A celebration will honour two strong unionists and environmentalists, Vernon and Joyce Moffitt, at the Lithgow State Mine Heritage Park, 3A State Mine Gully Road, Lithgow on Sunday, June 30.
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This celebration brings together a celebration of Lithgow's rich union and coal mining history and Lithgow's spectacularly beautiful pagoda landscape, that many know as the Gardens of Stone.
Vernon Moffitt (1924-2001) was a respected coal miner who worked tirelessly to further the rights and conditions of his fellow coal miners.
He held the position of Western District Miners' Federation Check Inspector from the late 1960s until 1984. In this role he assisted ensuring the safety of coal miners.
Vern's wife Joyce worked on the front desk of the Western District Miners' Federation office for many years. Many remember her as the 'face' of the Federation.
Joyce Moffitt (1930-1999) was pivotal in highlighting the need to protect the rare and endangered Bathurst copper wing butterfly Paralucia spinifera, the Gardens of Stone's upland swamps, and the fragile Newnes Plateau.
She worked tirelessly to raise awareness of these environmental issues, and particularly in highlighting the region's spectacular pagoda landscapes.
As Joyce campaigned for environmental conservation Vern used his political connections to progress the issue.
Together they played a valued role in the creation of the Gardens of Stone National Park, which is now part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage listing.
Joyce and Vern Moffitt were a formidable and courageous team who strove to emphasise the links between workers' rights, social justice, and environmental values.
Their names will be forever associated with the Gardens of Stone.
The celebration is a collaborative effort between the Gardens of Stone Alliance (Lithgow Environment Group, Blue Mountains Conservation Society and Colong Foundation for Wilderness), CRUMA (Combined Retired Union Members Association) and the Lithgow State Mine Heritage Park.
The celebration brings together unionists, environmental and the Lithgow community. It also completes CRUMA's resolution that was passed when a visit was made to Lithgow in December 2018:
"That the Combined Retired Union Members Association recognise the union and environmental achievements of Joyce and Vern Moffitt by calling on the Union movement and Community to contribute to the funding of a plaque to acknowledge their enormous contribution to the Australian Union movement, the Lithgow Community and Lithgow's spectacular 'Gardens of Stone' region."
PROGRAM
Sunday, June 30
1pm: Commemorative Ceremony for Moffitt's Plaque, Lithgow State Mine Heritage Park.
2pm: Barbecue lunch at Lithgow State Mine Heritage Park.
2-3pm: Tours of Lithgow State Mine Heritage Park and Destination Pagoda Stall.
3.15pm: Coach returns guests to Lithgow Railway Station.
The cost of the coach and barbecue lunch is free, however donations are welcome.
For further information contact Janine Kitson Gardens of Stone Alliance 0428 860 623 or janine_kitson@tpg.com.au
Guests are encouraged to book if they are coming to help with catering RSVP Colong Foundation for Wilderness homepage.
Other events
'Solidarity' Dinner, Saturday, June 29, 6pm for 7pm
A 'Solidarity Dinner' will be held on at the Lithgow Workies Club 6pm Drinks; 7pm Dinner (approx. $30). Booking: John Koch (CRUMA) 0450 476 036 cleliakoch@bigpond.com.
Preview of Gardens of Stone, Sunday, June 30, 11.30am
A coach has been arranged to transport Sydney guests, arriving by train, for a pick up at Lithgow Railway Station at 11.30am to take them for a special preview of Lithgow's spectacular pagoda landscape at Dobbs Drift Lookout, at State Mine Gully Road, with a bagpipe playing.
