Due to the power of social media the first public Fossicking Workshop was held in Darwin on Tuesday 26 September.

The venue for the event was the Northern Territory Geological Survey library and conference room facilities, Centrepoint Building, Smith Street Mall. Attendance was excellent with a total of 24 people coming through the doors.

The workshop covered a wide range of topics, including an overview of STRIKE and GEMIS and also issues around access to pastoral land to fossick. It was a great opportunity to finally meet face to face and discuss real issues that have an impact on recreational fossicking and consider strategies that may help minimise these issues.

Some of the suggestions put forward are currently being considered, including enhancements to STRIKE through the creation of a ‘Fossicker Friendly’ bookmark to make it easier to find information.

Feedback received via email after the workshop was very positive, with many saying they are surprised by the level of services and information that are available to fossickers through the Department, free of charge. Armed with this knowledge, it is hoped that fossickers will feel more comfortable to visit the library or the Mineral Titles counter to make full use of these services.

The workshop may become a more regular event here in Darwin and it is also possible that a similar workshop could be held in regional areas, if demand is high enough.”

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