World heritage bid - Going for gold!

Published on 05 December 2020

Roadside conservation

A new website aims to take the Goldfields to the world. 

The campaign to put the Central Victorian Goldfields on the World Heritage map took a huge step forward this week with the launch of a fascinating new website. 

Funded by the Victorian Goldfields Tourism Executive (VGTE), the goldfieldsworldheritage.com.au site is the latest iteration of the bid that has been percolating behind the scenes for several years. It provides fascinating insights into the discovery of gold in Victoria, the world-wide significance of the Victorian goldrush and the epic bid for World Heritage listing. 

The Central Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid is a partnership between thirteen local governments, regional organisations, academia and the private sector on behalf of the Central Victorian Goldfields community. 

Cr Chrissy Weller, Campaspe Shire Council Mayor, said “The website is just another step in raising awareness of the history of the Central Victorian Goldfields and its importance to us all. We’re excited to see the project progress and gaining momentum.” 

Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor, VGTE Chair and Central Goldfields Shire Mayor, said “The exciting feature of this massively transformative project is not only the huge impact it will have both on local and cross-regional visitor economies, but the positive contribution to regional regeneration, prosperity and opportunity. Importantly the journey starts right now as we build the excitement of people to visit and discover the proposed World Heritage landscape and in doing so creating a much-needed boost to industry in the COVID recovery period.” 

The bid seeks to secure a World Heritage listing to celebrate the globally significant history and heritage of the region and to focus the world’s attention on its many – past and present ­ – hidden treasures. 

The site itself is a treasure trove of historic photos, illustrations and stories. It has scores of useful references and links for scholars, industry stakeholders, tourism operators and community groups. 

It is also a functional working tool in the bid development process. It encourages interested parties to register for regular bid updates and invites participation in the creation of a new, overarching regional brand and critical investment opportunities through online surveys and workshops. 

To find out more about this exciting project, jump online and check it out for yourself at goldfieldsworldheritage.com.au