The biggest challenge the group undertook was the year-long programme in 2012 celebrating the 150 years since gold was discovered in the Dunstan. A sub-committee (Dunstan Gold 150) was set up in 2010 and included members from other local organisations.
The DG 150 project consisted of 60 events held throughout 2012. Thirty-three community groups were involved, and an estimated 18,000 people took part in activities during the year. Funding was received from Central Lakes Trust and Promote Dunstan also contributed.
The Dunstan Gold 150 celebration was launched at Central Stories Museum in Alexandra, the first of 87 events planned for the year to mark the 150th anniversary of the discovery of gold by Horatio Hartley and Christopher Reilly in the Cromwell Gorge in the winter of 1862.
A 60-page booklet called Gold Rush - Central Otago 1862, written by journalist Louise Joyce, of Earnscleugh, was also launched.
"We all know that gold was the foundation of Otago, and at the height of the gold gold rush there were 67 sailing ships anchored in the [Otago] harbour . . . imagine that. Gold brought 24,000 people to Central Otago and gold was the catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship," Tony Lepper (Former Mayor) told about 60 people at the celebration launch.
Artist Grahame Sydney said Hartley and Reilly's initial haul of gold, 1044 ounces, would be worth nearly $2 million in today's terms, and sparked an "undreamed of rush" to Central Otago.
Ms Joyce said it was a joy to research and write her book. "Passion, icon and iconic are three words that are overused, but they really do describe Central Otago for me, " she said.
Part of her research involved finding out what happened to Hartley and Reilly in their later years, "but if you want to know where they ended up, you'll just have to read the book."
Events planned throughout the year were based in Alexandra, Clyde, Fruitlands, the Nevis Valley, Galloway, Cromwell, Ophir, the Maniototo, St Bathans and Cambrian and included walks, four-wheel drive tours, musicals, a gold mine open day, wine and food festival, gold-panning championship and the unveiling of a sculpture to mark the anniversary.
Commentaires