A Family's Mining Tragedy: Retracing the Shattering Legacy of Lithgow's Coal Country

The weight of my grandfather's death hangs heavy, even almost 100 years later. In a single, horrifying moment, our family was torn apart when he was killed in a quarry cave-in, just weeks before the start of World War II. His story is but one thread in the tapestry of Lithgow's mining heritage - a history woven with tales of struggle, progress, and incredible human cost.

As the narrator of the Shattered documentary series, I've had the privilege of giving voice to families like my own, who have been shattered by workplace accidents. At the core, these are stories about resilience in the face of unbearable loss. They speak to the resilience of the human spirit, even amidst the darkest of tragedies.

The Lithgow region has long been synonymous with coal, its very landscape shaped by the fruits of this subterranean industry. From the earliest European settlers who carved small seams for domestic use, to the industrial giants that fueled railways and power stations, this land has quite literally been forged by the perils of mining work.

In 1869, commercial-scale operations commenced, with collieries like Hermitage, Eskbank, and Lithgow Valley springing up to meet demand. The completion of the Sydney-Lithgow railway line only accelerated this development, as the region became a critical supplier of coal for steam engines and export markets.

Over the decades, the industry evolved dramatically. Mechanization replaced the picks, shovels, and pit ponies of yesteryear. Safety protocols improved, wages climbed, and many of the most hazardous conditions were mitigated. Yet the fundamental danger of mining work never fully abated.

Tragically, my own family was not spared. In 1939, just weeks before the onset of World War II, two miners - James Strang and Jacob Patrick - were killed in that fateful quarry collapse at South Bowenfels. Their deaths were a sober reminder of the immense sacrifices made by generations of Lithgow's miners.

The region's mining saga extends far beyond my personal experience, of course. Cobar Colliery saw devastating floods that forced temporary shutdowns. Economic booms and busts reshaped the industry, from the post-war expansion to the Great Depression's contractions. Through it all, Lithgow remained inextricably tied to the rhythms of coal.

Today, the modern mining landscape looks quite different. Many of the historic collieries have closed, their relics now silent monuments to a bygone era. Yet the region continues to play a crucial role, supplying fuel for power stations like Wallerawang and Mount Piper.

As I reflect on this history, I'm struck by the resilience and sacrifices of those who came before. Their stories, including that of my own grandfather, serve as a poignant reminder of the human costs that have shaped Lithgow's identity. It is a legacy that we must never forget - one that speaks to the very heart of this coal country community.

Kathie Melocco

November 2024