Burke and Wills Expedition 1860-61. The most expensive and most disastrous? A triumph or tragedy?

Presented by Philip Castle.  Philip is a retired print journalist and historian specialising in Australian history including our military conflicts and early white settlement exploration. He most recently retired as a QUT journalism lecturer and had undertaken his post graduate studies on Post Traumatic Stress on Journalists. He holds three degrees; his first BA in History and Political Science (ANU), a BA in Journalism and Professional Writing (Canberra University) and a research masters from QUT on PTSD and journalism.

Philip Castle will provide a lecture and power point presentation on the early colonies' most expensive overland venture known as the Robert Burke and William Wills exploration leaving Melbourne in August 1860 to 1861 which crossed the continent north to the Gulf and return. He will examine whether it was a major triumph or flawed tragedy particularly as nine members perished during the trek. He will closely examine the personalities of key members and whether the leader, Burke, was guilty of murder and whether there were needless deaths? Was it really worth it and how great was the coverup?

Cost:-  $5:00 which includes a special morning tea.

Limit:-  35 attending, zoom open.  Register and pay via the website. 

Coordinator:-  Len Lowry