MINEWORKERS MEMORIAL DAY

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—On Sunday I was honoured to attend the 26th Annual Memorial Day Service hosted by the MEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy District. The service was held at the Jim Comerford Memorial Wall in Cessnock, a solemn place that serves as a visible reminder of the inherent dangers of working in the mining industry. The wall lists the names of the 1800 miners who have lost their lives in Hunter Valley Mines. The youngest name on the wall is nine-year-old William France, killed at Pacific Colliery and the eldest is 80-year-old William Howes, killed at Abermain Colliery. I am thankful that no names have been added to the wall this last year. I was honoured to be joined by my state colleagues, The Hon. Yasmin Catley, Clayton Barr MP, The Hon. Mark Buttigieg, and The Hon. John Graham. Federal members Meryl Swanson, Sharon Claydon, Pat Conroy and Dan Repacholi. As well as local mayors and councillors Stephanie Fisher, Jay Suvaal and Sue Moore. I wish to acknowledge all the families whose loved ones did not come home from work, and I thank the MEU for holding these annual services to commemorate their loss.