Lake Macquarie History

Industrial relations: The human face of coal

To mark the 200th year since the European discovery of coal in the Lake Macquarie region, the voices of those who remember the earliest methods used to mine coal have been recorded and presented here in "The human face of coal".

Topics covered in this recording

  • low regard of miners by general community, often demonstrated in distorted media images
  • strikes as a means to win improved conditions
  • Miners' Federation involvement in improvement of conditions, hours, pensions and leave entitlements

Reference

Bell, John & Driscoll, Judy & Lake Macquarie (N.S.W.). Council & 2NUR-FM (Radio station : Newcastle, N.S.W.) 1991, Industrial Relations: The Human face of coal : an oral history of the early years of coal mining in Lake Macquarie, Lake Macquarie City Council and 2NUR-FM, [Speers Point, N.S.W.]

Acknowledgement of Country

We remember and respect the Ancestors who cared for and nurtured this Country. It is in their footsteps that we travel these lands and waters. Lake Macquarie City Council acknowledges the Awabakal people and Elders past, present and future.

Council acknowledges traditional custodians throughout Australia. We commit to listening deeply to and collaborating with First Peoples in our work.

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