Collinsville remembers old comrades

The coal mining town of Collinsville will hold a special service tomorrow (Monday) to remember all miners who lost their lives on the Collinsville coalfields.

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

“We must never forget our history. It’s important to remember so that we can tell our children of the sacrifices made by the men and women who worked in our mines,” Mr Wilson said.

“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.

“On this day in 1954, seven miners died 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 will remember the seven people who died that night in 1954. And we will remember all 26 mine workers who have lost their lives on the Collinsville coalfields since mining began in 1919.

“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 fought at the forefront of political and industrial struggle. It’s timely, on this day, to reflect on what can happen if we are not vigilant about protecting the safety and health of mine workers.

“I strongly support a mine worker’s fundamental right to a safe working environment and a fundamental right to go to work and return home safely at the end of a shift.

“Nothing is more important than that,” Mr Wilson said.

Media: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819