There’s more than hard hats at Wonthaggi’s State Coal Mine
A colourful display has State Coal Mine visitors talking, and with Halloween and Melbourne Cup Day approaching, there’s a lot more fun to come.
A hat display showing off the fashion from different decades is one of many features drawing visitors to Wonthaggi’s State Coal Mine, and with a Melbourne Cup Day competition and Halloween activities coming up, it’s a busy period at the historic attraction.
The hats have already proven to be a hit, with at least one visitor wanting to take one home.
Events and Media Liaison Dyonn Dimmock said volunteers had wanted to organise something for the Melbourne Cup, which eventually led to a display of borrowed hats from friend and volunteer Jenny Milkins.
Other volunteers helped to arrange the collection.
“They’ve got a lot of creative talent. So I let them go,” Dyonn said.
The hats aren’t for sale, although visitors can try them on under supervision if they wish.
For Dyonn, one visitor’s response stood out.
“The best thanks we had the other day was a lady with her carer, and she had Alzheimer’s, and she was going over them and choosing the hats,” Dyonn said.
“It created memories which she loved.”
Visitors can even bring their own flair on Melbourne Cup Day, when the mine will host and judge a ‘best hat’ competition.
The winner will receive non-alcoholic bubbly, picnic plates and glasses, and a $20 cafe voucher.
But first comes Halloween.
Staff will dress up on Saturday, with families and friends also encouraged to arrive in costume for the evening activities between 5pm and 7pm.
Children can join Halloween games, while a CFA fire engine will visit for a demonstration and interaction with the youngsters.
Wonthaggi Power will run a sausage sizzle, and visitors can also find popcorn and a display inside the train.
“Just be prepared to be scared!” Dyonn said.
The mine’s usual attractions and cafe will open from 10am to 4pm before the Halloween evening begins.
Dyonn said the hat display would remain until at least a week after Melbourne Cup Day, with the possibility of keeping it longer depending on interest.
The volunteers already have ideas for expanding the display next year.
“We thought we’d start off small, and then next year they’ve got some great ideas,” Dyonn said.
