In 1946–47, Laurie Mahon and Kel Corbell worked with a gang drilling bores and building windmills throughout the Naracoorte and Mount Gambier districts. In 1949, they took up an opportunity with the Mines Department at the Leigh Creek Coalfield.

Laurie was based in Clare and rode his motorcycle back and forth to Leigh Creek, living in the Telford tent rows while working at the mine—making him one of Australia’s original fly-in fly-out (FIFO) miners. During his time at Leigh Creek, Laurie worked two jobs. His primary role was operating one of the eight Ruston-Bucyrus 22W drilling machines, and he supplemented his income by driving a truck. The goal was clear: to save enough money to buy a new Matchless 500cc motorcycle.

Laurie loved motorcycles. In his spare time, he helped establish the first Leigh Creek Motorcycle Club. He served as the club’s Vice-President and was an accomplished competitor. Perhaps the constant practice negotiating the rough dirt road between Clare and Leigh Creek played a part in his success. Laurie kept a photo album documenting his year at Leigh Creek. Today, it belongs to his son, Phil Mahon, who has generously shared these treasured photographs of his father’s adventures.