and WTAW is doing exactly that."
