After nearly four decades of relentless searching, Syd Pearson’s persistence finally paid off in a most spectacular way – he stumbled upon a true treasure in the Victorian gold fields. With the unexpected stroke of luck, this 68-year-old garbage man from Maryborough was overwhelmed with joy as he unearthed a colossal gold nugget weighing a stunning 4.3kg. Little did he know that this extraordinary find had a value nearing $300,000.
SYD Pearson will never forget the moment he stumbled upon a remarkable find in Victoria’s extensive gold fields. It was a tranquil day in December when the 68-year-old decided to explore a small patch of land near Dunolly. As he paced across the area, his metal detector emitted a distinct hum, indicating the presence of something valuable beneath the surface. Intrigued, Pearson used a pickaxe to carefully chip away at the spot until he heard a satisfying “clunk.” The anticipation was palpable as he brushed away the dirt, revealing a colossal 4.3kg gold nugget, a true treasure from Victoria’s rich goldfields. Overwhelmed with excitement, Pearson’s hands trembled as he savored the moment. To celebrate, he lit a cigarette and brewed a cup of tea, although his tea required no stirring – the gold find had already stirred up enough excitement. This extraordinary discovery has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on Pearson’s memory.
Shortly after placing the stone inside his toolbox, he eagerly headed home to share the exciting news with his wife. In a thoughtful gesture to show his appreciation for her, he chose to name the stone Lady Catherine.
This remarkable stone has etched its place in Victoria’s history of prospecting, becoming a captivating chapter in the state’s ongoing gold rush saga. Nestled between the towns of Avoca, Castlemaine, and Wedderburn, this beloved region, known as the ‘Golden Triangle,’ has magnetically attracted countless enthusiasts who are relentlessly seeking fortune and success.
Approximately 96 percent of the gold extracted from this region is considered to be some of the purest in the world. To legally lay claim to the gold they find, prospectors only need to obtain a permit, which costs $22. The President of the Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria, Olly Oleszek, stated to the Herald Sun that Mr. Pearson’s nugget was one of two unearthed in the past six months. This remarkable discovery is one of the largest in the last ten years, indicating that there are even larger rocks yet to be uncovered in the area.
Mr Pearson and his business partner, Jason, have been engaged in the excavation of gold nuggets for many years. Despite the fact that 166 years have passed since the initial gold rush, they have no intention of stopping. Mr Pearson compares their pursuit of gold to fishing, always seeking another big catch. Although they have sold their vessel, the Lady Catherine, to a private buyer in the US, Mr Pearson made sure to keep two replicas as mementos, while one was put on display at the Melbourne Museum. He expresses his lifelong ambition to discover a significant nugget, and credits his success to persistency and unwavering determination.
