23/3/07
Employment Protection and Heritage Minister Michelle Roberts today paid homage to the courageous mine rescuers who helped save a trapped gold miner 100 years ago.
Mrs Roberts officially launched the Varischetti Rescue Special Commemorative Prospector Service, which celebrates the incredible rescue of Modesto Varischetti in the Goldfields.
"The Varischetti rescue was an event that captured the attention of the world at the time and demonstrated the dedication, commitment, tenacity and endurance of those involved in saving him," the Minister said.
"This centenary celebration provides a perfect opportunity to remind people not only of the importance of being safety conscious, but also to acknowledge those involved in mine rescue."
Mrs Roberts said that while the strong economy allowed the Carpenter Government to deliver jobs and opportunities for all Western Australians, it was important that workers got home safely.
Regarded as one of the greatest mine rescues of the 20th century, Modesto Varischetti was trapped underground for nine days, surrounded in water and in complete darkness.
When it was decided the only way to get him out was to use divers, it was realised that the nearest air hose long enough to reach Varischetti was in Fremantle, 560km away.
The State Government ordered a special train - the 'Rescue Special' - to fast-track the delivery, cutting almost two hours off the normal 12-hour run to Coolgardie.
Horses rushed the equipment to the mine, where divers were used to take supplies to the Italian miner while water was being pumped out. Varischetti, with assistance, staggered to the surface on March 28, after an amazing 206 hours trapped underground.
One of the locomotive steam engines which took part in the great rescue is currently on display in the Midland Town Centre.
Mrs Roberts recently announced that the historic steam Loco No 174 would be relocated to the Midland Railway Workshops site.
"Relocating and restoring Loco No 174 to the railway workshops precinct in Midland is an important step in preserving a piece of the State's important past," she said.
"It is one of three locos used to transport the rescue team to Coolgardie and now we are rescuing it and preserving this piece of history for future generations."
The Minister acknowledged the important role the rescue train played in saving the trapped miner's life.
"Appropriately, these celebrations include a series of commemorative services to re-enact the 'Rescue Special' which will run from today until March 28," she said.
All Prospector passengers travelling during this time will be presented with an information folder and commemorative certificate - a collaborative effort between Resources Safety, Transwa, Coolgardie Shire and the State Records Office.
Celebrations will continue during the weekend at Coolgardie with community events, the opening of an interactive historical display and a new Varischetti museum exhibit, modern mine rescue displays, a play dedicated to the rescue, a relaunch of Tom Austen's book 'The Entombed Miner' and a celebration dinner.
Coolgardie will also play host to the Chamber of Minerals and Energy's 2007 Surface Mine Emergency Response Competition, with Resources Safety staff providing an advisory, adjudicating and supporting role.
Minister's office - 9213 6600
