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The discovery of gold

Extract from Australia’s Mineral Resources (1953)

A look at the various minerals excavated around Australia, including the origins of gold mining.

When gold was discovered in Australia in the 1850s it brought gold-seekers from around the world to the colonies. The first big discoveries of gold were at Ophir in New South Wales, and then at Ballarat and Bendigo Creek in Victoria. The gold rushes led to growth in Australia’s population and economy, as well as new ideas about how Australia should be organised and governed.

Film Australia Collection NFSA: 28003 Documentary courtesy National Film and Sound Archive

Activities

1. What does this short film clip show? Summarise what you see and hear.
 

2. Does the film appear to have a main purpose or message? If so, what do you think it is?
 

3. Who made the film clip and when was it made? Use this information to try to work out why the film was made. Does this change what you think about the purpose of the film?

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