A spinoff event from the Hunter Coal Festival that runs from March 12-14 at Singleton’s Civic Centre, HMS chair Peter Eason said extended hours on the Friday (March 13) were aimed to attract frontliners such as operators, foremen, leading hands, maintenance personnel and others that work at the coal face.

“We recognise that these mine workers are key influencers for mines when making decisions about new equipment, new processes, new systems and anything affecting the day to day operation of a mine,” he said.

“Because of this – and because we want to acknowledge and highlight the key role that the actual mine workers play in this industry – we are planning to put on a 7am sausage sizzle breakfast on the Friday morning of the show.

“This has been timed to coincide with the 6-6.30am shift changeover for most mines in the Valley.

It will be an opportunity for mine workers to talk to suppliers of products and services in an informal atmosphere before the show opens.”

The event will be opened to the general public on the following day (March 14).

While Webb and Connell will talk about safety matters at the show, organisers are inviting mines, schools and community groups to book them for presentations.

“Webb is an engaging, passionate and compelling speaker,” HMS organisers said.

“He talks openly about the dramatic events involving his rescue and the effect it had on him, his family and the community in the months and years following.”