OUR FUNDRAISER

We are raising funds to update our display cabinets to better preserve and display our many artefacts, some of which date back to the early 1900s.

If you are able to assist our public appeal you can make a donation to Coalfields Local History Association Inc - BSB 650000, Account No. 564174807.

Make sure you include in the subject line your surname or business name and then email your details to coalfieldshistory@gmail.com and we will forward you a receipt upon request.

All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible.

Bellbird Mine Disaster Centenary

Edited Extract from the Media Release from Coal Services Pty Limited

Hunter Valley, NSW (Australia), August 2023 –  

Friday, 1 September 2023 marked 100 years since the 1923 Hetton Coal Company Ltd Bellbird Mine Disaster (Disaster) that resulted in the death of 21 miners.
 
This Disaster was the catalyst for the Bill to establish a mines rescue service which was tabled in the NSW Parliament in 1924 and the Mines Rescue Act 1925. The first NSW Mines Rescue station was established at Abermain in 1926.  

Coal Services (Mines Rescue) and the Mining and Energy Union (MEU), together with the Coalfields Local Historical Association, hosted an event to commemorate the centenary of the Disaster.

The ceremony took place at 11 am on Friday, 1 September 2023, at the Bellbird Miners Memorial Park (506 Wollombi Road, Bellbird NSW 2325) and was a great success.

Here is the full Media release.