Gorey Things is the personal website of Michael Gorey, a writer based in Ballarat in regional Victoria, Australia. Michael writes about Australian history, politics and opinion, travel, books, food, technology and life in regional Australia. Articles cover topics including colonial history, genealogy, sport, culture and current affairs. Whether you are interested in the gold rush era, Victorian-era figures, walks and hiking trails, or simply curious opinions on life, cuisine and the world, there is something here for you.
I have osteoarthritis in both big toes, and it has become rather debilitating. When it flares up for weeks at a time, simple things like walking and sleeping become difficult. After much consideration, I’ve decided to have bone fusion surgery on both feet early next year, scheduled for January and February, two wee...
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A statue in Ballarat honours George Devine Treloar, who is renowned as a "humanitarian, hero and saviour" of many Greek refugees after the First World War. I discovered it ...
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Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula is an historic seaside town which makes for an ideal getaway and a relaxing or active holiday. Originally a fishing village, Queenscl...
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Trentham is a small town in the Victorian Central Highlands, famous for its waterfall, cold weather and country charm. It's located at an altitude of 700 metres (2297 ...
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Soaking winter rain used to happen almost every year in southern Victoria during late August and early spring, but has become less frequent over the last 40 years. I'm near...
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Visiting Sovereign Hill at Ballarat for the first time in 50 years was a worthwhile experience, complete with the drama of Lola Montez horse whipping the editor of the Balla...
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I was disappointed to hear the news that HSBC is quitting Australia after offloading its loan portfolio, leaving retail customers needing to find a new bank. I've been with...
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I'm descended from the Burgdorf family in Germany and 700 years ago we had our own castle in the Harz Mountains . Historian Georg Bode wrote about this . He described the...
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Walking along Pleasant Street South in Ballarat towards my local supermarket, I came across a horse trough on a nature strip outside an ordinary house. I paused to read ...
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