It was a case of ‘Phins up’ for hundreds of school kids in the Bowen Basin as the Dolphins wellbeing and education team dropped into coalfields communities last week. 

The three-day tour, run as part of Anglo American’s partnership with the Dolphins NRL team, included everything from community barbecues to touch footy drills and classroom sessions aimed at boosting self-esteem.

Dolphins wellbeing and education team members visited three community rugby league clubs and six schools across the Moranbah, Clermont, Emerald, Middlemount and Capella areas.

Dolphins game development manager Shane Morris said the regional trip was an important part of how the club operated throughout Queensland.

“Central Queensland is so important to the Dolphins because a lot of great footballers, and a lot of great people, come from this area,” he said.

“We’re investing in Central Queensland to give the kids the opportunity in their own back yard, that others may have on the coast.”

Anglo American training superintendent Damon McGuire said the company was proud of its partnership with the Dolphins.

“We very much align with their values and passion, especially when it comes to the development of young talent within the regions,” he said.

“We seek to employ a significant proportion of our workforce locally. We think investing in local young people through apprenticeships and other pathways is something that will return a huge benefit both to ourselves as a mine operator and to the local community.”