Remembering the miners of the Collinsville coalfields

The coal mining town of Collinsville held a memorial service yesterday (Saturday) to commemorate the lives of 26 miners who died on the Collinsville coalfields.

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson told the mining community that the tragic loss of lives on the Collinsville coalfields was a sad part of Queensland’s collective history.

“And the history of workers, their struggle, and sadly the ultimate sacrifice of workers, should never be forgotten,” Mr Wilson said.

“On this day in 1954, seven miners lost their lives in a mining tragedy that touched the lives of everyone in the community,” he said.

The Collinsville disaster was the worst coal mining accident in Queensland since the 1921 Mount Mulligan disaster and it remained so for 18 years, until an underground explosion at Box Flat in 1972.

“We must never forget our history. It’s important that we remember, so that when we hold it up to the light, years later, we can then tell our children of the sacrifices made by the men and women who worked in our mines.

“We must never forget those sacrifices. It is for this reason that a commemoration day is held each year on the 13^th of October. We remember the seven people who died that night in 1954.

“And we remember all 26 mine workers who have lost their lives in this community since mining began in 1919.

“No one knows more than you of the terrible consequences of a mining disaster, because you are mining people – you know what it’s like,” Mr Wilson said.

“As we look back over the history of Collinsville today, there is much to be proud of. Collinsville has played a key role in the nation’s labour movement and union movement – a role of which it can be truly proud.

“People here have fought at the forefront of political and industrial struggle. By being here today we are able to reflect on what can happen if we are not vigilant about protecting the safety and health of our coal mine workers,” Mr Wilson said.

The names of the 26 miners who lost their lives in mining accidents on the Collinsville coalfields were read out during the service.

Media: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819