COMMUNITY MOURNS Craig Hugo, Hunter Valley Austar Mine Tragedy

A tragic accident at the decommissioned Austar Coal Mine in the Hunter Valley has left the community in mourning following the death of 59yo Craig Hugo on Tuesday. The worker, fell into a disused mine shaft at the non-operational site, located near Cessnock.

Emergency services were alerted to the incident around 12:45 pm on 17 September 2024, when reports came through that the man had fallen into a decommissioned shaft at the site on Dry Creek Road, Ellalong. Despite the rapid response from NSW Ambulance, Police Rescue, and Fire and Rescue NSW, the worker’s body was located later in the day.

Authorities, including officers from the Hunter Valley Police District, have been working alongside specialised rescue teams to recover the man’s body. A formal identification is yet to be made, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

The local mining community has been deeply affected by the incident. The Mining and Energy Union expressed their shock, with Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President, Robin Williams, stating:
“This is the worst news we can ever receive. We are devastated that a coal miner is not returning home. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.”

Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi, also shared his condolences, saying:
“Our Hunter and our mining communities are built on hard work and dedication, and the loss of one of our own is felt deeply by us all. I will be closely following the investigation into this incident to ensure every measure is taken to prevent future tragedies.”

The NSW Resources Regulator has commenced an investigation into the incident, and Yancoal, the company responsible for the Austar mine site, released a statement extending their deepest sympathies to the worker’s family and confirming their cooperation with emergency services and regulatory authorities.

Due to the ongoing investigation, specific details regarding the cause of the accident remain unclear, but the incident has prompted calls for a renewed focus on safety at non-operational mining sites, particularly during closure and rehabilitation works.

Dan Repacholi MP encouraged those affected by the tragedy to seek support, highlighting services such as Lifeline and Beyond Blue. “It’s a day to hug your loved ones just a bit tighter. If you or someone you know needs support, reach out,” he said.

The Austar Coal Mine has been inactive for several years, and closure works have been ongoing at the site. This accident is a sobering reminder of the risks involved, even at non-operational facilities, as authorities continue to assess safety protocols across similar sites.