West Coast Fever stars Jess Anstiss, Alice Teague-Neeld, and Sunday Aryang traded their netball uniforms for high-vis and hard hats this week, getting a firsthand look at life on a gold mine.
Visiting Gold Road Resources’ Yamarna exploration camp and Gruyere mining operations in remote Western Australia, the players got to meet passionate workers and see the full journey of gold - from discovery to processing – all thanks the Gold Industry Group’s partnership with Netball WA and West Coast Fever.
At Yamarna, geologists walked the players through the science of gold exploration, from mapping and drilling to examining core samples. They were particularly impressed by the site’s solar farm, which powers operations with renewable energy.
The next stop was the Gruyere Mine Site, a joint venture with Gold Fields, where the scale of operations was on full display. The players stood at the edge of the massive open pit, watched haul trucks in action, and visited the MACA Maintenance Workshop to see how heavy machinery is kept running. They even hopped into one of the giant dump trucks for a ride - an experience that left a lasting impression.
At the Gruyere Process Plant, metallurgists explained how gold is transformed from ore to refined bars. The players even got to witness a live gold pour demonstration! They gathered around as molten gold, glowing bright orange from the intense heat, was carefully poured into molds. Seeing the final product firsthand - pure gold, fresh from the furnace - was a moment the players won’t forget.
Stepping into a world far removed from the netball courts, the players fully embraced FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) life, gaining a deeper appreciation for the industry and the people who keep it running.
Gold Industry Group Executive Officer Kristy Reilly said the visit was a great way to strengthen ties between the gold sector and netball community.
“This visit was a fantastic opportunity to connect elite athletes with the incredible people and operations that power Western Australia’s gold sector. Seeing firsthand the innovation, teamwork, and dedication that drive our industry gives players like Jess, Alice, and Sunday a deeper appreciation for the role gold plays in our economy and communities,” she said.
“Through experiences like this, we’re strengthening the bond between netball and mining, inspiring the next generation, and showcasing the diverse career opportunities within our sector.”
The Gold Industry Group is a Principal Partner of West Coast Fever and Netball WA and a Major Partner of Shooting Stars, supporting women’s sport from grassroots to elite levels.
Gold Industry Group members backing the partnership include Gold Road Resources, Gold Fields, Northern Star Resources, AngloGold Ashanti Australia, Bellevue Gold, Ramelius Resources, and The Perth Mint.
