5 November 2009
A year long celebration of Wonthaggi’s 100 years kicks off with the Centenary of the State Coal Mine this month.
A series of events from 11 – 25 November will recognise the role of the State Coal Mine and its employees in the history and development of Wonthaggi.
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Arts and Leisure Coordinator, Jenny Churchill, has worked with various community groups to organise Centenary events in November.
“The Friends of the State Coal Mine, Wonthaggi & District Historical Society, Uniting Church and Council are all hosting events to mark this special occasion,” said Ms Churchill.
“From Wednesday 11 November until Friday 13 November, Council will erect a Tent Town in Apex Park, so local school children can experience what it was like for those early residents of Wonthaggi. The Wonthaggi and District Historical Society will also talk to the students on the town’s early history."
“The Friends of the State Coal Mine have organised a Market Day on Saturday, 14 November, in Garden Street. This will include stalls, a sausage sizzle, historic tours and entertainment for all the family,” confirmed Ms Churchill.
“The official opening of the Pioneer Mines Walking Track at 12 noon, organised by the Historical Society, and a ‘back to’ day for the Uniting Church, will also take place on Saturday.”
On Sunday, 15 November Council will host a special Centenary Lunch.
“We are inviting people to join us for an old-fashioned roast at the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club,” said Ms Churchill.
“There will be performances by the Wonthaggi Citizen’s Band and the Bass Coast Chorale and some oral histories, as well as the presentation of the Centenary Awards."
“Tickets are $20.00 from the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club, on 5672 1083. It should be a wonderful day and we really are looking forward to seeing people there to celebrate the wonderful history of this town.”
Details of all the Centenary events are available from Council’s website and local newspapers.
