NEW AUSTRALASIAN NO. 2 DEEP LEAD GOLD MINING SITE AND MEMORIAL

The New Australasian No. 2 Deep Lead Gold Mine was the scene of the most tragic accident in the history of Victorian gold mining. At 4:45am, Tuesday 12 December 1882, 29 miners were trapped underground by flood waters and only five of the 27 imprisoned miners were brought safely to the surface. The 22 men who perished left 17 widows and 75 dependent children. The New Australasian No. 2 Deep Lead Gold Mining Memorial was unveiled in 1982 by John Cain, the Premier of Victoria. Nearby is a small interpretation shelter providing information on the mine disaster.

How is it significant?

The New Australasian No. 2 Deep Lead Gold Mining Site and Memorial are historically, socially and scientifically important to the State of Victoria.

Why is it significant?

The New Australasian No. 2 Deep Lead Gold Mining Site and Memorial are historically and socially important for their associations with Victoria's most tragic underground mining accident. This event has had a long reaching effect, particularly on the Creswick district, and relics of the disaster, particularly the touchingly inscribed billy cans, are revered mementos

The New Australasian No. 2 Deep Lead Gold Mining Site is historically and scientifically important as a characteristic example of an important form of gold mining. Gold mining sites are of crucial importance for the pivotal role they have played since 1851 in the development of Victoria.

Group

Mining and Mineral Processing

Category

Mine Machinery & relics