Election pushes Bulli disaster memorial back a day this year

Identifying the dead after the 1887 Bulli Mine Disaster.

TO avoid clashing with the NSW Government election on Saturday March 23, the Black Diamond Heritage Centre will commemorate the 1887 Bulli Mine Disaster a day earlier this year.

On March 23 1887, 81 men and boys were killed in a methane gas explosion in the Bulli Colliery. A memorial service is held each year on March 23 to pay respects to those killed. However, as the 23rd falls on a Saturday this year, and its is also the day of the NSW Government election, hosts, the Black Diamond Heritage Centre, will instead hold the ceremony on Friday March 22.

The Friday memorial service will also enable school students to attend. The ceremony begins at 1.15pm for 1.30pm at St Augustines Church, Park Road, Bulli (near the railway station).

After the commemoration there will be laying of wreaths or flowers by family members and others at the nearby ‘Disaster Memorial’.

All are welcome to attend and pay their respects at the church and wreath laying ceremony.