While Christmas is a time of celebration, for those who have lost loved ones, it’s a time of sadness.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
And there’s no doubt the Cessnock community would have spared a thought for the Mitchell and Grant families this Christmas.
Jamie Mitchell, 49, and Phillip Grant, 35, were killed when a wall of coal collapsed at the Austar mine at Paxton on April 15 last year.
The tragedy brought out the best in the Cessnock and mining communities, who rallied to support the victims’ families.
Fundraising initiatives by the CFMEU’s Austar Lodge included a golf day, woodchop and selling shirts at the Postie Bike grand prix – with a total of $61,700 raised for Jamie’s five children – Ryan, Renae, Cameron, James and Jessie – and Phillip’s son Shaun.
Grasstree Lodge at Middlemount, Queensland – which suffered also two fatalities in 2014 – contributed $30,000.
Austar Lodge member Mark Murray said they received an overwhelming response and wanted to thank everyone who contributed to the fund.
This was in addition to the $23,000 raised by the local rugby league communities during the football season, an effort organised by Kurri Bulldogs player and Austar miner Justin Peterkin and his wife Angie.
Four of Jamie’s five children, along with Phillip’s son Shaun, met with members of the Austar lodge and were presented with cheques at the CFMEU Northern District Aberdare headquarters on December 22.
“We want to wish the families the best for this tough time, and let them know that the Austar lodge’s hearts are with them,” lodge member Shane Dobson said.
Jamie’s youngest son, 12-year-old James, said his family were “very grateful” for all of the donations.