Historical information

This document proposes the creation of a documentary about George Lansell, known as the "Quartz King" of Bendigo, highlighting his significant impact on the region's goldfields and community. Suggests strong support for a film documenting George Lansell's life, backed by local council, historical society, and parliamentary representatives.

Recommends submitting the idea to organizations like Film Australia. Lansell was a prominent mining magnate with private ownership of multiple mines and investments in Australia and abroad. He was known for his immense wealth, generosity, and contributions to Bendigo's prosperity. His mansion, Fortuna, was one of the most lavish in the colony. The Big 180 mine, owned by Lansell, was the deepest in the Southern Hemisphere by 1895 and yielded significant gold output.

Lansell and his partners extracted an estimated three million pounds worth of gold from the Big 180. Lansell was celebrated for his philanthropy, supporting public institutions, charities, and miners in need. Upon his death in 1906, he left shares in his mines to employees and set up a trust fund for widows and orphans of Bendigo miners.

The document emphasizes the rich historical material available for a documentary, drawing from local archives and historical accounts.

Physical description

Fortuna Article - "Long lives the king" Bendigo Miner 13 Sept 2007 by Max Thomson

This item contains the following:

11217.32a Colour Photo of Mining Man Statue: the "Quartz King, Geoge Lansell

11217.32b Part of Page 10 - Article "Long lives the king"

Publication type

non-fiction