The Kurri Kurri Pipe Band has been in existence for at least 90 years. It was originally called the Richmond Main & Pelaw Main Pipe Band.
Miners from the two pits donated three pence each per week to fund the cost of the equipment. Dr Joe Tannant purchased the original tartan, the Cameron of Iraq, which was mainly green. This was changed to the red Princess Margaret Rose tartan. The Pipe Band was involved in several protests and rallies to support miners in their conflicts with the pit owners. One famous conflict occurred in 1929 at Rothbury, North of Kurri Kurri, when the Band led miners who marched on the pit, protesting the use of scab labour. It was also involved in the rally at a Newcastle open-cut mine when soldiers were called in to operate machinery while miners were on strike.
The Band practised every Sunday morning behind the Kurri Kurri Co-operative Store, which is this building. It was one of the main attractions at the May Day and Anzac Day marches, and regularly played free of charge at functions and fund-raisers to support local mining families who struggled in difficult times.
Band Members shown in this Mural (L-R) are Reg Brown, Jock Watt, Jimmy Brown, Richard Walker, Bernie Brown, Hec Hamilton, Fred Walker, Keith Chambers, Allan Parkinson, Bill Parkinson, Bill Blain and James Brown. At the front of the Brass Band is Stephen (Mick) Stanbridge.
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