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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