Kalgoorlie can be said to be unlike any other mining town. Not only is the outback town in Western Australian know globally for being home to the golden mile, the world’s richest square mile of earth and the iconic Super Pit, Australia’s largest open cut mine, Kalgoorlie is also the home of Worthy Parts! For the past 17 years Kalgoorlie has hosted festivities celebrating St Barbara, the patron satin of miners, the annual St Barbara’s Festival celebrates the depth and diversity of mining and allied industries.
MINERS PATRON
St Barbara became patron Saint of Miners after taking shelter in an underground mine in objection to a forced marriage by her father. After converting to Christianity, to her pagan father’s dismay, she left home to take refugee in underground workings. Hidden by the miners for two years St. Barbara spent her time underground converting the miners to Christianity and its teachings. She was captured after been seen by shepherds which lead to her torture and subsequent death.
The Saint Barbara’s Festival in Kalgoorlie Boulder has become an integral part of the Goldfields events calendar, solidifying the great partnership that exists between the mining industry and the local community. The first female statue erected in the goldfields town is of St Barbara, located in the Kalgoorlie town center off Hannan’s Street in dedication to the many miners working in the region.
CELEBRATION
Yesterday seen a larger than normal turn out of support for the annual parade by mining companies and associated services in recognition to the importance of the towns mining heritage. Worthy Parts had the opportunity to be involved showcasing a AD30 Low Profile Underground Haul Truck, one of the rarest CAT Underground Haul Trucks in Australia, it carries up to 30 Tons of dirt from underground mines and is used for small scale operations in the Goldfield’s Region.
The St. Barbara’s Festival recognises the ongoing socio-economic contributions the mining sector makes to the region and it is a way for the local community to come together to celebrate all that is great about living in Australia’s largest regional outback city! Such a great event to be part of, we hope that those of you attending had a superb day, we certainly did!