S2 E2: The Golden Age of Coal? Modernist Dreams, Company Towns and Monuments

For episode 2 we pick up the story in the 20th century, when Gippsland’s brown coal fields were transformed into power stations, company towns and modernist dreams. From Purvis Plaza to Hazelwood’s hot-water pondage, the Valley was sold a “golden age”... but golden for whom?

Along the way, we speak with historian Erik Eklund about Gippsland’s twin booms, company towns like Churchill and the overlooked roots of environmental activism, and with industry veteran Rob Mizzi about the hidden supply chains that kept Victoria’s lights on.

It’s a journey through booming populations, brick houses, migrant workers and monumental cigars that asks what the golden age of coal really meant and what impact it had on our people and places. Show notes: Coal Face - S2E2 - Show Notes