Labour Day, formally known as May Day for its traditional date, is big business in Moranbah.

Over the years the community has thrown its support behind the day, helping to pay homage to members of the community who go about their jobs with little or no recognition.

The Moranbah Labour Day Festival was created as a way to celebrate this special day, and is open to families and individuals from all factions of the community.

An event for the whole family, the Festival has attractions and rides, live music, food stalls and bar, and features traditional Miner’s Games and Tug of War.

The games, introduced by a local family in 2016, started as a compliment to the Tug of War, and as a nod to traditional May Days of the past.

Miner’s Games have been a part of Labour Day/May Day celebrations in towns across the Coalfields for many years and are a great way to have a bit of fun, while honouring the day’s origins.

The 2023 Miner’s games pit teams of 2 against each other, challenging brains with a find a word, then a bean bag toss, before the challenge of vegemite sandwich making and eating, all in the fastest time possible.

Peak Downs ETU took the winning prize and will have their name forever inscribed on the Miner’s Games perpetual trophy.

Tug of war versus teams of 6 against each other, in a test of strength. The traditional chocks were not used this year, which did lead to some turf disruption, but the show was just as good for spectators.

The 2023 Tug of War Men’s winners were Peak Downs Ram Rods, despite a stellar Grand Final against the Fijians, and Women’s winners were “Not” Collinsville, in a knock out round against Peak Downs. These teams will also live forever on the perpetual Tug of War Trophy, the Scott Ramage Memorial Shield.

Huge thanks go to the Isaac Regional Council for awarding 4RFM a Community Grant, enabling them to take on the games and purchase quality items, including a hemp Tug of War rope, to ensure the games can go on for years to come.