Kelly Gang Together Again As Armour Visits Beechworth

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11th November 2009, 02:00pm - Views: 980





People Feature State Library Of Victoria 1 image

People Feature State Library Of Victoria 2 image

State Library of Victoria

328 Swanston St

Melbourne Victoria 3000




MEDIA RELEASE


11 November 2009


Kelly gang together again 

Suits of armour visit Beechworth for first time


The State Library of Victoria is pleased to announce Ned Kelly’s armour will be

exhibited alongside the remaining Kelly gang armour during the Ned Kelly Weekend

(6-8 August) in Beechworth next year.


This will be the first time all four suits of armour have visited Beechworth and the first

time since the State Library’s Kelly Culture exhibition in 2003 that the gang’s armour

has been displayed together.


Shane Carmody, Director of Collections and Access at the State Library, believes

this is a significant event for Beechworth.


‘Next year will be 130 years since Kelly’s committal hearing in Beechworth and his

subsequent trial and execution in Melbourne. Few Australians divide opinion like Ned


whether you see him as a hero of the people or a murderer; it is difficult to deny his

effect on the Australian identity.


Sending Ned’s armour to Beechworth for this event is a very special way to share the

Library’s unique collections with the people of regional Victoria. The armour is a

national treasure and the logistics of moving it safely means it rarely leaves

Melbourne. The significance of this anniversary, in this town, with all four suits of

armour together makes the Ned Kelly Weekend an event not to be missed,’ he said.


The Ned Kelly Weekend was established by the Indigo Shire Council and is now in

its eighth year. A full program of Ned Kelly Weekend related activities will be

announced by the Beechworth Historical Re-enactment Group early next year.


-ENDS-

Media contact:


Matthew van Hasselt 

Media relations coordinator State Library of Victoria

Ph: 03 8664 7263 Email: mvanhasselt@slv.vic.gov.au






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