Calves baptised at Alcoa day

by Carly Merrett

April 8, 2008

TWO calves were baptised among the wafting smells of the free sausage sizzle at Alcoa’s open day in the Peel town of Wagerup on April 6.

The competition to name the black and white juvenile bovines rounded out the fun and games surrounding the family day at the town’s Alcoa aluminium refinery.

“I’d forgotten I’d even entered until my name was called,” chuckled Crystal Murphy whose suggested calf names of ‘Cookies’ and ‘Cream’ won her a bottle of plonk, “but I’m glad I did.”

“Free wine never goes astray.”

Members of the public were able to interact with ALCOA representatives who were there to talk about the mining and refining processes associated with the production of Alumina.

Greening Australia, HATCH engineering and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy joined Alcoa to provide information on the refinery’s operation.

Local resident Kim Reynolds bought her two children Stephanie and Jarod down to the open day.

“Yeah it is a great day so far,” Ms Reynolds said. “The kids love it!”

Newly named Cookies and Cream have returned to farmlands owned by the Aluminium giant, and may return to check out next year’s open day.