Unveiling: Memorial for William Tipple Smith

3 September 2020

Branded a rogue and a fraud for his claims on the first discovery of gold in NSW, William Tipple Smith died in poverty with an unmarked final resting place in Rookwood Cemetery. Gold-mining effectively began the era of Australia’s narrative changing from convict colony to the wealthy and progressive nation we are today.

With support from Rookwood General Cemetery, BlueScope Steel, NSW Government and crowdfunding from the public, our heritage stonemason team have created a memorial befitting the contributions William Tipple Smith made to Australia.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the unveilling was a private event with William Tipple Smith's descendents. The public is now welcome to visit the memorial.

Media

• 8 September Central Western Daily - Ophir mystery solved, Smith not Hargraves found first gold near Orange
• 7 September Local News Plus - Unveil memorial for first man who struck gold
• 5 September The Daily Telegraph - NSW man finally recognised for finding first payable gold in Australia in 1848 [paywall]
• 4 September ABC News - Gold pioneer who died a pauper has achievements set in stone at last
• 4 September Sydney Morning Herald - History stands corrected: Smith, not Hargraves, first to discover gold in NSW
• 2 September ABC Radio Sydney - William Tipple Smith - the man who really first discovered gold in Australia (and founded our iron and steel industry)