Paul Has Spent 20 Years Digging Deep — In More Ways Than One

For almost two decades, Paul Rohrich has called Wilpinjong Mine home. But for this remarkable local, the most important work has always happened beyond the mine gates.

Paul is the kind of person who quietly shows up whenever help is needed. Whether it's lending a hand at a community event, supporting a local fundraiser, or mentoring others on site, he has built a reputation as someone who genuinely cares about the people around him.

Having spent almost 20 years at Wilpinjong Mine, Paul has become one of the operation's most respected figures — not only for his contribution at work, but for his commitment to the community he proudly calls home.

A Career Built on Hard Work

Paul joined Wilpinjong Mine in 2007 as part of the second intake of employees. In those early days, the operation was much smaller, with just three excavators and two crews. Everyone pitched in wherever they were needed.

His background in quarrying, particularly in blasting, quickly set him apart and before long he was supervising the mine's drill and blast operations.

"Safety has always been at the forefront, even back then," Paul says. "No cowboy stuff. Safety has been a constant focus since the start."

Over the years, Paul progressed into crew supervision before moving into technical services and, more recently, becoming a coal quality engineer. Today, the mine operates six excavators and employs around 700 people — a far cry from the operation he joined nearly two decades ago.

Why He Stayed

Ask Paul why he has remained at Wilpinjong for so long and the answer comes quickly: Mudgee.

"Mudgee is a beautiful little place," he says. "I wanted to keep my family here."

Together with his wife, Courtney, Paul has raised their children in the region and watched them grow up surrounded by the community they love.

"If we didn't have mines in the area, Mudgee wouldn't be Mudgee," he says. "Paul says plainly."

Giving Back to the Community

While Paul's professional life reflects years of dedication and expertise, it's his community involvement that reveals another side of his character.

Over the years, he has raised thousands of dollars for causes close to his heart, particularly through participation in events such as Shave for a Cure and Movember.

Many locals have seen Paul sporting shaved heads, mohawks and even mullets in support of fundraising efforts.

One of his most memorable campaigns involved raising more than $7,000 for a Shave for a Cure event that saw him shave his head in front of a crowd.

"I said, if we can raise the money from it, I'll do it," he recalls. "So the axe came out, and the story has become fundraising folklore."

For Paul, these efforts have always been about helping others and recognising the good fortune he has experienced throughout his own career.

"We are very lucky to be in the industry we are in. I like to share that luck with people who are not so fortunate."

Proud of the Place He Calls Home

Twenty years on, Paul continues to show up — for his team, for his mates and for the community that has given so much back to him.

His story is a reminder that some of the most meaningful contributions aren't measured in tonnes moved or years worked, but in the impact made on the people around us.

At Wilpinjong Mine, Paul has spent 20 years digging deep. In the community, he's been doing the same.