Interview With A 1940s Gold Miner

Take a look back in time with 94 year old Ken Gillanders, who kindly visited for an interview regarding the time he spent working as miner and braceman at Chewton's famous Wattle Gully Mine.

Ken worked at Wattle Gully in the late forties and early fifties. In this interview he shares insights into what the mine was like at the time, what it was like working underground, some of the men he worked with, and some very interesting things that happened during his time there.

Ken was the youngest worker underground at the time; all the others were much older. Because of this, Ken is one of the very few who are still able to share first-hand accounts of that era at Wattle Gully.

Thanks very much to Ken for this interview, these stories will be appreciated by a lot of people. Also thanks to Ken's family, to Alan Miller, and to the Maldon Vintage Machinery and Museum.

And a huge thank you to Clive Willman for the filming and camera/light set up - very much appreciated.

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SPECIAL THANKS TO

Ken Gillanders and family

Alan Miller and the Maldon Vintage Machinery and Museum

Clive Willman

The Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria
https://www.pmav.org.au

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The Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria

Established in 1980, the Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria is a voluntary body created to protect the rights and opportunities of those who wish to prospect, fossick or mine in the State of Victoria, Australia.

You can support the PMAV in their fight to uphold these rights by becoming a member. You'll also gain access to exclusive publications, field days, prospecting tips, discounts and competitions.

Check out the PMAV website for more information.

https://www.pmav.org.au

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IMAGES MAPS AND PLANS

Footage from the Homestake Mine - Prelinger Archives

Geological Survey of Victoria

Clive Willman

Alan Miller

Peter Thompson

Wikimedia

Gillanders family

Cappy Collection - Castlemaine Historical Society Inc

Castlemaine Pioneers and Old Residents Association Inc