Beechworth Telegraph Station With Leo Nette

Chiltern Courthouse invites you to a talk of Leo's book, Beechworth's Telegraph journey and the significant impact the telegraph's introduction had on the goldfields and Australia. Established in 1858 at Beechworth and extended to Yackandandah, Chiltern, Wahgunyah and Rutherglen soon after, marked the beginning of the modern Telecommunications era.

Gold was found in 1857 starting a rush, bringing thousands from around the world. They came to get rich. 14,000 golden ounces were transported to Melbourne each fortnight.

A year later, Beechworth was a town with an instant population. Commercial shops and 60 hotels turning into Australia's wild west. Outlaws, claim jumpers, water rights disputes, racial altercations - a town with little law.

Afternoon tea supplied. Gold Coin donation appreciated. Please contact the organiser for bookings.