Gemboree
National Gem & Mineral Show
About
The Gemboree is the Australian National Gemstones & Jewellery, Gemcraft & Beads, Mineral
Show. First organised by Norm Patison, the then editor of the Australian Lapidary Magazine in
1965. Now held annually in a different state of Australia each year. It's the biggest gathering of
lapidary and associated hobby enthusiasts from all over Australia. People come and trade
their gemstones, enter competitions, see displays, go on field trips, and its a chance for friends
to meet again spreading the gem club comradeship that has existed for so many years. A list
of past venues is provided below.
The Gemboree involves four main activities:
* The Exhibition - Displays from commercial dealers in gems, minerals and jewellery.
* The Competition - approximately 1000 separate gem and mineral entries
from clubs all over Australia.
* Tailgating - a large car boot sale operates outside the show for the duration
of the event, with hobbyists from all over the State coming to swap and sell.
* Recreation - activities are conducted for visitors, both on site and organised
excursions to local points of interest. More info: http://aflaca.org.au/gemboree/
For more information please click on the banner above.























The cycle of the Gemboree.
1965 Coonabarabran - NSW 1966 Coonabarabran 1967 Nundle - NSW 1968 Gundagai 1969 Beechworth - VIC 1970 Nundle 1971 Coleraine - VIC 1972 Tanunda - SA 1973 Inverell - NSW 1974 Nambour - QLD 1975 Broken Hill - NSW 1976 Gunnedah 1977 Shepparton - VIC 1978 Gympie - Qld 1979 Tanunda - SA 1980 Wanneroo - WA 1981 Devonport - TAS 1982 Glen Innes - NSW 1983 Broken Hill - NSW 1984 Mount Isa - QLD 1985 Wanneroo 1986 Loxton - SA 1987 Shepparton - VIC 1988 Canberra - ACT 1989 Devonport - TAS 1990 Bundaberg - QLD 1991 Loxton 1992 Midland - WA 1993 Alice Springs - NT 1994 Ballarat - VIC 1995 Glen Innes - NSW 1996 Toowoomba - QLD 1997 Launceston - TAS 1998 Gawler - SA 1999 Rockingham - WA
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Held in a different state each year.
2000 Ballarat - VIC 2001 Wagga Wagga - NSW 2002 Rockhampton - QLD 2003 Gawler - SA 2004 Warragul - VIC 2005 Bathurst - NSW 2006 Hobart - TAS 2007 Gatton - QLD 2008 Murray Bridge - SA 2009 Horsham - VIC 2010 Devonport - TAS 2011 Bathurst - NSW 2012 Bundaberg - Qld 2013 Murray Bridge - SA 2014 Gatton - QLD 2015 Horsham - VIC
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Tips & Safety On Field Trips
- Take every precaution while on field trips like making sure you have the right gear like gloves,
boots, drinking water and basic supplies.
- Fill in your holes after digging and beware of overhanging rocks and ledges that could collapse
while digging below.
- Don't go into old mine shafts as most are unstable and air quality can never be guaranteed.
- Always wear safety glasses when breaking or chiselling on rocks.
- Watch out for snakes and spiders because as a rock hound you're more prone to finding these
critters than others.
- Always close gates after you and always take your rubbish home with you if there isn't a proper
place to leave it.
- Always tell someone where you are before you leave in case something goes wrong!
- Always have a first aid kit close by.
- If you haven't been to an area before draw yourself a map or have a map with you so you don't
get lost. Mobile phones don't work everywhere!
- Wear a good hat and sunscreen so you don't get sunburnt.
- Never forget: FOOD, SNACKS, DRINKS & MEDICATION.
Disclaimer: It is your responsibility to ask permission from any private property owner at any location
when searching for gemstones before you enter any such property. You may also be required to
possess a fossicking license as per state laws.
Safety In The Workshop
- Don't have loose clothing around any moving machine parts and keep guards on equipment at
all times.
- Wear safety glasses while grinding and using any pickle or acid compounds.
- Wear a filter face mask if required.
- Don't spill water on any electric motors. Electricity and water don't mix.
- Keep fingers and hands clear of sharp moving parts.
- Wear rubber gloves if handling any acids or pickling solutions.
- Use tweezers when handling hot soldered jewelry.
- Have a first aid kit near by at all times.



