Moranbah’s 2025 Labour Day celebrations drew a crowd of over 1500 people to the town centre on Sunday, May 4, in a display of solidarity and community spirit. The event featured a combined union march, bringing together members from across the mining, construction, energy and public sectors.

Led by the Mining and Energy Union (MEU) and supported by other unions, the march was a strong show of unity, with clear messages calling for secure jobs, fair conditions and safer workplaces.

“Labour Day is a time to honour the achievements of workers and to remind ourselves of the importance of standing together,” said MEU District President Mitch Hughes.

“This year’s turnout shows that the fight for workers’ rights is as relevant as ever.”

Following the march, the community gathered for the Moranbah Labour Day Festival, enjoying a relaxed and festive afternoon filled with live music, rides, food stalls and entertainment for all ages. Families came out in strong numbers, catching up with mates and taking a well-earned moment to reflect on the meaning of the day.

Labour Day has a long and significant history in Queensland. It traces back to the 1891 Shearers’ Strike in Barcaldine – a defining moment that helped shape the national labour movement and contributed to the formation of the Australian Labor Party. In regions like the Bowen Basin, where unionism is woven into the fabric of local life, Labour Day continues to carry strong meaning.

“For communities like Moranbah, this day is about recognising where we’ve come from and what we continue to stand for,” Mitch said.

“Every workplace right we have today was fought for – and we need to protect that.”

The 2025 celebrations proved that in Moranbah, Labour Day is more than tradition – it’s a shared commitment to respect, fairness and the strength that comes from standing side by side.