Historical information

CENTRAL DEBORAH GOLD MINE 76 VIOLET STREET BENDIGO, GREATER BENDIGO CITY: The Central Deborah Gold Mine was developed from 1939 and operated as a working mine until 1954. The mine was one of a minority that continued to function during the Second World War. In 1939 the mine boasted a small timber poppet head, boiler steam winch, compressor, blacksmith shop, store, change rooms, and offices. Between 1945-46 the company upgraded the mine with extensions to sheds and the installation of new steam machinery, electric air compressor, steel poppet head, and ore bins.
The Central Deborah Gold Mine is historically significant for its ability to demonstrate the tangible and important links to twentieth century quartz mining. It is of outstanding historical significance as the last intact and working example of the 5,500 quartz mines that won Bendigo widespread fame as a gold mining centre. At one time Bendigo had the world’s deepest shafts. Of particular importance are original buildings, fittings and mining machinery that document the mine’s character from 1939 to 1954.
(Criterion A)

The Central Deborah Gold Mine is archaeologically significant for its ability and potential to illustrate important aspects of early twentieth century mining. The physical evidence at the site has excellent interpretative value and the ability to answer archaeological research questions.
(Criterion C)

The Central Deborah Gold Mine is significant as a notable and fine example of the class of twentieth century quartz mine. The working machinery—including a Cornish boiler, winding engine and two compressors—comprise one of the few publicly accessible and in situ collections in the State. Central Deborah Company Gold Mine is now a popular tourist mine and a living part of the story of gold mining in Australia. Its historic mining equipment is still functional, and several levels underground are accessible to visitors. (Victorian Heritage Database: https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/5996)

Physical description

Transverse section of Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo. Printed on top in bold black text: ' Central Deborah Mine Bendigo'. Handwritten on plan: J.Caldwell 12.10.45
Plan forms part of the Margaret Roberts Collection.