The domestic Australian coal industry is in terminal decline. For the communities that have grown to depend on this industry over the last century, the future is uncertain.
Nowhere is this shift more evident than in the Latrobe Valley, where numerous power stations and mines have operated over the years. Today only three plants and two mines remain in operation. All are scheduled to close in the coming decade.
While the number of people who work directly for the mine and power station operators is relatively small, the death of this industry will affect almost all of the valley’s 125,000 residents.
A worker looks towards Yallourn Power Station, which is earmarked for closure in 2028. 
The township of Yallourn North lies directly next to one of the valley’s open cut coal mines. The original township of Yallourn was moved in the 1980s to make way for the mine. 
A mine worker pauses for a portrait in front of a dredging machine. Many mine workers worry that there will not be able to find employment once the mine closes later this decade. 
Discarded signs stand outside the now-defunct Hazelwood mine. The mine and adjacent power station closed suddenly in 2017, sending an economic shockwave through the community. 
John poses for a portrait in the Yallourn Power Station. Like many coal workers, John has worked in the industry for almost his entire career. 
A worker walks past one of the cooling towers at Yallourn Power Station. 
A cross-section of the top layers of soil that have been removed in the Yallourn Open Cut Mine. 
A worker looks over the Yallourn Open Cut Mine. 
The Hazelwood mine closed in 2017 and rehabilitation works are now underway. Sprinklers keep exposed coal seams wet to prevent them from catching fire while water is carefully diverted to gradually fill the enormous hole. 
Alan poses for a portrait at a local machining workshop. Small businesses like this one rely on the power stations and mines for the majority of their business and their employees often have highly specialised skill sets. 
Tony, a local tyre-fitter, poses for a portrait in his workshop. Like many small businesses who provide services to the coal industry, Tony fears his business will not survive once the power stations are closed. 
Yallourn Power Station. 
Yallourn Open Cut Mine. 
Jamie, a logistics worker at Yallourn Power Station, poses for a portrait. 
A control panel at the old Morwell Power Station which closed in 2014. Most of the plant has since been demolished. 
The former Briquette Works factory stands abandoned. The factory, which used to manufacture coal briquettes, closed in 2014. 
The old Briquette Works factory stands abandoned. 
Ashley poses for a portrait in the logistics centre at the Yallourn Power Station. 
A worker walks in front of the rusted facade of the Yallourn Power Station. 
Yallourn Power Station. 
Coal miners from the Yallourn Open Cut Mine attend a union meeting. 
Rescue workers rehearse an emergency operation at Yallourn Power Station. 
Terry, a power plant worker, poses for a portrait at Yallourn Power Station. 
Maintenance workers in the bowels of Yallourn Power Station. 
A sign stands outside the local town of Coalville.
Jesse Thompson Photographer 