Kestrel Mine designs mural for local school

Pictured: representatives from Kestrel Mine and Emerald State School pose in front of the mantled 6m mural.

L-r back row Kestrel Mine's Robyn Ryan, Emerald State School principal Carmel Schaumburg, and Kestrel Mine's Simon Cupper.

L-r front row Emerald State School students Breehana Grey, Ryleigh Forward, and Jacob Weatherley.

Emerald State School is now the proud recipient of a colourful six metre mural designed by Kestrel Mine to educate students about their region.

The mural was officially unveiled during the school's assembly this week.

Many students from the school were first introduced to the 6x1.5m mural when they coloured it at the mine's 2009 open day.

The mural reflects some of the business sectors that make central Queensland an important centre of primary industries including mining, agriculture, and transport.

The $12,000 piece of artwork, which was funded by the mine, took six weeks to design and make.

Kestrel Mine community manager Simon Cupper said the concept was linked to the mine's employee development program, 'Kestrel 2015', and illustrates the journey of coal from the Central Highlands to the coast.

"This mural will help people understand how our local industries interact with each other so that they continue developing a diverse and sustainable place to live," Mr Cupper said.

The mural shows how rail moves the coal from the mining areas along the railway through the towns and to the coast so that it can be shipped to customers in other parts of the world.

As the coal makes this journey, it passes through important agriculture areas that produce cotton, sunflowers, beef, and fruit; and regional towns including Emerald and Capella.

Emerald State School principal Carmel Schaumburg said a representative from the mine originally approached the school to seek its interest in the mural.

"It is a very unique piece of artwork that solely reflects this part of Queensland, and makes us even more proud that we were chosen as the recipient," Ms Schaumburg said.

"Its colourful and vibrant design also draws the eye and will help our students understand the environment they live in, particularly the value of the Kestrel Mine to our community.

"It has been set up in one of the larger eating areas of the playground so it will receive lots of exposure to our students, particularly the younger ones."

Media Enquiries: Matthew Klar 07 3029 1168 / 0457 525 578.

Media release - Kestrel Mine designs mural for local school [PDF: 36 KB]