The MEU will stage its 28th annual Memorial Day Service in the Hunter this weekend to remember the lives lost to coal mining.
A big gathering is expected to converge on Federation House, in Aberdare, from 10.30am on Sunday 14 September to pay their respects to former colleagues and workers involved in the industry.
The service acknowledges the men, women and boys who have been killed in mining-related fatalities in the Northern District Coalfields.
At least 1,793 names are etched to the Jim Comerford Memorial Wall.
And, sadly, Craig Hugo, who died at Yancoal’s Austar mine last September while undertaking site rehabilitation, will be included on that monument in 2025.
The 59-year-old was part of a work group whose task was to replace existing steel plates covering the mine shaft with purposely manufactured steel covers when he fell 400 metres, resulting in fatal injuries.
The event will be attended by mineworkers and their families; MEU members, delegates and officials; mining industry representatives; local, state and federal political representatives; and loved ones of those whose names appear on the wall.
MEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy District president Robin Williams said the annual Memorial Day Service was an important opportunity to come together and support bereaved families and friends of coal miners killed on the job.
“The way we mine coal is continually changing,” he explained.
“But, from the earliest days of the industry to the present, it remains a sector where workers face considerable risks.
“Each name on the Jim Comerford Memorial Wall represents a devastating loss for a local family.
“As we join forces to share our grief and support each other, we remember these lives lost and recommit ourselves to ensuring no more names are added.
“We must always be vigilant and work together to protect mineworkers’ lives.”
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