WALKING tours of Wonthaggi’s State Coal Mine have reopened for the school holidays.
Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale marked the occasion by joining community volunteers for an underground tour of the former coal mine’s once hidden secrets.
The State Coal Mine was drained of water for the 1984 movie Strikebound (1984) and is now the only historic coal mine in the southern hemisphere with underground tours.
The State Government has invested one and half million dollars to restore the famous mine including vital maintenance and upgrades to the rail track, drift car and winch as well as training volunteers to take visitors safely inside the mine.
The State Coal Mine operated from 1909 to 1968 and today is a unique piece of the state’s history.
“A beloved community asset offering visitors an unforgettable journey through time, the walking tour provides an up-close look at the coal face and conditions experienced by miners,” said Ms Crugnale.
“Since first opening to the public in 1983 Victorians young and old have cherished memories of the mine.
“The restoration works will allow future generations to walk in the footsteps of Victoria’s mining pioneers.”
The State Coal Mine Café also provides coffee and meals to fuel a day of exploration through Wonthaggi’s mining heritage.
Former miner Ugo Andrighetto took the occasion of the visit by the Member for Bass to reveal a little of the mischief-making by younger miners at the time.
Describing himself as a twenty-year old scallywag Mr Andrighetto told mine visitors about how he would hide one of the mine’s many rats under the lid of a box containing spare carbide miner’s lamps.
“The lights would go out and when a miner put his hand into the darkened light box you could hear him right down the mine tunnel.”
“Former miners many in their late eighties and nineties maintain a keen interest in the mine and its history” said Ms Crugnale.
“The town of Wonthaggi grew up around the mine.”
The Labor Government is proud to support the more than fifty local volunteers who put in hours of hard work to make the State Coal Mine the special place it is.
