The Mount Kembla community is once again preparing to commemorate the 96 lives lost in Australia’s biggest mining disaster.

The 96 Candles Ceremony next Wednesday night and the commemorative service this weekend will mark the 1902 Mount Kembla mining disaster that killed 96 men and boys.

One hundred and eleven years after the explosion devastated the village, young people are learning of the tragedy thanks to the  Mount Kembla Mining Heritage Centre.

Mount Kembla Mining Heritage chairman Phil Grant said as mining was such a family affair in those days, it was important to capture and preserve many of those stories to keep the memory of those unfortunate souls who died from being lost.

Many combinations of relatives died that day.

‘‘This year we are looking at the youths aged between 14 and 17 years old. There were 10 of them who perished in the disaster,’’ Mr Grant said.

This number includes brothers Alexander, 15, and Henry, 17, Morrison and first cousins Claude and David Stafford.

Stan Richards, 13, was the youngest survivor of the mining disaster.

‘‘His story was his father died young at 35 and the pit boss responded when Stan asked for a job to support the family, that if he could fit on his father’s boots, he could start,’’ Mr Grant said.

‘‘Mining built this wonderful country and many have made the ultimate sacrifice.’’

Activities for the 111th anniversary of the disaster have included the Phoenix Theatre in Coniston presenting a full production of Wendy Richardson’s play, Windy Gully. It runs until August 3.

This Saturday and Sunday there will be heritage displays  at Mount Kembla Public School from 9am-4pm. On Sunday, Mount Kembla School P&C will hold activities for children and performances at the school. At 2pm, a memorial service will be held in the Soldiers & Miners Anglican Church  using the same liturgy used on the evening of the disaster.

The 96 Candles Ceremony in Windy Gully is on July 31 from 6.30pm.

Information: www.mtkembla.org.au