Since its inception in 2017, A Night For Our Lost Miners has become an important event on Cobar’s annual calendar, providing an opportunity for the community to come together to remember and honour those who have lost their lives working in the mining industry.
Over the years, the event has featured many moving and inspirational guest speakers, from those who have spent their working lives in the mining industry to family members who have shared their personal experiences of losing a loved one in a mining tragedy.
One of the guest speakers this year was Lisa Clarke, whose 24 year old daughter Holly died in an explosion at Endeavor Mine on October 28, last year (along with her 59 year old co-worker Patrick McMullen, better known as Ambrose).
“I don’t want Holly’s life and the memories we have of her to be defined by the accident that took her from us,” Lisa said.
“I want Holly to be remembered for the person she was, a 6ft party on legs. She was unapologetically Holly.
“What you saw was what you got and that was one of the best.
“A loyal, loving, smart mouthed, slightly unhinged person that I will be forever grateful to have called my daughter and best friend.
“A miners memorial means so much more than a plaque on the wall,” Lisa said.
“It means courage, sacrifice, mateship and the strong bond shared by those who work in the mining industry.
“It reminds us that behind every name is a family, a story, dreams for the future and loved ones waiting at home.
“To me, a miner’s memorial is a place of remembrance, respect and reflection,” she said.
“It honours those who have lost their lives doing their job.
“It reminds us of the importance of looking after one another, because every life matters and everyone deserves to return home safely.
“Most importantly, it ensures that those we have lost are never forgotten.
“Their names remain, their stories live on, and their sacrifices will always be remembered.
“Holly was the first woman to be killed in a mining accident in Cobar, and a plaque has been placed in the memorial to acknowledge this.”
Lisa said while this is an important part of mining history, Holly was so much more than that.
“She was my daughter, a person who was loved, and whose life meant everything to her family and friends.
“I hope when people visit the memorial and see Holly’s name, they take a moment to remember the young woman behind it.
“Someone’s daughter, sister, friend, a loved one and a life taken way too soon.”
Holly’s family have donated a seat to be installed in the memorial in her memory.
“We hope that this will be a place where people can pause, reflect and remember those who have lost their lives in mining.
“For our family, the memorial will forever be a place where Holly’s name lives on, a place we can visit to feel close to her, to remember her, and to know that she will never be forgotten.
“No memorial plaque or seat can ever replace my daughter or take away the pain of losing her but knowing that we have created a lasting place in her memory means that a part of Holly will remain here for generations to come.”
Lisa said Holly would be forever loved, forever missed, and forever remembered.
