Historic Sandhurst Map from Bendigo Goldfields
December 9, 2025

Introduction James A. Lerk, O.A.M. — Raymond George Beer Had Ray Beer been given greater opportunities early in life—if his family circumstances had been different—he would no doubt have become a CEO of a major industry or organisation. Instead, Ray graduated from the “University of Life,” gaining an education no formal training could provide. He…

Bendigo Gold Mine Historic Site
December 9, 2025

Foreword By Maree Edwards MP – State Member for Bendigo West Bendigo’s history is one of resilience, ambition, and community spirit—an enduring legacy shaped by those who worked tirelessly to build the foundations of the city we know today. The gold rush of the mid-nineteenth century transformed Bendigo into one of Australia’s most prosperous mining…

Ray Beer Author Photo
August 9, 2025

Ray Beer’s legacy is one of vision, resilience, and deep respect for history. At a time when the Central Deborah Gold Mine faced abandonment and decay, he saw not a relic of the past, but an opportunity for the future. Taking over in 1978, Ray transformed what many believed was beyond saving into a living…