Brad Anstess is a man who has experienced the ups and downs of mining boom and bust cycles. As a Newcastle man born and bred he has seen significant changes in the region from the old steel and zinc smelter days to the regions evolving identity that includes communities built around viticulture, horse breeding, arts and music, education and tourism.
This evolution shapes the current culture of Newcastle along with those industries and communities that run deep in the veins of the Hunter region. Coal is one of those enduring aspects that have underpinned, indeed enabled the growth and development experienced by the people of this region.
“I have lived and worked in the region all my life and have been deeply involved in the Coal industry for over 20 years” says Brad. “Working in this industry, you build great lifelong friends and you always feel your part of a community, no matter how big the industry becomes. “
Brad is one of those pragmatic, resilient people representative of the Hunter region who have experienced generations of change and he represents how different communities of people in diverse industries can live and work together. “It’s great to live in a regional city where there is growth and diversity because it offers more opportunities for our children. I’m proud that the Mining industry is part of that diverse opportunity offered in the Hunter region” admits Brad
Working for Mclanahan Corporation and supporting the mining industry Brad tells of his opportunities for travel to many interesting places around the world. Reflecting on how remote and regional locations often gather unique knowledge and experience over generations working at the same mine sites.
“Over the years I have seen high quality Australian Coal deliver power for people living in Indonesia, Africa, India, Mongolia, Vietnam China and many other countries”. I also meet Australian mining people in those same places helping local organisations with safer, smarter systems, methods and equipment.”
“This year I have been back to a number of sites to replace and upgrade Rotary Coal Breakers that were installed more than 15 years earlier”. I meet some of the same people are still working in those regional and remote regions and often I meet with people I know from the Hunter region who are now working in the same industry but across the other side of the world. This industry is like that”
We hear the saying that “Cities are the engines of growth and opportunity”. In the mining and minerals sector, as in the agriculture sector people from regionally based communities support the growing export industries that keep us moving ahead.