Category Archives: News

Alchemy of gold 1: Transformation into what?

Posted on 1 June, 2025 by fobif

The Alchemy of Gold, an event bringing together ‘experts, historians and the community to explore how the discovery of gold in the 1850s reshaped Victoria economically, socially and politically’ took place over the weekend of May 16-18. Its aim: ‘celebrate … Continue reading →

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Alchemy 2: should the ‘new golden age’ be like the last one?

Posted on 1 June, 2025 by fobif

One question inevitably arising in such an event is: how have the events of the gold rush shaped the society and place we live in now? The answers are familiar: egalitarianism, a cosmopolitan society, democracy…but one feature of our society … Continue reading →

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Alchemy 3: repairing the mistakes of the past

Posted on 1 June, 2025 by fobif

There were some very good presentations at the weekend’s event, but we’ll focus on one theme only: environmental history. Standout speakers here included Susan Lawrence, co author of Sludge– disaster on Victorian Goldfields (a book which should be compulsory reading … Continue reading →

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Fire in the Maldon Historic Reserve

Posted on 20 May, 2025 by fobif

Forest Fire Management burned a biodiversity rich section of the Maldon Historic Reserve, near the Railway Track, on May 9. Conditions were described as ‘ideal’, with no wind, and appropriate moisture levels. Readers will remember we have reported on this … Continue reading →

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Events at Castlemaine Library-John Bonnice & Barry Golding

Posted on 1 May, 2025 by fobif

Two events that might be of interest to readers are held as part of National Reconcilliation Week at the Goldfields Library, Castlemaine branch. John Bonnice, who recently conducted a workshop for the FOBIF committee, invites you to explore beliefs and … Continue reading →

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