Tahmoor Colliery celebrates anniversary
1 January 2023
The SIMEC Tahmoor Coking Coal mine celebrated its 40th anniversary late last year with a special evening at the Picton Bowling Club.
More than 200 current and former mine workers helped celebrate the milestone with guests and honoured speakers including Wollondilly Shire Councillors Michael Banasik and Suzy Brandstater.
It is actually the 41st year since the mine was opened by the Treasurer of NSW, the honourable KG Booth, on October 23 in 1981 but Covid restrictions scuppered the celebration in 2021.
“This a great milestone for the mine, having survived and thrived through some turbulent times during the 40-year period”
Typical of the tenacious spirit that has marked the mine’s operation through some tough times and the workers’ dedication to the operation that has enabled it to prevail, the Covid setback was brushed aside and the event went ahead with an even bigger and better schedule.
The Picton and District Historical and Family History Society supported the evening with photo slide shows, mementoes, historical displays (including a rare log book displaying attendance records), with a cake cutting, speeches and refreshments rounding out the night.
Peter Vale wasn’t quite there at the start-up of the mine but with nearly 35 years at the site, working his way up to his current position as General Manager, he was well qualified to host the night and speak about the history and significance of the mine.
“This a great milestone for the mine, having survived and thrived through some turbulent times during the 40-year period,” Peter said
“I thank everyone who has contributed to Tahmoor’s success, and to the current workforce who are looking to be part of the future.”
“With the recent approvals for a 10 year extension of mining into Tahmoor South we can now look forward to extending the 40 years to 50 over the next decade.”
After leading a rendition of Happy Birthday for the mine, Peter spoke about when the mine means to him.
“For me and anyone who has worked at Tahmoor, it is the people who make the site a successful and enjoyable place to work,” Peter said.
“There are generations of families who have worked at the mine and continue to do so, the mine has been an important part of the Wollondilly Shire for over 40 years.”
Main image: Tahmoor General Manager Peter Vale kicks off the anniversary celebrations.
