Miners’ Memorial highlights importance of safety in the industry

The Goldfields community united on Thursday evening to reflect and remember mine workers who lost their lives to the industry. The annual Miners’ Memorial Service at the Museum of the Goldfields honours those who died in mining accidents in the region, and serves as a reminder to the importance of safety in the mining industry. During the service, prayers were read by religious leaders, mining equipment was blessed and the St Barbara’s lantern was lit. Representatives from mining companies, community organisations, schools and residents were then invited to lay wreaths at the base of the Eastern Goldfields Miners’ Memorial. The service was hosted by the St Barbara’s Festival committee and forms part of the festival’s program of events. Miners’ Promise general manager Sarah Garvey spoke during the service about the role of the crisis support agency and extended condolences to those who have lost family members to the mining industry. “We express our heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost loved ones and hope that you may take some small comfort from the outpouring of love from all of us here today,” she said. In March, the names of Paul (Paora) Martin, who died from heat exhaustion at the Daisy Milano gold mine in 2021, and Terry Hogan, who died at the St Ives gold mine in Kambalda in October last year, were added to the Eastern Goldfields Miners’ Memorial. Ms Garvey made special mention of Amanda Hogan, Mr Hogan’s wife, and their three children who attended Thursday’s service. During the service, Karora Resources managing director Leigh Junk said the memorial stood as a symbol of unity to ensure the memory of fallen miners remains alive. “This memorial is not merely concrete and stone, it’s a sacred space that holds the echoes of hard work, perseverance, and the unwavering spirit of those who unwillingly gave their lives to the mining industry,” he said. “It stands as a solemn reminder of the price paid by those who did the job, and those they left behind.” Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Kyle McGinn represented Minister Don Punch and took an opportunity to reiterate the importance of safety in the industry. “Safety on the job is everyone’s responsibility,” he said. “The employers, the workers, they must all fight together to ensure no worker is in a position where they can be seriously injured or fail to return home.” CME director, policy and advocacy Adrienne le Bomard called for a “fatality free future”. “There have been two fatalities in the WA resources industry this year, both were in the Pilbara,” she said. “I echo the call for a fatality free future and pay my respects to everyone who’s here today.” The other main event of the St Barbara’s Festival, St Barbara’s Parade, will be on Hannan Street from 10am on Sunday.