Unionists and environmentalists are coming together to celebrate the memory of Joyce and Vern Moffitt, renowned unionists, environmentalists and social justice advocates with the unveiling of a newly installed ‘Moffitts Pagodas’ sign.
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The sign will be installed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in the Gardens of Stone National Park.
Combined Retired Union Members Association (CRUMA) recently discovered the enormous achievements of Vern Moffitt (1924-2001) and Joyce Moffitt (1930-1999) who as unionists and conservationists spent a lifetime articulating a vision for workers and the environment, and in particular protecting Lithgow’s Gardens of Stone.
The celebration ceremony for the installation will take place on Wednesday, December 5, and will include speeches by former NSW Environment Minister, Bob Debus, MP for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle, and former Katoomba Mayor, Jim Angel.
“This day of celebration is long overdue. In 2007 these two great Lithgow unionists and environmentalists, Vern and Joyce Moffitt, were commemorated with the ‘Moffits Pagodas’ but somehow the sign directing people to this spectacular memorial in the Gardens of Stone National Park was somehow forgotten,” CRUMA organiser John Koch said.
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“Vern and Joyce Moffitt were revered by many unionists and progressive politicians. They were champions for both union and environmental rights. They played a pivotal role in the gazettal of the Gardens of Stone National Park.
“The Moffitts are too important to forget and this event hopes to recognise their significant achievements.”
CRUMA invites those who remember the Moffitts to join them for their celebration of the installation of the new ‘Moffitt’ sign.
CRUMA Running Sheet:
8:48am:
- CRUMA members and friends catch train from Central Railway Station that stops at Parramatta (9:13am), Westmead (9:16am), Penrith (9:36am), Katoomba (10:32am), Mt Victoria (10:50am), and Lithgow (11:17am).
- On arrival in Lithgow they walk to Tin Shed Café, 69 Bridge Street.
11:30am:
- Welcome at Tin Shed Café by CRUMA vice president Harry Gian.
- Apologies received by CRUMA secretary Vince Ashton
- Letter of Support read by MP Trish Doyle
1.15pm:
- Commemoration Ceremony for Moffitt Pagoda Sign at Maiyingu Marragu Aboriginal Place, Wolgan Road off Castlereagh Highway at Lidsdale turnoff. Then travel 8km on sealed Wolgan Road turning right into Maiyigu Marragu.
- Gardens of Stone Song — Peter Drinkall, Lithgow Environment Group
- Welcome to Country — Aunty Helen Riley, Wiradjuri Elder
- The Moffitts Contribution — Jim Angel, former Mayor of Katoomba
- History of the Moffitts Pagodas & Signs — Bob Debus, former NSW Environment Minister
- Why the Gardens of Stone Matters — Keith Muir, Convenor, Gardens of Stone Alliance
- ‘Unveiling’ of Moffitts Pagodas Sign
- Maiyingu Marragu Song by Peter Drinkall, Lithgow Environment Group
- Invitation to walk up steps to view outstanding rock art and pay respect to sacred Maiyingu Marragu heritage, a recognised Aboriginal Place.
3.30pm:
- Afternoon Tea for Vern and Joyce Moffitt at Vale Hall, corner of Hartley Valley Rd and Mort Street, Lithgow.
- Messages from Moffitt family and friends
- Notice of CRUMA Motion by Harry Gian
- Concluding Remarks from Trish Doyle MP.
- Fundraising Announcements
5.00pm:
- Lithgow Community Choir sing coal mining songs
- Lithgow Community Choir sing to CRUMA members on platform of Lithgow Railway Station before catching 5.30pm train to Central Railway Station
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