After a busy first half of 2021, the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue is keeping a close eye on the evolving Covid 19 situation with a view on how it could impact the Dialogue’s upcoming activities.

Plans to host a Singleton Procurement Networking event on August 19 have been put on hold due the current Covid restrictions on gatherings. New details for the event will be released soon.

The Dialogue is still keen to deliver all its scheduled projects but will act in line with Government health advice which may impact some activities while other projects can be completed due to not being a Covid risk.

Fortunately, the Dialogue successfully hosted a similar Procurement Networking Event in Muswellbrook in June when more than 100 people from local business and the mining industry discussed opportunities for businesses to join the supply chain.

The Muswellbrook event was held before the current, increased Covid restrictions were introduced.

Likewise, the first half of the Dialogue’s School Mine Tours program was completed in June prior to the Sydney Covid outbreak forcing increased restrictions across the State.

At the end of June, 615 students and 36 teachers had toured Upper Hunter mines as part of the program. The mine tours program is currently on winter hiatus and its scheduled return in late August is also under review.

All working group meetings have returned to an online basis due to the venue capacity and social distancing regulations and the potential Covid risk posed by face-to-face meetings.

Other activities which will be reviewed and considered in line with the Covid situation include:

• Community engagement activities including displays at the Broke Village Fair and Singleton Show in September and Hunter Coal Festival in October/November.
• The Dialogue’s Annual Forum scheduled for November in Muswellbrook.