Memorial livestream garners support across the globe

Hundreds of viewers watched the Driveways at Dusk livestream last Friday night from their homes, mine sites and local neighbourhoods from four corners of the globe.

The multi-camera livestream from the Moranbah Miners’ Memorial in Town Square reached viewers tuning in from the USA, United Kingdom, New Zealand and every state in Australia. There was a 15,000 reach from the official memorial Facebook page.

The event was delivered by the Moranbah Miners’ Memorial committee and it made up by local CFMEU, AMWU and ETU lodges and branches plus Isaac Regional Council-appointed members.

Mayor Anne Baker, who was invited to speak by the committee, said since the official opening of this memorial 12 months ago, a Friday early in November as the yellow blossoms fall has become our day to remember the miners who went to work in mines round Moranbah and never came home.

“It is appropriate this memorial stands here in the heart of Moranbah, just as the miners it commemorates are in our hearts,” Mayor Baker said.

“These men were fathers, husbands, boyfriends, brothers, uncles, cousins, nephews, best mates and valued members of our community.

“In this quiet, peaceful place, we can reflect on their lives. Families can relax here, children play. Here, we can tell our stories of the men and women who built Moranbah – its mines and its community – and forever remember the sacrifice of these special men.”

Mayor Baker said while it is important to have a job, it is even more important to come home from that job, safe and healthy in body and mind, from every shift.

“Enormous strides have been made in miner’s health and safety in the last generation – but there is more to be done,” she said.

“No-one here today needs to be reminded that protection of our miners is paramount.”

Tight-knit invitation only event at the memorial was attended by Isaac Regional Councillors, Senator for Queensland Murray Watt and State Member for Burdekin Dale Last with delegates from the CFMEU, AMWU, ETU, mine rescue teams and health and emergency service representatives.

Deputy Mayor Kelly Vea Vea, who is the Council-appointed member on the Moranbah Miners’ Memorial committee said a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved.

“Whether you joined us online, from your driveways or workplace or via 4RFM radio, it showed solidarity in support of these families and the Moranbah miners we’ve lost,” Cr Vea Vea said.

“Thank you for everyone who shared your pictures and memories with us. Thank you to everyone who #putyourlampsout - we will always remember. The committee would like to thank Mayor Baker, Senator Murray Watt, Stephen Smyth, Lyn Matthews, Pastor Luke Collings, the Cookson family and emcee Martin Bowerman.

“A very special thank you to Theresa Malone, our volunteers and our local schools for your time and care.

“Our Moranbah schools and kindergartens embraced driveways at dusk by having important conversations and helping every kid in creating their very own miners’ lamp for the Friday event.

“Thank you to Smiths Maintenance, 4RFM Community Radio, Create-A-Sign for their generous contributions and support and to Tropical Exposure for the high definition livestream.”

If you missed the Moranbah Miners’ Memorial Ceremony on Friday night you can watch the recording here https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=372798580663402