Minmi, New South Wales
| Minmi Newcastle, New South Wales | |
|---|---|
| Population | 732 (2006 census) |
| • Density | 407/km2 (1,053/sq mi) |
| Postcode(s) | 2287 |
| Area | 1.8 km2 (0.7 sq mi) |
| Location | 19 km (12 mi) WNW of Newcastle |
| LGA(s) | City of Newcastle |
| Parish | Hexham |
| State electorate(s) | Cessnock |
| Federal Division(s) | Newcastle |
Minmi is an outer western suburb of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, located 19 kilometres (12 mi) from Newcastle's central business district. It is part of the City of Newcastle local government area.
Minmi was an important coal mining centre in the second half of the nineteenth century, particularly under the ownership and management of J & A Brown.
Minmi's mines were connected by a private railway line across the Hexham Swamp to J & A Brown's loading facilities on the Hunter River at Hexham. J & A Brown's engineering workshops were also located at Hexham.
History
The following information is largely taken from a sign in Minmi Park (see photo in image gallery below).
Before white settlement the Pambalong aborigines had occupied the Minmi area for thousands of years. By 1893 there was no trace of the tribe in the district.
1835 – Coal discovered by Harry Styles
1848 – First coal mines opened by Turner Brothers
1850s – Coal mining by Eales and Brown Brothers
1860s – J & A Brown acquire all land and mining rights in Minmi.
1861 – Public education begins. The first miners' union formed.
1877 – Back Creek tunnel opened. First Minmi race day.
1878 – New school opens with 300 students. Police station established.
1882 – John Brown – Manager of J & A Brown.
1884 – First soccer game in Newcastle – Minmi Rangers versus Lambton
1890s – Progress Association established
1895 – Post office and courthouse built
1900s – Minmi's population at its height with 6,000 residents
1909 – Maitland coal fields opened
1924 – John Brown closes Back Creek mines
1929 – Coal strike and lockout
1930 – John Brown dies
1949 – Seven week strike. Army in open cut mine.
1951 – Open cut mining ceased. Back Creek despoiled.
1961 – Centenary of public education. New school opens.
1980 – Residents win land titles.
1990s – Minmi land rezoned. Bonnie Doon Estate established.
1992 – Freeway opened.
1995 – Fire station commissioned.
Image gallery
History sign
J & A Brown's brake wagon
Coordinates: 32°52′55″S 151°37′05″E / 32.882°S 151.618°E