VOLUNTEERS at Wonthaggi’s State Coal Mine are worried.

The mine tours, which rely heavily on the volunteers, have been suspended. They haven’t recommenced since COVID and now the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine Café is set to close.

After five years of dedicated, 7 days-a-week service, the café lessee Vicki Emery is calling it a day.

Thanks Vicki!

It’s not that her lease isn’t being renewed, in fact Parks Victoria, which manages the State Coal Mine site, wants her to stay.

It’s just time, after five years, to move on.

But there isn’t a new lessee in place, we are told, and Parks Victoria hasn’t even advertised for a new lessee.

So, what happens after January 25?

It appears the café won’t be open over the extended Australia Day long weekend from Thursday, January 26 to Sunday, January 29 although Parks Victoria  might try to keep it open for that period at least.

There’s still an inexpensive day trip to be had for the whole family at the State Coal Mine “an historic Gippsland attraction that fosters an understanding of Australia's cultural heritage” including the district’s proud coal mining history.

Entry to the site is free, above ground, where you can follow the heritage walk among historic buildings.

Operating from 1909 until 1968, the State Coal Mine produced almost 17 million tonnes of coal for Victoria's industries and railways.

You can still drop in at the Visitor Centre and the souvenir shop to find some unique mining memorabilia but, alas, there will be no scones for Devonshire teas, or a lovely lunch, so popular with visitors and locals alike.

So, what happens next at Wonthaggi’s beloved State Coal Mine, where so much volunteer effort has been contributed on the gardens and the various exhibits, not to mention the underground experience.

Any plans Parks Victoria have for the State Coal Mine haven’t been communicated to a very engaged community.

The Sentinel-Times has asked Parks Victoria for comment.