Robyn Annear – Writer/Historian
Robyn Annear writes history that is engaging, thoughtful and often witty – adjectives that apply equally to the woman herself. She reanimated early Melbourne in her much-loved debut book Bearbrass, then tore it down a decade later via a history of Whelan the Wrecker.
A resident of Castlemaine in the Goldfields region, 90 minutes northwest of Melbourne, for 15 years, she has also been inspired to write books about key local historical phenomena, the Eureka Stockade and the gold rush.
'History provides depth, further meaning and fleshes life out, and that's what captivates me,' Robyn says. 'Places that give off an echo are what make me spark. Castlemaine has the strong echo of what built the town in the first place – the gold rush – and that is still evident everywhere. It's a genuine country town, but very welcoming to outsiders.'
Living heritage
'The Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park was only created recently, the first time a National Park has been declared due to its cultural heritage importance rather than natural features. It is full of relics and history reflecting the Castlemaine gold diggings. There is terrific bush around Castlemaine and with just a little bit of wandering and insight of what to look for, it is full of clues and stories and relics of the gold rush era. The park also includes the Pennyweight Flat Cemetery which is very evocative.'
Theatre magic
'The Theatre Royal in Castlemaine is full of history. It has an endearing character and lovely art deco flourishes. You can go along and watch up-to-date films, have a coffee or a glass of wine, but it has plenty of echoes of the past at the same time. It is a modern cultural experience but also a historic experience and I like that combination. The famous Lola Montez danced there once and was booed off the stage – at least this was less ugly than the experience in Ballarat where she whipped the editor of the local newspaper.'
A definitive experience
'The Eureka experience is so central for Australians. The room at Ballarat Fine Art Gallery where the original Eureka flag is held is dark, almost a shrine. Even knowing just a little of the Eureka story it is a moving experience to see the actual flag with bullet holes, tears, curious stains that put your imagination to work. It is a powerful artifact and experience.'
The past preserved
'Buda Historic House and Gardens in Castlemaine was home of the Leviny family. Ernest Leviny was a gold and silversmith from Hungary who had a family mainly of daughters, most of whom never married. The house was left to the Castlemaine Art Gallery. The house is kept as it was as a family home, but it is also decked out with the work of this amazingly creative family: enamel pieces, ornate leadlight, jewellery, needlework. It is set in this wonderful expansive garden with a huge hedge to hide behind, meandering paths and garden beds to get lost in. It's a house and garden like you'd dream of having yourself.'
