Keeping Bellbird’s history alive

The members of Bellbird Tidy Towns are working with Austar Coal Mine to restore parts of the area’s old colliery, the site of the 1923 mine disaster which killed 20 workers. 

Jane Parkes from Bellbird Tidy Towns believes it is important that Bellbird residents keep their history alive.

“Just so that people know it was a huge colliery,” she said.

“People lived there, people worked there, and obviously died there. I think it’s a shame to let things rot, to let them fall apart, for no point.

“Bellbird was settled because of the colliery. And our mine disaster put us on the map.”

At this stage the four pillars on Wollombi Road next to the train line (which were part of an old loading site for coal trains) have been cleared, as has an underpass nearby which was a walkway for miners.

Austar is now assisting with the necessary engineering reports and heritage grant applications.

The Tidy Towns group has discovered additional remnants of the colliery and is raising the possibility of heritage listings with Council.

The group are also hoping to improve the Bellbird Memorial Park for use by local residents. 

During her research into Bellbird’s past Jane also discovered the origins of the local fire station.

“The fire station was opened in 1925 because of the 1923 disaster. And that started us off,” she said.

“Our station’s there, we’ve had to fight for it in its time as well.

“But that was it, it was a coal mine town.

“And now I guess we just want to restore what’s left of it. 

“We shouldn’t forget why we’re here.”

Anyone interested in getting involved in the restoration efforts can contact Jane on bjamm@ westnet.com.au or look at the Bellbird Tidy Towns Facebook page.