In 1869 some timber harvesters discovered alluvial gold at the present site of Foster township on Stockyard Creek. Within a year the about 30 miners were exploring for gold on their working claims. By the start of 1871 there were around 200 miners and after a dispute arose between two of the miners a local magistrate had to be brought to the area to settle the matter. The magistrate was named William Foster from Sale and the “locals” decided to name the place after him and so the township of Foster was born.
Map of the Foster goldfield showing the geological composition and period strata of the region with the gold deposits shown in yellow. Gold was discovered at Foster in 1870 by a group of timber cutters. While the finds were never as rich as those elsewhere in Victoria, goldmining continued through till the 1930s. Later in Dec. 1872 gold was discovered to the north at nearby Turton’s Creek which developed into a relatively rich field – the inset shows the extent of the gold deposit running through the valley.
Two historical photos taken at Stockyard Creek show clearly the mess created by mining and in the background can be seen the early forests surrounding the township.
The law demanded that a claim be worked every day except Sunday for a miner to retain possession. A pick and spade embedded in the earth was, by custom, also a claim. Disputes between the claim owner and the intruding claim-jumper were settled by assembled miners on a show of hands, and the loser was sent packing.
There is a marker on the bridge in Pearl Park which shows the exact spot the gold was first discovered along with a a statue of a man panning for gold and a plaque commemorating the early pioneers.
New gold guide to improve your prospects of striking it lucky
More than 170 years on from the start of the gold rush, budding prospectors retracing the steps of pioneers in search of their own bounty will have help thanks to a new guide from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Resources Jaclyn Symes today launched A Guide to Recreational Prospecting in Victoria at McIvor Creek in Heathcote.
The new guide produced by Earth Resources Regulation provides handy tips to newcomers as well as being a reference guide for the more experienced. It explains where prospecting can take place, what equipment can be used and how to do the right things – starting with the purchase of a ten-year miner’s right for just $25.20.
The Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria has supported the creation of the guide to connect new participants to its enthusiastic network.
Permitted activities in pursuit of gold and gems includes using metal detectors, picks, shovels, sieves and pans. Fossicking activities are permitted in state forests and regional parks, some national parks, state parks and waterways.
What are the rules for prospecting?
You mustn’t:
•use digging equipment besides non-mechanical hand tools
•use explosives
•remove or damage trees or shrubs
•disturb any Aboriginal places or objects , or
•disturb any historic place or object, or archaeological site or relic.
To care for the environment when prospecting:
•drive only on public tracks and roads
•park only on the roadside
•avoid disturbing plants and grasses too much
•fix things before you leave, i.e. fill in holes, pick up your rubbish.
If you disturb or damage the land, you must clean it up before you leave your site.
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