Prospector unearths gold nugget worth about $40k on camera in WA's Goldfields
Kevin Richardson, who runs an educational YouTube channel sharing his prospecting tips and tricks, was demonstrating the importance of searching under bushes near Kalgoorlie, about 600 kilometres east of Perth.
Then, his metal detector started beeping loudly.
"You do get a lot of old tin cans left from the old miners on the fields.
"My first reaction was, 'Oh, it's a tin can,' but there was no tin can on the ground."
Mr Richardson called his wife, Eliza, to come and film "just in case" he found something.
"But right up until the time where I had it in my hand, I still didn't really believe it was gold," he said.
The 7-ounce nugget was covered in dirt, but the weight of it was an immediate indicator that he had found gold.
"I'm thinking I'm going to dig out a bullet or a piece of tin, and then I just felt the weight in my hand with this gold nugget and I just knew straight away what it was," he said.
The video captured the incredible moment Mr Richardson realised it was a gold nugget.
"Oh my God! That is gold, look at the size of that," he exclaimed before kissing the nugget.
The gold price is hovering around $5,200 an ounce, putting the nugget's value at potentially more than $40,000 given its size.
The pair, who are from Victoria, regularly prospect in the Goldfields, but Mr Richardson said this find in July was their largest discovery.
He said it should be worth enough to pay off his caravan.
"This was out of the box because even though I've been doing this for years, I was hoping for the day when I would join what they call the 1-ounce club," he said.
"I'd come close a few times, but to suddenly get a 7-ounce one, it was just a dream come true, really."
Mr Richardson said persistence and research were key to finding gold.
"Too many people buy a detector and just head out anywhere and think they're going to find gold. You've got to do research," he said.
"If you've researched an area and you think there should be gold there … you've got to work the ground very, very carefully."
WA is a prime destination for tourists interested in prospecting, and Mr Richardson said it was easier to find gold there than in his home state.
"It's also a very supportive state for prospecting.
"The Western Australian government really does support mining, which includes prospecting."
The nugget will be sold to a professional gold buyer, but Mr Richardson has already found someone to make a replica nugget for him to display at home.
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The Advertiser
13 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'No more penis jokes': with Queens Wharf Tower gone, we need a grand design
For many years, one of the most prominent sites in Newcastle was known for a big phallic symbol that made some people laugh and other people sigh. Many enjoyed the ridiculousness of the shape of the Queens Wharf observation tower, while others were ashamed as they felt it brought the city down. But times are changing. The tower was removed in 2018 and Newcastle is reshaping itself into a modern metropolis that rises above the penis jokes. The site's owner, the City of Newcastle, has called for public comment on the future of Queens Wharf. This iconic harbourside site is badly in need of a spruce-up, after its western building was left to rot for years following a fire. The council announced last year it would demolish the western building to make way for a new development. The bustling Queens Wharf Hotel will remain until its lease expires in eight years. We asked some community leaders and commentators to share their vision for Queens Wharf. Bradley Perrett, who writes columns on the urban landscape for the Herald, says the site definitely does not need another observation tower. "Instead, we should encourage some developers to include top-floor restaurants in some of the high-rises," he said. Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) CEO Frances Kay-Lambkin suggested a "wellness and mischief wharf". "A bold, beautiful and slightly cheeky place for health and happiness," she said. "It's not just a building, it's a playground for wellbeing where locals can try new things, meet scientists and get healthier without the boring bits. "Picture matcha on tap next to cutting-edge medical trials, rooftop gardens alongside outdoor fitness areas, and pedestrian-first promenades leading to yoga decks by the harbour." We asked Property Council Hunter and Central Coast director and former lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes for her thoughts on the site's future. She laughed at our suggestion of a glorious mermaid sculpture of her, but said "the site could showcase sustainability in design and high-performance buildings". Alice Thompson, CEO for the Committee for the Hunter, said bicentennial projects - such as Queens Wharf - became iconic across Australia "for all the wrong reasons". "They were built in a period not representing high design. Almost 30 years later, the Queens Wharf has become a blight in an otherwise renewed foreshore." She'd