Wreath laid by Orica to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Matthew Conner's death
Matthew John CONNOR
Date Of Death26 Sep 2000
OccupationMobile Manufacturing Unit operator
ChildrenTasha, Matilda, and Isabelle.
Eastern Goldfields Miners Memorial at the WA Museum in Kalgoorlie WA - Wreath laid by Orica 26 Sep 2025 (25th Anniversary)
Name Of Mine On Which Last Employed
Jundee Mine, Leinster, Western Australia (Worked for Orica)
Diagnosis or cause of accident
He was driving alone between two mine sites in a 4 wheel drive on the 26 September, 2000 at sunset. There was fine weather conditions and a good road (gravel). The vehicle rolled on a bend and crushed the cabin above the driver., who was wearing the seat belt. He was driving into the sun. Exact cause of the accident is unknown but fatigue may have been a contributing factor.
Submitted by
Admin - Moya Sharp
Cause of Death
Mine Accidents
Father
Max CONNOR
Mother
Joan
Other Information
From Orica Sept 2025:
REMEMBERING MATT CONNOR
1 min read
Last week marked 25 years since the passing of Orica employee, Matthew John Connor, who tragically passed away in a light vehicle accident near the Jundee mine in Western Australia on 26 September 2000, which occurred while Matt was travelling between sites.
At our Kalgoorlie site, a plaque in Matt’s memory serves as a reminder of his time with us and the respect he earned from his colleagues. His name is also included on the Kalgoorlie Miners’ Memorial Wall, where the community gathers each year to honour those who have lost their lives while working in the industry. It is a place of reflection, where families, friends and co-workers remember those who have passed and the contributions they made.
Matt was one of 10 children, the son of Max and Joan, and a proud father to three daughters—Tasha, Matilda, and Isabelle. He joined Orica on 23 October 1995 and quickly became a valued team member across multiple operations, including Kalgoorlie, Dalgaranga, Big Bell, and Jundee.
Those who worked with him remember Matt as a respected colleague and a valued friend.
“Matt was well liked and respected by everyone. He had a great sense of humour and always brought positive energy to those around him. Matt left a lasting impression on those who knew him, and I feel fortunate to have shared that time with him,” says Theresa Sonneveld, Vice President, Operations Services.
The Kalgoorlie team and regional leaders gathered to acknowledge Matt’s passing. Ian Jamieson shared a reflection of Matt’s time with us and his family, and placed a wreath in his memory. “
