September 5, 2018
The proud history of the Miners’ Union is kept alive by our active network of retired members.
The Westlakes Retired Members Association in NSW’s Northern District celebrated its 40th Anniversary in September.
Since its first meeting in the Toronto RSL club in 1978, the association has met monthly and has been a hub of social, political and community activity for retired mineworkers and their families.
Some Westlakes RMA members were District Officials, including Miners Federation President Bill Chapman who played a leading role in our mining history at Nymboida, the establishment of the United mine and the Mineworkers’ Trust; and recently deceased Ken Fogg who served as Secretary during the 1970s and 80s and successfully advocated for raising miners’ pensions.
Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President Peter Jordan said members of the Westlakes RMA branch were instrumental in fighting for the rights, protections and safety standards that mineworkers enjoy today.
“Today’s mineworkers benefit every day from the hard work and fighting spirit of union members before us. We owe our retired members a debt of gratitude.”
Westlakes RMA Secretary Peter Keane said that supporting the Union was a key focus for retired members, but the Association was also an important social hub with the annual Christmas dinner being a calendar highlight.
The District has donated $1000 to support the activities of Westlakes RMA.
