There are 1,793 names on the Jim Comerford Memorial Wall at Aberdare in the Hunter Valley. All 1,793 of those people lost their lives in the Northern Districts coal mines since 1801. 

Loved ones, lodge and union members, Federal and State politicians, mining organisations and members of the public gathered at the Jim Comerford Memorial Wall on September 8 for the MEU Northern Mining & NSW Energy District 27^th Annual Memorial Day Service to remember the miners who have died in the Northern District.

MEU Northern Mining & NSW Energy District President Robin Williams said the Memorial Day is an opportunity for unionists, mineworkers, bereaved families and all members of the community to come together and reflect on the important role mining plays in the District and the enormous cost paid over many years in workers’ death and injury.

Each year the Memorial Day Service starts with The Safety Lamp being brought in. The Safety Lamp symbolises an eternal flame and stays lit throughout the Service and is carried out lit at the conclusion of the Service.

There is also a keynote address. This year it was delivered by the Hon. Courtney Houssos MLC, the Minister for Finance, Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement and Minister for Natural Resources.

“All of you who knew them, worked alongside them, have had the worst nightmare of sending a loved one off to work and for them not to return home, that’s who we are here for today.

“We mourn with you today; we remember everyone who we have lost and we remember every day that our greatest responsibility is to ensure that all mineworkers return home to their families at the end of their shift.

“We have made great progress in improving safety since the first coal was discovered at Nobbys, but that progress hasn’t been easy. And it has only been because of the struggles, the advocacy and the campaigning of this union, its members and officials.

“The high-quality thermal coal from this Valley and the jobs that it has created have sustained our state’s prosperity for generations and indeed particularly for this region and it will for some time to come.

“It has literally and figuratively kept the lights on for more than 200 years.

“Although we haven’t had a fatality in NSW over the last 12 months, tragedies in Queensland over the last month in particular show that we have to remain vigilant and that we don’t take for granted the responsibility that we all have in maintaining and always striving to improve workplace safety.

“We have strong mine safety legislation in NSW, but we must never be complacent.”

The Mineworkers’ Pipe Band were a part of the Service as was local performer Tara Naysmith.

The Service is held every year on the second Sunday of September.

A name hasn’t been added to the Wall since 2021, but only a couple weeks after the memorial the NSW mining community was shocked and saddened when tragedy struck at Austar Coal Mine and Craig Hugo lost his life when he fell through a decommissioned mine shaft. We offer our sincere condolences to Craig’s family, friends and workmates. Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President Robin Williams said the fatality had sent shockwaves through the Hunter Valley community. “This is the worst news we can ever receive. We are devastated that a coal miner is not returning home. “Our hearts go out to friends and family. We offer our deepest thanks to first responders and support to workmates who may be traumatised by the events. “The investigation will continue to uncover how this has occurred and prevent future fatalities and injuries.”