Fallen miners to be remembered in moving service
The 1,508 Queensland miners who have died on the job will be remembered at the state's biggest memorial event for mining tragedies next month.
On 19 September each year, the industry comes together to commemorate those lives lost on the same day as the state's worst coal mining disaster at Mount Mulligan, where 75 miners died in 1921.
The Miners Memorial Day Service is run by Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ), and this year it's being held at the Collinsville-Scottville Workers Club in the Whitsunday region.
It coincides with the 70th anniversary of the Collinsville coal mine disaster where seven men died in 1954.
Tickets to the Miners Memorial Day Service are free and are now available through Eventbrite.
RSHQ CEO Rob Djukic said it's an emotional day with people travelling from across the state to attend the service.
"Remembering the workers who lost their lives is an important reminder of why we must keep striving for a safer sector and that is our focus at RSHQ," said Mr Djukic.
"Sadly, this year we lost another two people to a mining tragedy, 27-year-old Luke O'Brien in January, and 48-year-old Chris Schloss only last week.
"Our thoughts will be with their families, friends and co-workers, and the loved ones of all miners who have tragically passed.
"Every death in the resources sector is one too many."
The Miners Memorial Day Service will be live streamed on RSHQ's Facebook page for those who can't attend in person.
ENDS
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Amy McCann
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Last updated: 07 Aug 2024