Golden tribute to legendary local ready for release

Proud: Despite his recent health scare and years in the works, Desmond Beer (pictured here with a statue of Ray) is ready to launch his new book, dedicated to his brother. Photo: ADAM CARSWELL

AFTER years in the works and buckets of his own cash poured into the project, mixed in with a serious illness, Golden Square’s Desmond Beer is finally ready to launch his new book, dedicated to brother Ray.

The book tells parallel stories detailing the history of the Bendigo goldfields and the Central Deborah Gold Mine, as well as how Ray set about revitalising the site after becoming mine manager in 1978.

“It was a big scare I had,” Mr Beer said.

“I collapsed here at home and had to be taken to hospital and had a stint there.

“My doctor told me I was lucky to pull through, I wasn’t well for ages.”

Describing his current health as “excellent”, he said he cannot wait to get the book out there.

“I personally think it’s going to do well,” he predicted.

“It’s up to 500 in pre-sales at the moment and there’s a lot of bookstores in Bendigo that are going to take it.”

Despite the struggles he’s faced in not only authoring but organising the book’s design and marketing, Mr Beer has no regrets. “Getting this together, I’ve done it all on my own – that’s the attitude I’ve had,” he said.

“It’s cost me thousands – I don’t expect to get my money back but I don’t care, the story’s coming out and it’s going to etch Ray’s name in history.”

Central Deborah Gold Mine and One Man’s Vision will be launched at the mine next Friday 27 March.