BRUARONG FORMER TOWNSHIP SITE

BRUARONG LANE BRUARONG, INDIGO SHIRE

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Victorian Heritage Inventory

Statement of Significance

• Additional Place Information

  • History

    BRUARONG FORMER TOWNSHIP SITE - History

    See Freeman 1999:39 Heritage study STAN026.

    Along with the neighbouring Hillsborough, one of two towns formed north of Stanley as a result of the Goldrush to Beechworth and Yackandandah around 1953. Both townships are poorly documented and had a relatively short life span. Bannear's 1990s historical survey of mining in Yackandadah saw Hillsborough as one of the places where miners turned to quartz mining (1862-64):

    For want of capital to develop and equip the mines, quartz mining was faltering at the end of 1862. By 1864, the quartz mining industry was on a firmer footing. Three water-wheels and two steam engines drove batteries and new reefs were discovered near Wodonga, at Kinchington's Creek, Hillsborough, Sutton, and Back Creek, as well as at Clear and Twist's creeks. From that point, quartz mining activity continued on an upward trajectory throughout the 1860s. Twist's Creek was the centre of activity, with at least seventeen companies or parties at work on reefs there in 1868.

    (http://www.heritage.vic.gov.au/admin/file/content2/c7/Yackandandah.pdf)

    It is likely that Bruarong followed a similar history. Parish maps and current cadastre clearly show the Bruarong Subdivision to the east of Stanley. The plan for Bruarong (undated) also depicts residences, as well as the location of the Homeward Bound quartz mill and location of the school. As mining diminished in the early 20th century most of the town blocks would have been abandoned.

    Today the Bruarong subdivision forms part of the Stanley State Forest and appears to have been at least partly protected from logging and replanting.

    Interpretation of Site

    BRUARONG FORMER TOWNSHIP SITE - Interpretation of Site

    Bruarong was not inspected, so it was not possible to confirm the presence of surface features. However the degree of preservation of native forest in both locations would suggest that both townships are preserved sufficiently to retain the potential for archaeological remains of domestic and industrial structures dating to the goldrush in this area and later.

    Archaeological Significance

    BRUARONG FORMER TOWNSHIP SITE - Archaeological Significance

    The township of Bruarong is of medium significance as a more remote and marginal place settled as a result of the Goldrush to Yackandanah that continue to retain the potential for cultural heritage dating to the 19th century. Further assessment, through survey and excavation has the potential to reveal 19th century artefact assemblages and remnants of domestic and industrial structures that may allow for a better understanding of the social and working life locally and more broadly within the region and in Victoria in general.

    Historical Significance

    BRUARONG FORMER TOWNSHIP SITE - Historical Significance

    Bruarong is an example of a remote goldrush town, most which disappeared after the demise of quartz mining at the beginning of the 20th century.

    Heritage Inventory Description

    BRUARONG FORMER TOWNSHIP SITE - Heritage Inventory Description

    Cleared, undeveloped farming paddocks, some housing and state forest land north of Stanley. The former location of Bruarong, settled as a result of the Goldrush to Beechworth, Yackandandah, and also Stanley. Due to the lack of development, the potential for archaeological remains is high.

    The site was not inspected as the location at the time of the North-East Awareness Project was unclear, with the above site condition determined on the basis of local knowledge and inspection of aerial photographs.

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