Coal mining film to trace history

" Sandra Pires and Ron Cairns (right) have begun work on a documentary that will chronicle the history of coalmining in the Illawarra.

A DOCUMENTARY film crew paid a visit to the former South Bulli Colliery last week to begin work on a long and ambitious project.

Bulli filmmaker Sandra Pires and her team from Why Documentaries filmed some of the first interviews for a documentary that will chronicle the history of coalmining in the Illawarra.

Due for completion in 2008, the production will explore the triumphs and tragedies, strikes and struggles of more than a century of black diamond heritage.

"Bits and pieces have been written about various aspects of the industry, but no one has really put together a complete picture," former coalminer Ron Cairns said.

Mr Cairns and fellow members of the Illawarra branch of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy have joined forces with the filmmakers for the documentary, to be titled Beneath Black Skies: Illawarra Coalmining Stories Beneath the Surface'.

Indian company Gujarat NRE and the University of Wollongong have also thrown their support behind the project.

Ms Pires said Beneath Black Skies' would make use of the wealth of historic mining photographs and film footage.

Former miners and their families, mine managers and union representatives will also tell their stories.

"When someone shares their personal experiences you discover things that can never be found in a text book," Ms Pires said.

Anyone interested in supporting the documentary or sharing stories of the Illawarra's mining past can contact Why Documentaries on 0418 452 088.