The former Abermain resident travelled to Sydney on April 29 to receive the medal at Government House.

Mr. Chapman started his mining life at Abermain No. 1 Colliery when he was just a teenager in 1946, after his father broke his back working underground.

In 1954, he became involved in the union movement as lodge officer at Hebburn No. 2 Colliery, before moving on to become the president of the Northern District Mining and Energy Union and later the vice-president of the national Miners Federation.

Mr. Chapman worked closely to establish a new mining lease for Nymboida Colliery, west of Grafton, after it closed in 1975.

He was the inaugural chairman of the union-operated United mine, which operated near Singleton in the 1980s.

He was instrumental in setting up a miner’s trust to provide funds for the community and local charities entirely from the profits of the mine.

Mr. Chapman was the director of the Joint Coal Board from 1983 to 1988, before he retired to Dora Creek after 50 years in Abermain.

He is also a member of the Abermain Historical Society which works to discover and preserve the history and heritage of the district. 

Despite no longer living in the area, Mr. Chapman said he has very great memories of Abermain and will always remember where he comes from.

He said he was very shocked when he found out he would be awarded an OAM.

“It was surprising, I’m just an ordinary retired miner,” he said.

“It was something I never expected.

“Nevertheless it was an honour and I was fortunate enough to have my wife and two granddaughters there.”

“It is also an honour for my union.”

Mr. Chapman is still active in the Retired Mineworkers Association, and is currently enjoying his retirement with his wife Betty and a little dog that keeps him very busy.