Annual dinner celebrates State Coal Mine’s beginnings as a tourist attraction

THE Wonthaggi and District Historical Society is set to host its annual memorial dinner, celebrating the theme “The State Coal Mine Park – the beginnings.” The event will take place on Friday, November 27 at the Wonthaggi Workers Club.

The dinner will shine a light on the dedicated individuals who fought to preserve Wonthaggi’s identity after the closure of the State Mine in 1968. Guest speakers will share first-hand accounts of how the Eastern Area Mine was secured to create an authentic heritage experience of the former Powlett River Coalfields.

“We were a state mine town,” said Historical Society Secretary Irene Williams. “The State Coal Mine is Wonthaggi’s main ‘go-to’ attraction, and what we have left now is the Eastern Area.”

“The early beginnings of successful businesses and organisations are often forgotten people,” said Ms Williams.

Former Historical Society President Sam Gatto echoed Ms William’s sentiments, emphasising the importance of documenting this journey. “We take it for granted, but very few people know how it came about,” Mr Gatto said. “We hope to give the community an understanding of how we came to have the tourist park.”

“It’s a hub for locals to meet at the State Coal Mine café,” he added.

Featured speakers at the dinner will include John Storti, Vanna Zanella, John Cunningham, and John Bordignon. Attilo Storti (John Storti’s father) was part of a visionary group of four who initially tried to exploit the potential of the Eastern Area mine.

“Attilo had the first vision of developing it into a tourist mine,” Mr Gatto said.

“Vanna Zanella will talk about her father’s role.”

John Cunningham former Regional Director of the Lands Department now Parks Victoria will talk about the leading role he played in establishing the tourist mine project aided by Mike Wellings who was the local Head Ranger.

“John Bordignon together with the other speakers worked hard to get the local community involved which led to the formation of the Friends of the State Coal Mine,” said Mr Gatto. “A humble man but he did so much.”

According to the Wonthaggi and District Historical Society the dinner will be an opportunity to learn and appreciate much more about the wonderful facilities that have been developed at the State Coal Mine thanks to those beginnings.

Tickets to the event cost $50 per person for a two-course dinner with drinks at bar prices. Admission is by pre-purchased tickets only. Bookings close November 14.

To secure your seat contact the Wonthaggi Workers Club on 5672 1083 or email enquiries@wonthaggiworkmens.com.au