Members of the Wonthaggi Historical Society, councillors and council staff gathered for the unveiling. THE local significance and tragic history of the No. 20 coal mine shaft site, where 17 miners died, is now memorialised with new signage and in a podcast series documenting the heritage of Wonthaggi.
Bass Coast Shire Council and the Wonthaggi and District Historical Society partnered with Storytowns, a group of travel-loving adventurers who record interviews with regional personalities to produce interactive geo-located podcast tours, to create a series about Wonthaggi.
The Storytowns Wonthaggi History Tour features seven stories about local icons, including the No. 20 Shaft on Bass Highway where 17 men lost their lives in two separate explosions on February 20, 1931 and February 15 1937.
Bass Coast Shire Council and the Wonthaggi and District Historical Society partnered with Storytowns, a group of travel-loving adventurers who record interviews with regional personalities to produce interactive geo-located podcast tours, to create a series about Wonthaggi.
The Storytowns Wonthaggi History Tour features seven stories about local icons, including the No. 20 Shaft on Bass Highway where 17 men lost their lives in two separate explosions on February 20, 1931 and February 15 1937.
Rescue workers at the Number 20 shaft after an explosion killed 13 miners in 1937.
Photo: Age archives
Photo: Age archives
The episode coincides with the unveiling of new signage to commemorate the significance of the site, while complementing recent preservation and maintenance works undertaken by Council.
Bass Coast Deputy Mayor Rochelle Halstead said the memorial marks an important site for the community.
“It represents the worker’s foundations on which Wonthaggi was built, the brave lives lost but is also a stark lesson for today. The tragedies of 1931 and 1937 are woven into our history, tightening the bonds of our community and a continuing respect for previous generations that we still feel today. Almost 100 years on, Wonthaggi’s pioneering industrial roots continue to inspire as we look to a renewable vision today.”
The podcast series also features stories about well-known street artist Jimmy Dvate’s local murals, the historic Union Theatre, the mysterious whale bone at the Wonthaggi Hotel, and the town’s railway precinct.
Mayor Michael Whelan said documenting Wonthaggi’s rich, varied and, at times, quirky history meant the local stories could be savoured by the community and visitors for generations to come.
“This incredible audio series allows our community and visitors to uncover the hidden treasures, right here in the heart of Bass Coast. The episodes deepen the knowledge of listeners about places they know, while revealing intriguing secrets and stories on the less familiar.
“Storytowns’ fascinating interviews will drive excitement and curiosity about Wonthaggi, which we hope will foster greater awareness about the town and increased visitation that translates to a boost for our economy.”
You can download the Storytowns Wonthaggi audio tour to your phone or tablet from the App Store and Google Play or listen online at https://storytowns.com.au/wonthaggitour/
Bass Coast Deputy Mayor Rochelle Halstead said the memorial marks an important site for the community.
“It represents the worker’s foundations on which Wonthaggi was built, the brave lives lost but is also a stark lesson for today. The tragedies of 1931 and 1937 are woven into our history, tightening the bonds of our community and a continuing respect for previous generations that we still feel today. Almost 100 years on, Wonthaggi’s pioneering industrial roots continue to inspire as we look to a renewable vision today.”
The podcast series also features stories about well-known street artist Jimmy Dvate’s local murals, the historic Union Theatre, the mysterious whale bone at the Wonthaggi Hotel, and the town’s railway precinct.
Mayor Michael Whelan said documenting Wonthaggi’s rich, varied and, at times, quirky history meant the local stories could be savoured by the community and visitors for generations to come.
“This incredible audio series allows our community and visitors to uncover the hidden treasures, right here in the heart of Bass Coast. The episodes deepen the knowledge of listeners about places they know, while revealing intriguing secrets and stories on the less familiar.
“Storytowns’ fascinating interviews will drive excitement and curiosity about Wonthaggi, which we hope will foster greater awareness about the town and increased visitation that translates to a boost for our economy.”
You can download the Storytowns Wonthaggi audio tour to your phone or tablet from the App Store and Google Play or listen online at https://storytowns.com.au/wonthaggitour/
