On Thursday, 24 July 2025 GM3 Appin Mine held its annual Memorial Service to commemorate the 14 men who lost their lives in an underground explosion in 1979.
Family and friends of the victims, community members, NSW Mines Rescue personnel, parliamentary dignitaries and Appin Mine workers gathered at the memorial site to pay tribute and reflect on the lasting legacy of the event 46 years on.
The service was held adjacent to the Appin memorial sculpture which was unveiled in 2020. Forged from local steel, the sculpture consists of 14 steel arches, each representing one of the victims, gently curving upwards and inwards to form a tunnel, reminiscent of a longwall mine tunnel.
The ceremony opened with a march led by Appin Mines Rescue Team members accompanied by a lone piper.
The service included addresses by the General Manager of Appin Mine, family members and other dignitaries, as well musical items by the Appin Primary School Choir and local musician.
Appin Mine workers stood alongside the students to lay flowers and candles at each of the 14 commemorative plaques. The service concluded with a moment of silence to reflect on the lives lost and the importance of continued commitment to safety in everything we do.
Following the memorial, attendees came together for a morning tea — an opportunity to share stories, connect, and reflect on the significance of the day.