Meet the Locals: Damien Wynn

Our top little town is full of interesting people from varied backgrounds. We want to get to know you better so we’ll be chatting to local members of the community to get their story and share it with you.

First up, we spoke to Damien Wynn, General Manager and Senior Site Executive at Oaky Creek Coal.

Damien, welcome to Tieri! Or should we say, welcome back?! It’s not your first time here – what’s your history with OCC and Tieri?

This is the third time I have worked for OCC. I started my career as a Graduate Mining Engineer back in 2003, living in Tieri with my wife. Our two daughters were initially raised here in Tieri. They still have fond memories of the town, their friendships and growing up in Central QLD.

I left and worked elsewhere in CQ and Brisbane, then returned in 2016 as Production Manager of Oaky Number 1. And then, in September I returned as the General Manager & Site Senior Executive (GM/SSE) of Oaky Creek Coal.

What does this role involve?

Ultimately, I am accountable for setting the direction and leading OCC to ensure the business produces coal safely and responsibly to deliver value to our shareholders. But I’m also keen to see Oaky Creek continue to do what we can to support local communities, particularly those living in Tieri.

How have things changed for the mine and the town since you were last here?

There has been a lot of innovation with advancements in technologies like mining automation that has really taken us forward as an industry.

In fact, I’m delighted to see the pilot project on longwall automation, that started in 2019, become an Australian industry and world leader in this space.

It’s really pleasing, though, to note that Tieri has continued to keep that small town community spirit, supporting local business and welcoming new families.

What would you like to achieve for OCC during your time as GM? What are your goals for the mine and for the community at large?

OCC is a fantastic asset with a long history in the community and with our stakeholders. I personally want to ensure OCC continues to be a safe, productive, professional and enjoyable place to work and to be actively involved in the Tieri community.

How would you describe yourself?

I enjoy seeing others around me succeed and supporting them to reach their goals. I see myself as – and aim to be – professional, open, and accessible.

How would others describe you?

Fair, reasonable, dependable and someone they could go to if they needed help.

What role do you believe Glencore OCC plays in the community?

We play an active role in the community, whether it be chairing the Community Reference Group of small businesses and local stakeholders; supporting local sporting groups, businesses, the primary school, and services; being there in times of personal family challenges; or simple volunteering to cook the snags or find someone to put on the Santa suit for the town Christmas party.

What keeps drawing you back to this top little town of ours?

Quite simply, this town has a big heart and some incredible characters. I started my career here and my two daughters spent their first few years growing up here. I’ve been here when severe storms have hit, creating a lot of damage, and taking out power for a week. But that’s when you see the Tieri character at its best: everybody helping everybody.

How do you spend your spare time…and with whom?

I enjoy Mountain Bike riding and spending time with my wife and two daughters.

5 things you can’t live without?

1. Family
2. Friends
3. Good wine and food
4. Travelling
5. Mountain Bike riding

What’s a little-known fact about you?

I ran with the bulls in Pamplona.

Dead or alive, who would be your ideal BBQ guests?

• Andy Thomas (Australian astronaut)
• Lewis Hamilton (FI Driver)
• Chris Hemsworth (Actor)
• Tom Hanks (Actor)
• Muhammad Ali (Boxer)

If you could have anyone else’s job in Tieri, whose would it be and why?

The baker: their pastries and pies are amazing!