COMMUNITY MOURNS Craig Hugo, Hunter Valley Austar Mine Tragedy

20 September 2024

The Hunter Valley mining community is in mourning following the tragic death of Craig Hugo, a contractor who fell into a decommissioned mine shaft at the Austar Coal Mine in Cessnock on Tuesday, 17 September 2024. Hugo, a respected worker and beloved family man, lost his life while working at the non-operational site, which is undergoing closure works.

Emergency services, including NSW Police Rescue, NSW Ambulance, and Fire and Rescue NSW, were called to the scene on Dry Creek Road, Ellalong, shortly after the incident. Despite their efforts, Hugo’s body was recovered later in the day. He was in his late 50s and leaves behind a grieving family, friends, and colleagues.

The NSW Resources Regulator has commenced an investigation into the incident, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

A Son’s Tribute
Craig Hugo’s son, Cooper Hugo, took to social media to share a heartfelt message about his father, writing:
“On the 17th of September 2024, our lives changed forever. We lost our dad, our best friend, and the bloke we looked up to the most. Words can’t describe the pain and hurt we feel right now. Dad, We love you always and forever.”

Mining Community Devastated
The Mining and Energy Union expressed their sorrow following the incident. Robin Williams, President of the Northern Mining and NSW Energy District, said:
“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 friends and family. We offer our deepest thanks to first responders and support to workmates who may be traumatised by the events.”

Dan Repacholi, MP for Hunter, also shared his condolences, promising to closely monitor the investigation into the accident. “The safety and wellbeing of our workers must always be our highest priority,” Repacholi said.

Support for the Family
Messages of support have poured in for the Hugo family. Many friends, colleagues, and community members shared their grief and offered comfort to Cooper and his siblings.

Community Comments

Di Fitzgibbon: “What a lovely picture of your dad. You are all in our thoughts every day. We are so sorry for your loss and sad that your dad’s life was cut short. Sending much love 🤍🪽.”
Jarrod Ingram: “So sorry for your loss mate, such a great bloke to work with and in general. Thoughts are with you and your family.”
Lorinda Grills: “So sorry sending big hugs and love at this hard time 🤍.”
Kylie Kags Garrett: “I had the privilege of working with your incredible Dad for over 10 years… I’m so deeply heartbroken, as are so many others 💔.”
Mark Cockerill: “Your loss is felt by so many of us whose lives were impacted by your dad as a mate, workmate and just a great bloke.”
Wade Tsakissiris: “No words can make what’s happened any better, but please know he was a great colleague, absolute gentleman, and all-round top bloke.”
Tanya Winchester: “I met Craig through Rescue Squad. What a great mentor and just a competent, calm and lovely guy to work alongside in such an intense environment.”
Barbie Patterson: “Sending love and hugs to Cooper, Molly, Kendall, and family. Craig was a lovely man he will be missed, that’s for sure.”

The outpouring of support for the Hugo family reflects how deeply Craig was loved and respected within the community. His impact as a worker, mentor, and friend will be remembered by all who knew him.

Safety Concerns at Non-Operational Sites
The Austar Coal Mine, while no longer operational, remains a site of concern due to decommissioned infrastructure such as the mine shafts. This incident has brought renewed attention to safety protocols at non-operational mining sites, with investigations underway to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The investigation continues, and Yancoal, the company overseeing the mine’s closure, has committed to cooperating fully with authorities. In a statement, Yancoal said: “We extend our deepest sympathies to the man’s family, friends, and colleagues, and we have offered the company’s full support to them as they deal with their devastating loss.”

For those impacted by this tragedy, mental health support services such as Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 46 36) are available.