The Alchemy of Gold Conference
Posted on 20 March, 2025 by Lori
There will be a strong environmental theme at the upcoming grassroots initiated conference – The Alchemy of Gold – which will be held at the Campbell’s Creek Community Centre from May 16-18.
The Alchemy of Gold is a special forum which brings together experts, historians and the community to explore how the discovery of gold in Victoria in the 1850s reshaped the state. From a small colony, Victoria was transformed into an economic powerhouse, with gold influencing not just the economy but also environmental, social, and political landscapes.
Part of the National Trust’s Australian Heritage Festival, The Alchemy of Gold is a series of lectures, workshops and field visits which will take place in and around Castlemaine from 16 to 18 May 2025
This unique forum will delve into four key themes:
Environmental: The gold rush left a lasting mark on Victoria’s landscape, transforming the land through mining and infrastructure development, while also sparking early conversations on conservation.
Economic: Gold propelled Victoria to become one of the wealthiest regions in the world, with booming industries, new towns and cities, and growing international connections.
Social: The rush brought people from all over the globe, leading to a culturally diverse society that shaped Victoria’s identity today.
Political: The movement of people and wealth during the gold rush led to significant political reforms, including the introduction of democratic rights and the establishment of key institutions.
There will be about 40 speakers across the three days, including:
- Paul Foreman – Consulting ecologist, who will explore the theme of ‘The ecological impact of the gold rush runs deep, but there are potential solutions if we care to take restoration and sustainability seriously’. Paul has a long-standing passion for landscape restoration and biodiversity, working extensively across Victoria.
- Professor Susan Lawrence – Archaeologist and environmental historian, will speak on ‘The Environmental Impacts of Gold’, sharing insights from her ground-breaking research into the gold rush’s lasting impact on Victoria’s landscapes and waterways.Her monograph Sludge: Disaster on the Victorian Goldfields, co-authored with Peter Davies, was shortlisted for the 2020 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards.
This is a ticketed event. Bookings are now open through the website: https://thealchemyofgold.com.au/
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