History & Heritage

The Appin Mine Disaster Memorial named “Lamplight” was installed in July 2020 and is located along Sportsground Parade close to Gordon Lewis Oval and the Appin Community Hall. Artists Paul D Johnson and Gail Manson created the impressive 3.6 x 9.6 meter structure using aluminium. Polycarbonate, hardwood and LED lighting.

The 14 arches in the structure stand for each of the miners lost in the 1979 tragedy.  The form created is not only a tunnel but also a series of embraces where one arm reaches across to cover the other honouring the mateship of life underground.  The coloured glass on each arm refers not only to the miners’ safety lamps but also to candles permanently lit for each of the souls lost.  At night, each arm projects a beautiful narrow column of white light to the ground below.