National Strike

A Lithgow Tidy Town Project in 2006 depicting the National Strike which occurred between 27 June to 15 August 1949. The mural depicts hardships the Lithgow people endured. The federal government sent in the troops to work the mines.

1. Terrible conditions experienced by miners working underground.

2. Miners meet at pit top to decide strike action.

3. The federal government passed legislation making it illegal to use union funds to support strikers and their families. Union leader, Jock King went to prison for refusing to reveal hidden funds needed for people to survive.

4. Miners picketing at Ben Bullen as railways workers loaded coal onto trains. The miners, led by Lithgow's Scots Pipe Band, marched away in disgust.

5. Lithgow children at one of the many soup kitchens run by the community.

6. Lack of coal resulted in severe power shortages. Miners used their lamps to light a 21st birthday celebration.

The artwork was sponsored by Delta Electricity and Lithgow City Council.