Over 150 participants came together at Federation University’s Gippsland campus in Churchill last month for a forum discussing transformations in mining economies and shaping a path for positive change. An annual event, the Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC-TiME) brought their annual forum to the Latrobe Valley for the first time.

Day one included an innovation breakfast at the Morwell Innovation Centre, a public event discussing life beyond the coal mines in Gippsland. Speakers included Professor Fiona Haslam McKenzie, CRC-TiME Program Leader for Regional Economic Development who spoke about other Australian and international communities whose economies and identities had been impacted by the transition away from mining.

At the forum, powerful discussions included themes including delivering cultural value in the context of post-mine transformations.

Day two included a tour of the Yallourn mine site, a visit to the Hazelwood Rehabilitation Project, a visit to Latrobe Regional Gallery where participants viewed local art and its connection to the mining and power industry over decades and a delicious afternoon tea and an exhibition at the Morwell Historical Society.

The final day included further conversations about balancing competing interests in mine rehabilitation, multiple values of water and education and new research.

Community groups can request a speaker visit from the Mine Land Rehabilitation Authority by contacting contactus@mineland.vic.gov.au or 1800 571 966.