Today, our club historian Tunnels had a treat planned for the club, with this Thursday, the 31st of July, being the anniversary of Australia’s worst mine disaster at Mt Kembla.
Due to the high numbers on this ride, we got away a little behind time. Eighteen of us headed out straight down the OPH and motorways, exiting at Picton Rd for a run down Mt Kiera, then over to Figtree and past the high school, before riding up to Mt Kembla. There, we took a back street to see a memorial before promptly heading back up to Harry Graham Drive, parking outside the church and cemetery for our appointment at the church.
The gas explosion and subsequent suffocation of 96 men and boys happened in 1902. Needless to say, mining today is a lot safer in so many ways. The church was rebuilt in 1930, which, at the time, also had its own challenges.
After church, we continued up to Windy Hill, where some of the disaster victims were also laid to rest. From there, it was up to Mt Kiera Lookout to have a coffee, but nothing was open. Eventually, Plan C was enacted—Heathcote Pub for lunch, which twelve of us attended.
It was certainly a very informative day—a great turnout with nice weather. Thanks to Tunnels for all the organising that went into the day, and to our regular TEC, TT, for keeping the flock together.
