Standing before the names at the Moranbah Miners Memorial, Sarah Croom thinks of her dad, a miner who never made it home. Thirty years ago, John Croom was killed in a mining accident in Western Australia. He was a long hole driller, a much-loved father of three, and just 38 years old when his life was cut short. Sarah was seven.
Her last memory of her dad is simple, but it has stayed with her for three decades. He dropped her and her brother and sister off at school that morning, she watched his car drive off down the street, never imagining it would be the last time she’d ever see him.
Born in Kalgoorlie, Sarah spent her early years surrounded by the mining life that shaped her dad. Her family later moved closer to Perth before settling in Mackay when she was 15. She’s now been in the region for 23 years. Today, she’s a third-year electrical apprentice at BMA’s Peak Downs Mine near Moranbah and a proud mum of two teenage boys.
When Sarah thinks of her dad, the first memory that comes to mind is one filled with joy.
“He had such a big bubbly personality with a huge heart and so much love for his family. My favourite memory was when he put a pool in. We were filling it up with a hose and it took forever. He came to our classrooms one by one and told the teachers he needed to take us out of class for something important. When we all got to the car, he told us excitedly that the pool was ready. He wanted us all to go for our first swim together.”
Losing him so young left a mark that never faded.
“I remember the mine supplying beds because Mum’s one of eight kids, and family came to stay and support us. Dad helped out at the school, so we planted a tree there in his honour with a plaque in front of it. There was a huge crowd at the funeral, people standing outside surrounding the funeral home just to show their support.”
Her aunty Elizabeth was part of the mines rescue team that responded that day. She later learned it was her own brother-in-law who was involved in the accident and was removed from the scene. For Sarah, that connection to what happened has always been deeply significant.
Those experiences shaped how she views mining and the people in it.
“I see it as mateship, an extension of family. You spend so many hours at work and you form a bond with the people you work with every day. We were always having barbecues and gatherings with people Dad had worked with.”
Years later, Sarah found her own way into the industry.
“I wanted an apprenticeship for job security. I’ve worked in admin, HR, payroll, sales and hospitality but never felt secure. I wanted to know that I could support my boys on my own. They’re at good ages now where they don’t need their mother 24/7, so it felt like the right time for me to work away.”
Working on site has given her a new appreciation for what her father faced.
“My dad was a long hole driller and I still don’t completely understand what he did because I’m at an open cut mine and he was underground. But I’ve realised how quickly things can go wrong and with such huge impacts. You really have to be aware of everything that’s going on.”
Sarah’s journey has been strengthened by the support of her family, colleagues and workplace. She credits Peak Downs Mine for fostering a culture that understands family comes first.
“It really is a supportive place to work. The flexibility of the rosters and the understanding from everyone on site make a huge difference when you’re trying to balance work and family.”
She’s especially grateful for Apprentice Coordinator Darren Maidment, whose encouragement and guidance have helped her manage life as both a parent and an apprentice.
When Sarah spoke at the Moranbah Miners Memorial, she wanted people to think about what one life means to so many others.
“How much is taken away from one life being lost. How it can ripple through the entire community and affect so much.”
Sarah hopes that sharing her father’s story reminds others of the importance of safety.
“Life is too short and can change in an instant. If it’s not safe, it’s not worth the risk.”
And when she thinks about her dad’s legacy, she carries his words and spirit into her own life.
“Have ice cream for dinner, laugh with your kids, always say I love you, and find your joy.”
Image credit: Gingham & Hide.
