Historical information

Edith Lunn was born in Bendigo in July, 1907, and had lived all of her life in the city and its immediate environs. Edith was awarded the Order of Australia medal in 2002 for her services to, and interest in, Bendigo's history. This text records to history of Bendigo, as recalled and researched by Edith.
Bendigo, formerly known as Sandhurst, grew from Indigenous lands to a major gold rush boomtown and is now a vibrant regional city with rich cultural heritage.
The Bendigo region is the traditional land of the Dja Dja Wurrung (Djaara) people, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. They managed the land sustainably, utilizing the rich hunting grounds and waterways, and their cultural stories and knowledge remain deeply woven into the landscape today.
European exploration began with Major Thomas Mitchell in 1836, followed by squatters establishing sheep runs in 1837. The arrival of settlers led to the displacement of the Dja Dja Wurrung people, with waves of settlement from the south in 1837 and from the north in 1845.
Gold was discovered on Bendigo Creek in 1851 by Mrs. Margaret Kennedy and Mrs. Julia Farrell, sparking one of Australia’s largest gold rushes. By 1852, around 20,000 people had arrived from across the world, including Europe and China, transforming Bendigo into a booming gold-mining economy. The city was officially named Sandhurst from 1853 to 1891. The wealth generated during this period is reflected in Bendigo’s Victorian architecture, including the Town Hall and historic buildings.
Gold mining continued into the early 20th century, but by 1954, mining had largely ceased. The city then shifted focus to manufacturing and regional services, experiencing renewed growth from the 1930s onward. Modern Bendigo has become a fast-growing regional centre, aided by infrastructure like the Calder Freeway linking it to Melbourne.
Today, Bendigo preserves its history through museums, walking tours, and heritage sites. Key attractions include the Bendigo Art Gallery, Bendigo Joss House Temple, Central Deborah Gold Mine, and the Goldfields Track, which highlight both the gold rush era and the city’s cultural diversity.

Physical description

"Snippets of Bendigo History" written by Edith Lunn. Forward by Daryl McClure. Printed by Bendigo Modern Press. Soft cover book. Front and back covers are sepia with Bendigo street scene, and front cover has three inset sepia toned Bendigo scenes inserted. Title and author's name are in black text on front cover. Author's name and book title written in black on spine. Printed in Bendigo, Australia. 65 pp. This edition was 500 copies. Contents page on iv. Details about author on iii. Contains both text and black and white images.