The Wonthaggi and District Historical Society had its beginning in the late 1950’s with the recognition that Wonthaggi’s history should be preserved. A public meeting was held and the historical society was formed. Over the ensuing years the collection of artifacts has grown, as has its collection of photographs and documents. The society has copies of local newspapers, dating back to 1910, and audio tapes of many and varied speakers with their rich tapestry of experiences.

Wonthaggi State Coal Mine

At the beginning of the twentieth century black coal from NSW powered Victoria’s railway system, gasworks and manufacturing industries. In 1909 a prolonged strike on the NSW coalfields threatened Victoria’s economic viability, and the Victorian Government sought to end its dependence by mining its own, poorer-quality coal deposits in South Gippsland at Wonthaggi which at the time was sparsely settled and possessed no transport links with Melbourne. The first shipment of Wonthaggi coal occurred on 25 November 1909 being dispatched by bullock teams to Inverloch and thence by ship to Melbourne. Three months later transportation by rail commenced after a 27 mile line was constructed from Nyora in the record time of 10 weeks. In 1910 the Government laid out a model township which, by 1921, had a population of 5,000+ making Wonthaggi one of the largest towns in Gippsland.

The Wonthaggi State Coal Mine developed into a huge mining complex which operated until 1968. Within the first year of operation a power station was built to supply electricity to the whole area and installation was under way of the necessary engineering works for mining, ventilation, water drainage, haulage, and coal processing. The mine’s peak period of employment was the year 1925-26 when 1,821 men were employed. During its operational life, the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine produced 16.74 million tons, making the field the largest black coal producer in the State’s history and the fourth largest in Australia.