Turk McDermott is quintessentially Tasmanian – he’s a miner, a larrikin and a proud community man.
Mining has always been part of Turk’s life. He started working at the Rosebery mine at 15, and his education was paid for by the Rosebery mine. His father was a miner, and his brother and his eldest son are both MMG employees.
Turk’s retired now and spends his time as a local historian and author, and supporting the community as President of the Rosebery Festival.
Turk’s involvement with the Rosebery Festival started like many aspects of his life, with a story. The festival was founded in 2005 during a downturn in mining. Turk stood up at the inaugural meeting proclaiming that the festival simply ‘wouldn’t work, and if it did, it certainly wouldn’t last’. Some 22 years later, the festival’s going strong and Turk is the proud President.
A lot has changed in 22 years. The festival’s original budget was $50 and the festival was only held together by a group of committed locals. While it is still run by committed locals, MMG began supporting the festival in 2011 by providing a transformative $15,000 donation, as well as materials and the appearance of a popular children’s performer.
MMG’s involvement allowed the festival to remain free to the public and covers 80% of the funds required. This has transformed the event into the premier festival of Tasmania’s West Coast.
The Rosebery Festival is four days and nights of activities that include: local and Tasmanian art and crafts; open days for mine surface works and school groups; live music; a fantastic fireworks display; poets and storytellers; and the ‘Great Rosebery Overland Run’. But according to Turk, the most notable feature is a healthy dose of Rosebery hospitality and good cheer.
Turk wants to share the Festival and the Rosebery mine with everyone he can – that’s why he’s extended an invitation to all Tasmanians, especially West Coast locals, to join him in celebrating our mining heritage and future on the West Coast.
Pictured: Turk with his wife and granddaughter.
