Yesterday Stories - Mining and Energy Union

With a history stretching back over a century, the Mining and Energy Union and its predecessors have been front and centre at many of the moments that made Australia.

We’re proud to share Yesterday Stories – a video series that captures some of the incredible moments from our Union’s history.

Because, while we’re still on the frontline on fighting for a fairer and better country, it’s those who went before us that continue to inspire us.

Use the sections below to view the videos from each decade, and keep checking this page – there’s lots more to come.

Northern Mining & NSW Energy 7 stories

1883 – Early history of Broken Hill

1890’s – Broken Hill Trades Hall

1909 – Broken Hill Strike

1915 – Picnic Train Massacre (Broken Hill)

1919 – Broken Hill Strike

1921 – Percy Brookfield

2001- Broken Hill Miners’ Memorial

NSW South Western 3 stories

1900’s – Mudgee Mining History

1952 – Glen Davis

1970’s – Mary The Pit Pony

Tasmania 5 stories

1800’s – Collective Action in Tasmania

1800’s – Tasmanian Convict Miners

1886 – Cornwall History, Tasmania

The History of Cornwall in Tasmania

1980’s – Coal Shovelling

2006 – Tasmania Coal Miners’ Heritage Wall

Victoria 4 stories

1900’s – Multiculturalism in Wonthaggi

1920’s – Early Open Cut Mining, Latrobe Valley

1937 – Wonthaggi Disaster

2017 – Hazelwood Closure

Western Australia 5 stories

1900’s – Pit Ponies in WA

1927 – Stockton Mine

1950 – Dragline

1994 – Retired Mineworkers, Collie

2024 – Unionising BHP

You can watch 100 stories about mining history on the Yesterday Stories app: