Historical map recalls Irish role in Australian goldfields

Minister of State Seán Power TD, today presented a historical map of the State of Victoria in Southern Australia to the Australian Ambassador, Anne Plunkett. Making the presentation, Minister Power acknowledged the rich and diverse history of the region, and said that the presentation was in recognition of the historic links between Ireland, the State of Victoria and Australia.

The large map, which is close to 150 years old, presents in detail the geographical context of the gold discoveries in Victoria in the middle of the nineteenth century. These gold discoveries led to a gold rush and are an essential part of the history of the region of Australia, transforming its economy and leading to a major increase in immigration. The map was prepared by the State Geological Survey and formed part of Australia’s display at the International Exhibition of Arts and Manufactures in Dublin during 1865. It was subsequently stored at the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) where it was re-discovered last year.

Speaking at the presentation, Minister Power said, “There is a long tradition of strong and sustained connections between Ireland and Australia in the area of geoscience and indeed one of the authors of this map Sir Frederick McCoy, who had worked at GSI, went on to become a doyen of Australian science, later being knighted for his contribution in the area of geoscience.

More recently, the INFOMAR mapping project, which provides information on the sea floor around Ireland, benefited greatly from the expertise of two Australian technology companies. These links which began many years ago are continuing today and I am confident that they are set to be maintained in the years ahead.”

Ambassador Plunkett said: “This map is of great historical interest to the people of Australia, and is part of the fascinating history linking our two countries. It is especially fitting that the return of this item takes place during the International Year of Planet Earth”.

Concluding, Minister Power stated, “In order to make advances in geoscience, it is important that we acknowledge the geological history of regions. I am confident that this map will further the interest in the diverse history of the State of Victoria, and that it will contribute greatly to the study of the area. ”

ENDS