Nestled in the heart of Wonthaggi, the State Coal Mine stands as a powerful testament to Victoria's rich industrial heritage. For more than a century, it has been a cornerstone of the community, offering a unique glimpse into the life and labour of the miners who fuelled the state's early economic growth.
Today, this historic site continues to thrive, thanks in part to the unwavering dedication of the Friends of the State Coal Mine volunteer group.
Steve Harrop, the president of the Friends of the State Coal Mine, is one of many who became enamoured with the site after his first visit.
Photo: Steve Harrop is president of the Friends of the State Coal Mine volunteer group.
"It doesn't take much to get me underground, I just love it."
"I used to be a firefighter, and one night we had a rescue exercise here. So I came in with the fire brigade from Inverloch, and after it was all finished, they switched the lights back on, and a few of us went to wander around, and it was then that I just got hooked on the place," Steve recalls.
This initial visit sparked a passion that has kept Steve involved for more than three decades.
"I've been volunteering here for 32 years, 28 of which I've been an underground tour guide for. People say, 'hey do you ever get sick or bored of it,' and I say no, the mine never gets boring, and the people coming through are different all the time."
One of the most significant contributions of the Friends of the State Coal Mine is their role in bringing the history of the mine to life for visitors.
Each year, thousands of people, including school groups, tourists, and locals, visit the site to learn about the harsh realities of life in the coal mines.
The volunteers, some of whom have deep personal connections to the mine, offer informative guided tours that offer a unique experience, unlike any other in Australia.
"It's the only place you'll get this experience – there are gold mines, copper mines, silver mines that you can go in, but this is, as far as we know, the only black coal mine in Australia, and we think even in the southern hemisphere where you can get this experience of being in a coal mine," Steve said.
These tours are not just about facts and figures, they instead focus on sharing the human stories that make history come alive.
