01/07/2026
Remembering the Appin Mine Disaster 24/07/1979.
Appin was rocked by tragedy on the night of 24 July 1979 when an explosion tore through the Appin Colliery, claiming the lives of 14 miners.
The explosion, ignited by methane gas, occurred at approximately 11:00 pm in K Panel, the mine's most remote working section, located around three kilometres from the pit head and 600 metres below the surface.
Ten of the men were killed while taking their mid-shift meal break in the section crib room. The remaining four miners were found at varying distances towards the coal face. At the time of the explosion, 45 workers were underground. Many of those who survived and made their way to the surface suffered severe burns and other injuries.
The Appin Mine Disaster remains one of the worst industrial tragedies in New South Wales during the twentieth century.
Beyond the immediate loss of life, the disaster devastated the close-knit Appin community. Thirty-eight children lost their fathers. One of the victims, John Stoneham, left behind his wife and nine children.
The judicial inquiry that followed was led by Judge A. J. Goran. His findings identified serious failures within the mine, which was known to have significant methane gas issues. Judge Goran found that the Mines Department had permitted a tolerance of what he described as a “continual breach of statutory requirements relating to gas.” As a result, he made a number of recommendations aimed at improving mine safety, including enhanced gas monitoring and warning systems, improved ventilation practices, and the appointment of additional local check inspectors.
In the years that followed, a memorial garden was established through the efforts of community members determined to honour and remember the 14 men who lost their lives. Fourteen gum trees stand as a living tribute to the miners, and a beautiful sculpture has since been added to the site, creating a place of reflection and remembrance.
Today, we honour the memory of:
Alwyn Brewin, Francis Garrity, Ian Giffard, Geoffrey Johnson, Jurgen Lauterbach, Alexander Lawson, James Oldcorn, Peter Peck, Robert Rawcliffe, Roy Rawlings, Karl Staats, John Stoneham, Roy Williams, and Garry Woods.
Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
May they rest in peace.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on 24 July at the Appin Mining Disaster Memorial Site, Sportsground Parade, to honour the 14 miners who lost their lives in the 1979 Appin Colliery disaster. Please see the attached invitation for further details.
The Appin Historical Society has also prepared a special display in memory of the miners, featuring photographs and information depicting the conditions experienced underground.
The display can be viewed at the Appin Historical Society Museum, which will be open on Saturday 11 July and Saturday 25 July from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm, as well as during our regular opening hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
We warmly invite members of the community to visit the display and join us in remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