like the redeveloped Queens Wharf precinct to be "a destination for locals and visitors alike". "Cater for all price points, including high quality public domain, with iconic design that endures the ages this time around. "And a loo with a view for ferry staff." Former NIB boss Mark Fitzgibbon said "the thing that stands out for me is the rich and fascinating shipping history of that area". "Have you seen wrecks of Newcastle on YouTube? So something that reminds peeps of how important the area was as a port in the early days. Maybe acknowledge the calamity and tragedy that came with it," he said. Former Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon said "a tribute to the coal industry and its workforce" would be nice. After all, the coalworkers "continue to deliver wealth to our region", he said. Tourism entrepreneur Will Creedon said the site should have "architectural significance like the Guggenheim, Statue of Liberty or Sydney Opera House". Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the site should have "a world-class building that delivers on the NSW vision for the growth of Newcastle and the Hunter". Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said he'd "love to see the site activated as a mixed-use, community and commercial space that is accessible to every Novocastrian". "This is a great opportunity for public art. Something big and impressive that tells everyone around the world, 'Welcome to Newcastle!'" University of Newcastle Professor Jennifer Martin suggested "something on the marine life we have in the harbour". "We should celebrate what we have compared to what we have lost. It could be a nice inner city place for reflection with Indigenous art," she said. A nod to the Hunter's history - shipping, coal, First Nations people and wildlife - makes sense. While a bit of art, history and nature could be part of the design, the site is likely to be redeveloped. How about an aquarium, convention centre, concert venue, nightclub or Ferris wheel? Surely not a casino. Speaking to Hunter winery stalwart Bruce Tyrrell, the idea of a cellar door at the site came to mind. Why not bring the best of the Hunter Valley to Newcastle with a bit of wine tasting on the harbour? Bruce reckoned that was a half-decent idea, but said "that certainly wouldn't have worked in the old days". "Newcastle was a beer town," he said, which does bring the penis tower to mind in more ways than one. With the penis tower long gone, a grand design that reflects architectural excellence [with a feminine touch this time!] sounds on the money. For many years, one of the most prominent sites in Newcastle was known for a big phallic symbol that made some people laugh and other people sigh. Many enjoyed the ridiculousness of the shape of the Queens Wharf observation tower, while others were ashamed as they felt it brought the city down. But times are changing. The tower was removed in 2018 and Newcastle is reshaping itself into a modern metropolis that rises above the penis jokes. The site's owner, the City of Newcastle, has called for public comment on the future of Queens Wharf. This iconic harbourside site is badly in need of a spruce-up, after its western building was left to rot for years following a fire. The council announced last year it would demolish the western building to make way for a new development. The bustling Queens Wharf Hotel will remain until its lease expires in eight years. We asked some community leaders and commentators to share their vision for Queens Wharf. Bradley Perrett, who writes columns on the urban landscape for the Herald, says the site definitely does not need another observation tower. "Instead, we should encourage some developers to include top-floor restaurants in some of the high-rises," he said. Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) CEO Frances Kay-Lambkin suggested a "wellness and mischief wharf". "A bold, beautiful and slightly cheeky place for health and happiness," she said. "It's not just a building, it's a playground for wellbeing where locals can try new things, meet scientists and get healthier without the boring bits. "Picture matcha on tap next to cutting-edge medical trials, rooftop gardens alongside outdoor fitness areas, and pedestrian-first promenades leading to yoga decks by the harbour." We asked Property Council Hunter and Central Coast director and former lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes for her thoughts on the site's future. She laughed at our suggestion of a glorious mermaid sculpture of her, but said "the site could showcase sustainability in design and high-performance buildings". Alice Thompson, CEO for the Committee for the Hunter, said bicentennial projects - such as Queens Wharf - became iconic across Australia "for all the wrong reasons". "They were built in a period not representing high design. Almost 30 years later, the Queens Wharf has become a blight in an otherwise renewed foreshore." She'd like the redeveloped Queens Wharf precinct to be "a destination for locals and visitors alike". "Cater for all price points, including