Wonthaggi's rich history kept alive by the Friends of the State Coal Mine volunteers
Thursday 22 August, 2024
Nestled in the heart of Wonthaggi, the State Coal Mine stands as a powerful testament to Victoria's rich industrial heritage. For more than a century, it has been a cornerstone of the community, offering a unique glimpse into the life and labour of the miners who fuelled the state's early economic growth.
Today, this historic site continues to thrive, thanks in part to the unwavering dedication of the Friends of the State Coal Mine volunteer group.
Steve Harrop, the president of the Friends of the State Coal Mine, is one of many who became enamoured with the site after his first visit.
Photo: Steve Harrop is president of the Friends of the State Coal Mine volunteer group.
“It doesn’t take much to get me underground, I just love it.”
"I used to be a firefighter, and one night we had a rescue exercise here. So I came in with the fire brigade from Inverloch, and after it was all finished, they switched the lights back on, and a few of us went to wander around, and it was then that I just got hooked on the place," Steve recalls.
This initial visit sparked a passion that has kept Steve involved for more than three decades.
"I’ve been volunteering here for 32 years, 28 of which I’ve been an underground tour guide for. People say, ‘hey do you ever get sick or bored of it,’ and I say no, the mine never gets boring, and the people coming through are different all the time.”
One of the most significant contributions of the Friends of the State Coal Mine is their role in bringing the history of the mine to life for visitors.
Each year, thousands of people, including school groups, tourists, and locals, visit the site to learn about the harsh realities of life in the coal mines.
The volunteers, some of whom have deep personal connections to the mine, offer informative guided tours that offer a unique experience, unlike any other in Australia.
“It’s the only place you’ll get this experience – there are gold mines, copper mines, silver mines that you can go in, but this is, as far as we know, the only black coal mine in Australia, and we think even in the southern hemisphere where you can get this experience of being in a coal mine," Steve said.
These tours are not just about facts and figures, they instead focus on sharing the human stories that make history come alive.
Join an underground tour
Join the volunteers on an underground tour of the State Coal Mine and find out what life was like for the miners who worked there.
What the miners were looking for - black coal
More than 17 million tonnes of black coal came out of the State Coal Mine, and was used to power Victoria's network on steam trains.
Visitors are taken through the underground tunnels, where they can experience the conditions in which the miners worked and hear tales of their courage, camaraderie, and resilience.
Underground tours run daily at 11:30am and 2pm. As this is a walk-in and walk-out tour, participants require a moderate level of fitness due to the steep tunnel gradient and it is not recommended for those with mobility issues. Sturdy closed toe shoes and safety helmets must be worn at all times when underground.
Photo: The State Coal Mine underground tours offer a fascinating look at life from a bygone era, with original items and machinery still visible deep in the mine itself.
The State Coal Mine operated between 1909-1968, producing almost 17 million tonnes of coal which was used to power Victoria’s network of steam trains. It was then worked privately between 1969-1975 after which it lay abandoned until 1982 when it used in the filming of the movie Strikebound.
It’s been open to the public ever since, with the help of the dedicated volunteers who make up the Friends of the State Coal Mine.
Formed in the early 1980s, the Friends of the State Coal Mine volunteer group has worked tirelessly to preserve and promote this important piece of Victorian history.
In that time the group has grown from a small band of history enthusiasts into a well-organized and influential force within the community. Their mission is simple yet profound - to ensure the legacy of the State Coal Mine is not forgotten so future generations can learn about the vital role it played in shaping the region.
In addition to their work with visitors, the Friends of the State Coal Mine are also heavily involved in the maintenance and restoration of the site. This includes everything from repairing old machinery, and restoring buildings to maintaining the extensive museum of original items used by the miners.
Photo: Steve Harrop is passionate about protecting the history of the State Coal Mine for future generations.
Community support has been vital in preserving the site’s authenticity. Many of the site's features, such as the lamp room and the explosive shed, were originally built at other mines in the local area, but were later donated to help maintain the State Coal Mine’s historical accuracy.
"So much of what’s here has been donated to the Friends group and the Mine over the years. The people in the local area here are so generous. People are so keen to get behind us, donating tools, time and money," Steve says.
"Once people are here, they stick around. It’s a fantastic atmosphere, and the camaraderie is great. Everyone is very friendly."
The group is always looking for new volunteers to join their ranks, especially those with an interest in Victorian history.
"We’ve got a couple of volunteer guides at the moment, but we’d love a couple more," Steve says.
The work of the Friends of the State Coal Mine is a shining example of how volunteers can make a significant impact in preserving and promoting our shared heritage. Their dedication, passion, and hard work have ensured that the State Coal Mine remains a vibrant and important part of the Wonthaggi community.
The legacy of the State Coal Mine and the efforts of its volunteers are essential not just for preserving Wonthaggi’s history, but for anyone interested in learning more about Victoria’s rich industrial past.
As Steve puts it, "We’ve been the best-kept secret in Australia, I reckon."
Volunteering in your local park and joining a Friends group like the Friends of the State Coal Mine is a rewarding experience that allows you to connect with nature, make a positive impact on the environment, and be part of a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, with every contribution counting towards creating a sustainable future for our planet. Click here to find out how you can volunteer in a park near you or subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest volunteering news and opportunities straight to your inbox.
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