Our heritage unveiled

By Scott James Smith

A 2.5m high bronze sculpture of a coalminer will be erected in Helensburgh town centre in mid May, that will celebrate its coalmining heritage.

The figure, designed by Gaye Porter of Wombarra Sculpture Garden, a robust coalminer of the early 1900s, striding forward with a pick in one hand, and safety lamp held out in front. Helensburgh Coal, known then as Metropolitan Colliery, is the longest operating coalmine in Australia. Founded in 1884 by Charles Harper, it was one of the first to start using the safety lamp.

The idea for the stautue was born from a desire to embellish the emerging brand “Historic Helensburgh”, which is situated on a large welcome sign at the town entrance on Lawrence Hargrave Drive and the Helensburgh Lions Club community sign.

This significant and unprecedented public art project has been funded by Helensburgh Coal and the United Mine Workers Union, in collaboration with Wollongong City Council. Adjacent to the figure will be a large permanent display, providing a timeline and photographs.to support Helensburgh’s claim to its “historic” title.

The offical unveiling of the public artwork by David Farmer, the General Manager of Wollongong City Council will take place on Saturday 17th May at 11am, in the forecourt area outside Helensburgh Post Office.