Books
"Photgraphic Memories"
Mitta Mitta is clearly a magnificent little village and Russell Kelly has very capably captured the beauty in this amazing compendium of visual delights.
The Mitta Valley is a little Shangri-La, not only breathtakingly striking in all seasons but also very economically productive. The hamlet of Mitta is the visual showcase, a patch of paradise where the visitor will be rewarded with magnificent scenery at every turn.
Russell was undoubtedly challenged in making his selection when there are so many tempting photogenic opportunities. As a pilot he has shared the privilege of witnessing the vista splendid from above, claiming that the Mitta Valley must be one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. His collection of what he calls his ‘happy snaps’ gives credence to that claim.
Photographic Memories is a vivid takeaway record and certainly an invitation to come and further explore the colour and light whilst enjoying the many attractions of wonderful Mitta Mitta.
ISBN 9780957853331 Published by Wombat Gully Publications, Mitta Mitta, Victoria, Australia
"Going My Way"
Only weeks before the end of World War 2 a bomber on a training exercise became lost at night in North Eastern Victoria with tragic consequences. How did this experienced crew manage to be 100 miles off-course? Why did it take so long to find the wreck?
Russell Kelly’s account of events that took place in 1945 traces the last flight of Beaufort Bomber A9-228, the botched RAAF aerial search and the ultimate discovery by relatives of the wreck in rugged mountain country.
Third Edition now available.
ISBN 97809578533324 Published by Wombat Gully Publications, Mitta Mitta, Victoria, Australia
"Mitta Mining"
Mitta Mining is a comprehensive historical account of gold recovery around the picturesque hamlet of Mitta Mitta in northeastern Victoria.
Russell J Kelly's research has not only accurately detailed the advent and application of advanced hydraulic sluicing from California but traced the impact of mining pollution on the local surroundings. The community was deeply divided over the destruction of waterways resulting in one of the earliest environmental battlefronts in Victoria.
The monument to Mitta Mitta's past is the large open-cut backdrop that was once the centrepiece of local alluvial gold production. Defeated by a prolonged drought, the Pioneer Mine operated profitably for much of its 20 year life but with mounting public concern over ecological damage.
Anyone interested in the history of mining will enjoy this definitive explanation and recognise the insidiousness nature of gold fever.
ISBN 9780957853317 Published by Wombat Gully Publications, Mitta Mitta, Victoria, Australia