The Collinsville community gathered on Monday, 13 October for the 71st Miners Memorial Day, held at the Collinsville Workers Club. The annual service honours the lives lost in the region’s mining industry, particularly remembering the 1954 Collinsville State Mine disaster, which occurred 71 years ago and claimed the lives of seven local miners.
The tragic event took place at 5:50pm on 13 October 1954, when a carbon dioxide (CO₂) outburst in the mine’s Number One Tunnel led to the asphyxiation of seven men: Alex Parkinson, Peter Miller, Henry Petersen, Frederick Ernest Walker, James Reid Logan, Arthur Shrubsole, and Herbert Ruff. Two others, Robert Munro and J. A. Baker, were severely affected but survived after hospitalisation.
The disaster left a lasting impact on Collinsville and the broader mining community. Each year, families, union representatives, contractors, and former residents return to pay their respects, maintaining a strong tradition of remembrance.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins attended the ceremony and commended the strong turnout and community involvement.
“Just wrapped up at this evening’s Collinsville Miners Memorial Day service at the Workers Club — a heartfelt tribute to the 26 miners who have lost their lives in our region’s mines,” Mayor Collins said.
“This year marks 71 years since the 1954 Collinsville mine disaster, when seven men tragically lost their lives in the Number One Tunnel. Their story continues to remind us of the real cost of coal and the importance of keeping worker safety front of mind across our industries.”
The Mayor also praised the participation of local schools, community groups, unions and volunteers in keeping the tradition alive and meaningful.
1: Mayor Ry Collins with Councillor Michelle Wright at the 71st Miners Memorial Day held at the Collinsville Workers Club on Monday evening
2: A historic photo of the community marching to pay their respects following the Collinsville State mine disaster which claimed the lives of seven men on 13 October 1954
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