Gabriel's Gully Goldrush 150th
Media Release: 03rd May, 2010LAWRENCE, New Zealand: Organisers planning the Gabriel's Gully Goodrush 150th celebration in Lawrence next March are calling for submissions of stories and artefacts from the Goldrush to form a special exhibition over the four-day event.
They are particularly interested to hear from descendants and relations of the early goldminers and prospectors, or anyone with any information on the Tuapeka Goldfields area. Historical records and artefacts will be displayed at the Goldrush Heritage Centre. The programme also includes Pioneer Stories - an opportunity for people to retell Goldrush stories passed down form their ancestors.
Wayman Roughan, 150 Celebration Committee Chairman says, 'Gathering stories and artefacts from the past are vital to the celebration and will provide visitors and the local community with a fascinating insight into the region's unique heritage. We also want to preserve our storytelling traditions and we think including Pioneer Stories in the programme is a great way to pass treasured yarns on to the younger generation for them to enjoy.'
Anyone with stories, photographs or information can download an application form from the website www.lawrence.co.nz, or contact the committee office on (03) 485 9909.
The Gabriel's Gully Goldrush celebration marks the 150th anniversary of the first discovery of payable gold in New Zealand and runs from the 18 - 21 March 2011. Full programme details will be released in December. For event updates, visit the website www.lawrence.co.nz.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Media release: December 2009
Gold, in the payable form, was first struck by Gabriel Read near Lawrence on 25th May 1861. Read, an Australian-born prospector, was initally told he was on a 'wild goose chase' but his discovery, in the gully that now bears his name, changed the course of history and laid a foundation for both Otago and New Zealand. By July 1861, the Tuapeka area was very much immersed in the gold rush, with the district's population swelling to over 11,000 compared to the less than 6,000 in Dunedin at the time.
In 2011, attention will again turn to Lawrence as it celebrates 150 years since what was essentially the birth of our nation. Realising the significance of such an occasion, the Lawrence Community will be hosting a four day celebration, Gabriel's Gully Goldrush 150th from Friday 18th to Monday 21st March 2011.
The four day celebration will feature a drama which re-enacts the Goldrush with treks and walks to take us back in time to the 1860s. With music, historical tours and displays, visual art, drama and family games and fun, there's something for everyone, young or old.
Come and celebrate the past connecting with the present, and be part of this national celebration.
Diary the dates now - 18th - 21st March 2011.
Check out www.lawrence.co.nz for more information.
Contact details for this event:
150 Year Celebration Committee
P: 5 Peel Street, Lawrence 9532
T: (03) 485 9909
E: jeanette.paterson@cluthadc.govt.nz
W: www.lawrence.co.nz
Katy Macpherson
Project Manager
M: 021 154 5511
E: katy@kinetica.co.nz