Members of the Brisbane Broncos joined residents from Anglo American’s Middlemount township in Central Queensland over the weekend of 22 and 23 October to celebrate the town’s 30th birthday and launch Anglo American’s sponsorship of the Brisbane Broncos 2011/2012 Regional Tour Program.
Capcoal Community Officer and Middlemount 30 Year Celebration Organising Committee member, Karen Kidd, said the weekend was a great success and attracted hundreds of past and present residents.
The festivities commenced with the Celebration Triathlon on Saturday morning, which included competitors from three years and up, followed by a breakfast barbeque at ANZAC Park. Carnival rides and market stalls took over the town square throughout Saturday and entertainment was provided by the Middlemount Community School’s choir and other local talent.
For many of Middlemount’s younger residents, the highlight of the town’s birthday activities was the rugby league skills and coaching clinic in the afternoon, which featured Brisbane Broncos A Grade stars Corey Norman, Dale Copley and former Bronco winger and goal kicker Michael DeVere.
“While it was Corey, Dale and Michael’s first trip to Middlemount, they received a huge welcome from not just our budding junior footballers but our entire community,” Ms Kidd said.
“Middlemount is rugby league heartland and the locals revelled in the chance to meet the Broncos stars while the local kids participated in a football skills coaching session.
“The standout event of the weekend was our Celebration Ball which was held at the Middlemount Community Hall and attended by more than 300 people, including Fred Quinn, a former Councillor who Middlemount’s Alfred Quinn Drive is named in honour of,” Ms Kidd said.
To celebrate Middemount’s heritage, a time line was created containing photos and memorabilia collected from the school, library and long time residents, prompting attendees to revisit old memories and share stories of the past.
“The 30 year celebrations provided a fitting tribute to the town that has provided so many people with a wonderful lifestyle and endless opportunities,” Ms Kidd said.
The next stop on the Anglo American Brisbane Broncos Regional Tour will be Moranbah on Saturday 12 November.
Moranbah’s junior rugby league players are urged to get along to the Moranbah Miners home ground from 8am for their chance to be coached by Broncos and Queensland Origin sensation Justin Hodges and former star winger Michael Hancock.
ENDS
Contact:
Metallurgical Coal Corporate Affairs:
Jacqui Strambi: 0439 774 526