Minmi was an important coal mining centre in the second half of the nineteenth century, particularly under the ownership and management of J & A Brown.

Prior to white settlement, the area of present-day Minmi was home to the Pambalong people for approximately 40,000 years.

The Pambalong people were thought to be a sub-tribe of the Lake Macquarie Awabakal nation.

[3][4] The following information is largely taken from a sign in Minmi Park (see photo in image gallery below).

1848 – First coal mines opened by William Robson and the Turner Brothers.

1884 – First soccer game in Newcastle – Minmi Rangers versus Lambton.

1909 – Maitland coal fields opened, prompting many Minmi mining families to leave for Cessnock and Kurri Kurri for the better pay offered at the Maitland coalfields.

[6] The cemetery was originally established on the private property of J & A Brown, who operated a number of coal mines in the area, and was made available by them for public use.

[6] On 9 August 2002 the Minmi Heritage Garden was established next to the cemetery paid for by Coal & Allied.