On 1 September 1923, countless miners headed underground to start their afternoon shift at the Bellbird Colliery.
Little did they know what was to soon unfold.
Shortly after, a fire occurred beneath the surface followed by a series of explosions, leading to the death of 21 miners and six pit horses.
The tragic event is still considered the greatest coal mining disaster in the Hunter Valley’s history.
And, from this week, Cessnock City Library will host an exhibition and free community get-together to commemorate 100 years since the Bellbird Colliery catastrophe.
The display is scheduled to take place in the venue’s foyer from 1 to 30 September.
The month-long exhibit, Tragedy at Bellbird: Commemorating 100 Years Since the Bellbird Colliery Disaster, explores the timeline leading up to the heartbreak, features objects and records from the library’s Local Studies collection, and uncovers the forgotten stories of the victims.
Library services coordinator Rose-marie Walters is encouraging those interested in learning more about the history and impacts of the event to visit the exhibition.
“The ongoing impact of the disaster was immense,” she said.
“A century later and this is still the deadliest colliery accident in the Hunter Valley… it has not been forgotten.
“I welcome individuals with an interest in the subject, as well as those keen to discover more about the extraordinary scenes of heroism, to head to the library.”
A free event to commemorate the centenary of the disaster is also being staged at the Cessnock City Library on Friday 1 September from 6pm to 7pm.
However, bookings are essential.
Secure your place at https://tinyurl.com/2p889ycw
For further information, visit www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/libraries under ‘What’s On’ or phone Cessnock City Library on 4993 4399 or Kurri Kurri Library on 4937 1638.
For more community stories:
- Port of Newcastle seeking help to shape future clean energy
- Roll the dice for Hunter Valley Monopoly
- Calvary Mater marks 40 years of palliative care
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