31 July 2025 marked 123 years since the Mt Kembla Mine Disaster, where an underground gas explosion claimed the lives of 96 men and boys. The event remains Australia’s worst industrial tragedy.
A commemorative ceremony ’96 Candles’ is held each year at Windy Gully Cemetery in Mount Kembla, just up the mountain from Dendrobium Mine, where many of the victims are buried.
The annual event is made possible through the collaboration between the local Mt Kembla community, GM3 Dendrobium Mine and event sponsors.
The ceremony was attended by Dendrobium Mine workers, local community members, and parliamentary dignitaries.
The service included an address by General Manager of Dendrobium Mine Simon Thomas, as well as a poem reading by Dendrobium Team member Tammy Fletcher.
The night also featured musical performances by local musicians August and Jennifer Turnbull.
Each of the 96 victims were given a tribute, with their names read out and guests invited to step forward and light a candle in their memory.
Following the ceremony, guests made their way back down the mountain to Mt Kembla Village Hotel to connect and reflect.
This event is always a deeply important event for the miners at Dendrobium, and is a sombre reminder of the risks of the mining industry, and our ongoing commitment to safety ensuring everyone returns home safe at the end of each shift.