The Government Camp Castlemaine Tour 27 April 2024

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National Trust Heritage Festival Saturday 27 April 2024

History comes alive at the Government Camp!

Uncle Rick opened the day with a Smoking Ceremony, at the pre-European settlement redgum known as the Survey Tree. Junction of Gaulton St and Yandell St
Uncle Rick explaining the significance of the chosen site.
Professor Keir Reeves talking about James Ah Coy and the Chinese on the goldfield.
The Victoria Police Historical Society Tented Police Station display. Owen Clarke in period uniform.
Victoria Police Historical Society’s Stuart Duff & guest.
Dr Marjorie Theobald discussing the significance of the Former Military Quarters 4 Camp Crescent.
Peter Cox, President of the National Trust Bendigo & Distract Branch, opened the lunchtime public speaking event.
Sally Kaptein selling lunch between the two tours.
Victoria Police Historical Society’s Stuart Duff enthralled the crowd with vivid accounts of policing and the gold escorts on the the Castlemaine goldfield.
The Victoria Police Historical Society static display drew a crowd throughout the day.
The local police visited the Victoria Police Historical Society display.
Victoria Police Historical Display Owen Clarke in period uniform.
Dr Bob Marmion speaking about his new publication ‘The Military, the Police and the Government Camp, Castlemaine 1851-1870’ soon to be officially launched.
John Lewis showing our guests where Barkers Creek and Forest Creek join to become Campbells Creek.This was the site chosen to be the permanent and central Government administration centre of the entire goldrush
Historian Mark Genge speaking at Camp Reserve about the various sports played at the Camp over the past 170 years.
CASSOC President Bryon Cunningham speaking about the Powder Magazine, Farnsworth St
Bryon Cunningham talking about the history of the Powder Magazine. Thankyou to Vince and Marie for allowing us access.

The Powder Magazine, where the explosives required by the Camp and for mining were stored.
Sheriff Colles’s House and John Lewis talking to the tour
Former Military Quarters 4 Camp Crescent. The oldest military quarters of the goldrush. Slab construction beneath the weatherboards. Soon to be on the market.
Lola Montez (Eliza Tree) spoke to the unsung women of the goldfields.
The Powder Magazine Keeper’s House, kindly opened by owners Bryon and Winifred Cunningham
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