To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the discovery of gold in Victoria, the Lions Club of Diggers Rest in partnership with the Diggers Rest Residents Association and the Melton Council constructed the Caroline Chisholm Shelter. The Shelter stands adjacent to the Old School House on the Calder Highway in Diggers Rest.
The concept behind the ‘memorial shelter’ was that Diggers Rest was the stopover point for diggers travelling to the Gold fields. The restful structure provides shelter for travellers and is in keeping with this concept. The Caroline Chisholm Shelter also provides an historical linkage between the Old School House and enhances the entrance to our town.
The Historical Text ‘Bulla Bulla’ by I.W. Symonds notes the importance of Diggers Rest as the first stopover for Gold Diggers. “The hordes of hopeful miners set off from Flemington, travelling along Mt Alexander Road across the open Keilor plains and after an easy day’s journey reached Diggers Rest by nightfall”. As a consequence of hopeful prospectors camping in Diggers Rest, many local hotels were established in the area. Bushrangers frequented this stretch of road, and local History speaks of Hotels, robbery and GOLD!
As if to remind travellers and local residents the majority of streets and roadways in Diggers Rest are named after Gold Rush activities, such as Glitter, Welcome, Precious, Stake, Eureka and Cradle to name just a few.
In appreciation for the supply of materials, special thank you to Bunnings Warehouse Taylors Lakes (Now Watergardens).
