Yellow petals fall on memorial as miners' legacy illuminates

The news of a coal miner’s death sends shockwaves throughout the industry, across every mining community and to the heart of every worker and mining family.

There is a collective grief that time never heals.

This coal miner is a valued member of a family and the Moranbah community.

As the yellow flowers fall on the Moranbah Miners’ Memorial, families, friends and workmates will gather just before sunset on Friday, 5 November 2021 and pause to remember coal miners who left for work and never came home.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said for many in the mining sector saying goodbye before the start of every shift is important.

“No one knows the dangers of the industry like those who face it every shift,” Mayor Baker said.

“No one knows it like the people who wait for their loved ones to come home from work.

“As they walk out the door, there’s this silent hope that they’ll be home, safe and sound.

“Fourteen times in Moranbah, their goodbyes were their last.

“We will gather again as one to remember them, to cherish them and to keep them in our hearts.

“This memorial also is an important reminder that protection of our miners is paramount.”

The light will once again be illuminated to pay tribute to the lives lost at Moranbah mines at Town Square from 6pm this Friday, 5 November 2021.

The commemoration will also pay respects to miners that were lost on roads to and from work, in camps, and from coal-related diseases.

Moranbah Miners’ Memorial Committee president Scott Leggett said a wave of overwhelming community support continues for the third commemoration event.

“Our fallen workmates are looking down and I bet they’re proud of you Moranbah. It’s incredibly sobering the show of support we continue to have,” Mr Leggett said.

“We want to thank Councillor-endorsed member of the Moranbah Miners’ Memorial committee – Deputy Mayor Kelly Vea Vea – for her outstanding commitment to this annual ceremony.”

The committee has teamed up with 4RFM and Council to showcase the Moranbah Community Garden Project at Coalface Art Gallery.

The beautifully planted and handcrafted installation created by local children and volunteers of all ages is a show of support for the community during a difficult time.

The showcase is open during Council business hours of 8.30am to 5pm on Mondays to Friday until Monday, 8 November 2021.

There are special after hour exhibition times on Sunday, 31 October from 8am to 12 noon to coincide with the Sunday markets in Town Square.

It will be open following the memorial on Friday, 5 November 2021 until 8.30pm and on Saturday, 6 November 2021 from 8.30am to 2pm.

For more information on the commemoration event or the community garden project head to the Moranbah Miners’ Memorial Facebook page, or email [email protected] or visit https://fb.me/e/1k97zrGOB to sign up to the livestream event if you cannot attend in person.

Isaac Regional Council is a proud supporter of the Moranbah Miners’ Memorial annual commemoration and Community Garden Project at Coalface Art Gallery.