It’s easy to picture an ordinary day.
Hitting snooze at least twice.
Wishing it was a day off.
Putting on the work uniform.
Making coffee.
Tying up boot laces.
Saying goodbye to loved ones.
It’s a routine everyone can relate to before heading to work.
For many in the mining sector saying goodbye before the start of every shift is important.
Because, no one knows the dangers of the industry like those who face it every shift.
No one knows it like the people who wait for their loved ones to come home from work.
As they walk out the door, there’s this silent hope that they’ll be home, safe and sound.
Thirteen times in Moranbah, their goodbyes were their last.
These men were fathers, husbands, boyfriends, brothers, uncles, cousins, nephews and the ultimate best mate.
The community has been gripped with sadness and grief since the first Moranbah mining tragedy in 1972.
To cherish their memory, a miners’ memorial will be unveiled this Friday, 8 November at Moranbah Town Square.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said the region’s premier sculptor Kay Paton from Nebo was tasked the honourable job to create a bronze casting of a miner.
“The central figure will look over the 13 names of his fallen comrades who lost their lives while working in the Moranbah coalfields under the memorial eternal light,” Mayor Baker said.
“The light will illuminate the memories of their dusty faces, the loyalty, mateship and good times shared.
“We will also pay our respects to miners we have lost on roads to and from work, in camps, and from coal-related diseases.
“Isaac is a proud resources region. For nearly 50 years Moranbah has been a prominent mining town and it is home to proud mining families, a lot that have worked in the industry for generations.”
Deputy Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said establishing a Miners’ Memorial in Moranbah had been a long-held priority for the community-at-large.
“We will see that vision and hard work come to life. As a community we will never forget those workers who have lost their lives in our coal pits,” Cr Vea Vea said.
“The memorial will be placed in the heart of Moranbah. It will keep these 13 men’s names in our hearts, and workplace safety on our minds.”
The memorial has been a community partnership between Isaac Regional Council, Mineworkers Trust, CFMEU Mining & Energy Division Queensland, CFMEU Peak Downs Lodge, CFMEU Moranbah North Lodge, CFMEU Goonyella Riverside Lodge, CFMEU Broadmeadow Lodge, AMWU Goonyella Riverside Branch and ETU Goonyella Riverside Branch.
The Moranbah Miners’ Memorial unveiling, and service begins at 5.30pm at Town Square.
