Diggers hit by bad weather

In a Diggers & Dealers first, exhibitors have been told to pack up early on the final day of the conference after a severe weather warning was issued for the Goldfields this morning.

Mining companies and service providers with booths at the Kalgoorlie event were requested to pack up as much as possible from the main marquee area and delegates told the venue would be closed from 10am.

The decision follows a severe weather warning issued at 4:42am this morning for the Goldfields region, with 90 kilometre an hour gusts anticipated.  

Attendees are instead being hosted in the neighbouring Goldfields Arts Centre for the rest of the day.

Business News understands it’s the first time in the forum’s 31-year history that a weather event has forced a significant change in proceedings.

A catering charter flight bearing additional work force and supplies for the scheduled WestTrac Gala Dinner - due to be held this evening - has also been held up due to the weather, forcing a switch to a cocktail format instead.

It comes during a bumper year for Diggers, which recorded a record turnout and closed off registrations at a full capacity of 2,620 people.

Today is the third and final day of the conference.