Australia's Last Goldrush

In 1936 Prime Minister Joseph Lyons, told the people of Australia that the miners in Tennant Creek had created 'the most important goldfield in the Commonwealth'.

In just eighteen months, the Tennant Creek field had produced £100,000 worth of gold at a time when a man's wage reach £25 a year. The equivalent value in today's dollars would be approximately $1,500 million.

To celebrate this achievement, on 7th August 1936 a feast of saveloys and beer was held at the galvanised iron Tennant Creek Hotel in the new township. There were bonfires and fireworks, followed by a corroboree danced by the Warumungu aboriginal tribe and a ball held under the stars.

The Tennant Creek goldrush provided a return to the glamour and adventure associated with earlier gold rushes around Australia. Men hoping to make their fortunes came from all parts of Australia, by all manner of means to be a part of the goldrush.