high quality public domain, with iconic design that endures the ages this time around. "And a loo with a view for ferry staff." Former NIB boss Mark Fitzgibbon said "the thing that stands out for me is the rich and fascinating shipping history of that area". "Have you seen wrecks of Newcastle on YouTube? So something that reminds peeps of how important the area was as a port in the early days. Maybe acknowledge the calamity and tragedy that came with it," he said. Former Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon said "a tribute to the coal industry and its workforce" would be nice. After all, the coalworkers "continue to deliver wealth to our region", he said. Tourism entrepreneur Will Creedon said the site should have "architectural significance like the Guggenheim, Statue of Liberty or Sydney Opera House". Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the site should have "a world-class building that delivers on the NSW vision for the growth of Newcastle and the Hunter". Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said he'd "love to see the site activated as a mixed-use, community and commercial space that is accessible to every Novocastrian". "This is a great opportunity for public art. Something big and impressive that tells everyone around the world, 'Welcome to Newcastle!'" University of Newcastle Professor Jennifer Martin suggested "something on the marine life we have in the harbour". "We should celebrate what we have compared to what we have lost. It could be a nice inner city place for reflection with Indigenous art," she said. A nod to the Hunter's history - shipping, coal, First Nations people and wildlife - makes sense. While a bit of art, history and nature could be part of the design, the site is likely to be redeveloped. How about an aquarium, convention centre, concert venue, nightclub or Ferris wheel? Surely not a casino. Speaking to Hunter winery stalwart Bruce Tyrrell, the idea of a cellar door at the site came to mind. Why not bring the best of the Hunter Valley to Newcastle with a bit of wine tasting on the harbour? Bruce reckoned that was a half-decent idea, but said "that certainly wouldn't have worked in the old days". "Newcastle was a beer town," he said, which does bring the penis tower to mind in more ways than one. With the penis tower long gone, a grand design that reflects architectural excellence [with a feminine touch this time!] sounds on the money. For many years, one of the most prominent sites in Newcastle was known for a big phallic symbol that made some people laugh and other people sigh. Many enjoyed the ridiculousness of the shape of the Queens Wharf observation tower, while others were ashamed as they felt it brought the city down. But times are changing. The tower was removed in 2018 and Newcastle is reshaping itself into a modern metropolis that rises above the penis jokes. The site's owner, the City of Newcastle, has called for public comment on the future of Queens Wharf. This iconic harbourside site is badly in need of a spruce-up, after its western building was left to rot for years following a fire. The council announced last year it would demolish the western building to make way for a new development. The bustling Queens Wharf Hotel will remain until its lease expires in eight years. We asked some community leaders and commentators to share their vision for Queens Wharf. Bradley Perrett, who writes columns on the urban landscape for the Herald, says the site definitely does not need another observation tower. "Instead, we should encourage some developers to include top-floor restaurants in some of the high-rises," he said. Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) CEO Frances Kay-Lambkin suggested a "wellness and mischief wharf". "A bold, beautiful and slightly cheeky place for health and happiness," she said. "It's not just a building, it's a playground for wellbeing where locals can try new things, meet scientists and get healthier without the boring bits. "Picture matcha on tap next to cutting-edge medical trials, rooftop gardens alongside outdoor fitness areas, and pedestrian-first promenades leading to yoga decks by the harbour." We asked Property Council Hunter and Central Coast director and former lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes for her thoughts on the site's future. She laughed at our suggestion of a glorious mermaid sculpture of her, but said "the site could showcase sustainability in design and high-performance buildings". Alice Thompson, CEO for the Committee for the Hunter, said bicentennial projects - such as Queens Wharf - became iconic across Australia "for all the wrong reasons". "They were built in a period not representing high design. Almost 30 years later, the Queens Wharf has become a blight in an otherwise renewed foreshore." She'd like the redeveloped Queens Wharf precinct to be "a destination for locals and visitors alike". "Cater for all price points, including high quality public domain, with iconic design that endures the ages this time around. "And a loo with a view for ferry staff." Former NIB boss Mark Fitzgibbon said "the thing that stands out for me is the rich and fascinating shipping history of that area". "Have you seen wrecks of Newcastle on YouTube? So something that reminds peeps of how important the area was as a port in the early days. Maybe acknowledge the calamity and tragedy that came with it," he said. Former Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon said "a tribute to the coal industry and its workforce" would be nice. After all, the coalworkers "continue to deliver wealth to our region", he said. Tourism entrepreneur Will Creedon said the site should have "architectural significance like the Guggenheim, Statue of Liberty or Sydney Opera House". Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the site should have "a world-class building that delivers on the NSW vision for the growth of Newcastle and the Hunter". Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said he'd "love to see the site activated as a mixed-use, community and commercial space that is accessible to every Novocastrian". "This is a great opportunity for public art. Something big and impressive that tells everyone around the world, 'Welcome to Newcastle!'" University of Newcastle Professor Jennifer Martin suggested "something on the marine life we have in the harbour". "We should celebrate what we have compared to what we have lost. It could be a nice inner city place for reflection with Indigenous art," she said. A nod to the Hunter's history - shipping, coal, First Nations people and wildlife - makes sense. While a bit of art, history and nature could be part of the design, the site is likely to be redeveloped. How about an aquarium, convention centre, concert venue, nightclub or Ferris wheel? Surely not a casino. Speaking to Hunter winery stalwart Bruce Tyrrell, the idea of a cellar door at the site came to mind. Why not bring the best of the Hunter Valley to Newcastle with a bit of wine tasting on the harbour? Bruce reckoned that was a half-decent idea, but said "that certainly wouldn't have worked in the old days". "Newcastle was a beer town," he said, which does bring the penis tower to mind in more ways than one. With the penis tower long gone, a grand design that reflects architectural excellence [with a feminine touch this time!] sounds on the money. For many years, one of the most prominent sites in Newcastle was known for a big phallic symbol that made some people laugh and other people sigh. Many enjoyed the ridiculousness of the shape of the Queens Wharf observation tower, while others were ashamed as they felt it brought the city down. But times are changing. The tower was removed in 2018 and Newcastle is reshaping itself into a modern metropolis that rises above the penis jokes. The site's owner, the City of Newcastle, has called for public comment on the future of Queens Wharf. This iconic harbourside site is badly in need of a spruce-up, after its western building was left to rot for years following a fire. The council announced last year it would demolish the western building to make way for a new development. The bustling Queens Wharf Hotel will remain until its lease expires in eight years. We asked some community leaders and commentators to share their vision for Queens Wharf. Bradley Perrett, who writes columns on the urban landscape for the Herald, says the site definitely does not need another observation tower. "Instead, we should encourage some developers to include top-floor restaurants in some of the high-rises," he said. Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) CEO Frances Kay-Lambkin suggested a "wellness and mischief wharf". "A bold, beautiful and slightly cheeky place for health and happiness," she said. "It's not just a building, it's a playground for wellbeing where locals can try new things, meet scientists and get healthier without the boring bits. "Picture matcha on tap next to cutting-edge medical trials, rooftop gardens alongside outdoor fitness areas, and pedestrian-first promenades leading to yoga decks by the harbour." We asked Property Council Hunter and Central Coast director and former lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes for her thoughts on the site's future. She laughed at our suggestion of a glorious mermaid sculpture of her, but said "the site could showcase sustainability in design and high-performance buildings". Alice Thompson, CEO for the Committee for the Hunter, said bicentennial projects - such as Queens Wharf - became iconic across Australia "for all the wrong reasons". "They were built in a period not representing high design. Almost 30 years later, the Queens Wharf has become a blight in an otherwise renewed foreshore." She'd like the redeveloped Queens Wharf precinct to be "a destination for locals and visitors alike". "Cater for all price points, including high quality public domain, with iconic design that endures the ages this time around. "And a loo with a view for ferry staff." Former NIB boss Mark Fitzgibbon said "the thing that stands out for me is the rich and fascinating shipping history of that area". "Have you seen wrecks of Newcastle on YouTube? So something that reminds peeps of how important the area was as a port in the early days. Maybe acknowledge the calamity and tragedy that came with it," he said. Former Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon said "a tribute to the coal industry and its workforce" would be nice. After all, the coalworkers "continue to deliver wealth to our region", he said. Tourism entrepreneur Will Creedon said the site should have "architectural significance like the Guggenheim, Statue of Liberty or Sydney Opera House". Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the site should have "a world-class building that delivers on the NSW vision for the growth of Newcastle and the Hunter". Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said he'd "love to see the site activated as a mixed-use, community and commercial space that is accessible to every Novocastrian". "This is a great opportunity for public art. Something big and impressive that tells everyone around the world, 'Welcome to Newcastle!'" University of Newcastle Professor Jennifer Martin suggested "something on the marine life we have in the harbour". "We should celebrate what we have compared to what we have lost. It could be a nice inner city place for reflection with Indigenous art," she said. A nod to the Hunter's history - shipping, coal, First Nations people and wildlife - makes sense. While a bit of art, history and nature could be part of the design, the site is likely to be redeveloped. How about an aquarium, convention centre, concert venue, nightclub or Ferris wheel? Surely not a casino. Speaking to Hunter winery stalwart Bruce Tyrrell, the idea of a cellar door at the site came to mind. Why not bring the best of the Hunter Valley to Newcastle with a bit of wine tasting on the harbour? Bruce reckoned that was a half-decent idea, but said "that certainly wouldn't have worked in the old days". "Newcastle was a beer town," he said, which does bring the penis tower to mind in more ways than one. With the penis tower long gone, a grand design that reflects architectural excellence [with a feminine touch this time!] sounds on the money.
ABC News
15 hours ago
- ABC News
Firefighters return to Australia after battling Canadian wildfires
Aron Burnett has spent decades fighting bushfires as a member of the Katanning Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service in Western Australia. In addition to defending his town, 290 kilometres south of Perth, from flames, he has been deployed to Bremer Bay, Esperance and Redmond in WA, and twice to NSW. But the leading firefighter never expected to receive a call asking him to help battle Canada's second-worst wildfire season on record. "My heart stopped for a second there," Mr Burnett said. "I had been working towards an international deployment for quite some time." Australia and Canada have a longstanding fire response relationship, which has become increasingly important with worsening fire seasons. Mr Burnett was one of 21 volunteer and career firefighters and Parks and Wildlife service personnel from WA who were deployed to Canada in June. The team was first stationed at a remote logging camp near Bison Lake in Alberta and flown by helicopter to the fireground each day. The work was physically demanding, with the teams covering 15 to 20 kilometres each day. "You have to carry all your tools, your backpack, your food, your water; it's all got to be carried and you can be walking for kilometres," he said. "Our days were 16 hours long; we would typically do 12 to 14 hours on the fire ground and then when we come back for a couple of hours to reset, repack and wash clothes." In the evening, Mr Burnett said they were refuelled in true Canadian fashion. "We were definitely very well fed and on one particular night that I remember we got pork ribs with maple syrup glaze that was definitely, definitely a meal to have," he said. "You had access to maple syrup just about every night, you could have it on your dessert, you could have it on your dinner, I'm pretty sure they drink the stuff. "The Canadians were very accommodating, very polite, always thanking you for your service, they were very appreciative that we were there." After two weeks, and a few days of rest, the WA contingent shifted to an out-of-control blaze at Keg River. There they worked with a NSW crew to bring the fire under control and contain it — an achievement Mr Burnett was proud to be part of. "It was a big moment," he said. "It's very rewarding to be able to go and help local crews and to know that you're accomplishing something for somebody else." Albany Parks and Wildlife firefighter David Cronin, another member of the WA contingent, said he was glad to alleviate his northern hemisphere counterparts. "With the drought conditions, there's so many [fires] so the fatigue loading on the local staff in the province is too much," he said.
ABC News
3 days ago
- ABC News
Cows on the loose in Broome
Broome resident Kelly McKnight said she was 'about 30 cows' running along the footpath on Gubinge Road. Supplied: Kelly McKnight
