Bid Team Meets with Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC and Mr Rod Bunten.
On Monday the 26th of May 2025, the Australian Cornish Mining Sites (ACMS) Consortium had the honour of meeting with Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, and Mr Rod Bunten at Government House in Adelaide.
The meeting placed a prestigious spotlight on the World Heritage bid for the historic Cornish mining towns of Burra and Moonta. This nationally significant project continues to gain momentum following its inclusion on Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2024—a milestone achievement in recognising South Australia’s mining heritage on the global stage.
Attendees included representatives from Copper Coast Council, Regional Council of Goyder, and the National Trust of South Australia—key partners in the ACMS Consortium leading this important bid. The event highlighted the growing support for formally recognising the legacy of Cornish miners and their lasting impact on Australian history, culture, and regional development.
Her Excellency expressed a strong interest in the National Heritage Listed Cornish Mining Sites in Burra and Moonta and the opportunity they present to share the story of South Australia’s mining legacy with a global audience. Mr Bunten welcomed the Consortium with an insightful guided tour of Government House, which itself was completed by funds from the copper mining. A highlight of the visit was Mr Bunten’s “Critical Minerals for the Future” collection—a fascinating showcase of minerals that underpin Australia’s future industries and sustainability and including samples from the Burra and Moonta Mines.
Her Excellency has Cornish ancestry, and Mr Bunten grew up there, meaning both have personal links to the communities whose mining work significantly contributed to South Australia’s development. Their shared enthusiasm signals exciting possibilities for continuing collaboration with the ACMS Consortium to further promote and share the significance of these heritage sites.
Mayor Bill Gebhardt, Regional Council of Goyder, reflected on the privilege of discussing the bid at such a significant venue. “It was a valuable opportunity to explore how we can highlight the often overlooked story of Burra and Moonta’s key role in shaping iconic places like North Terrace in Adelaide during the copper mining boom in South Australia”.
Mayor Roslyn Talbot, Chair of the ACMS Consortium and Mayor of Copper Coast Council, also welcomed the occasion, emphasising the value of unity in regional storytelling. “This legacy connects our past to a vibrant and promising future,” Mayor Talbot said. “Through collaboration, we have a genuine opportunity to showcase our shared heritage on the world stage while also strengthening key tourism links, including those to the Flinders Ranges, another site of significant World Heritage potential.”
Former President of the National Trust SA, Mr Paul Leadbeter, also praised the opportunity to elevate the bid. “This is a once-in-a-generation chance to preserve and promote a unique part of our national story,” Mr Leadbeter said. “The meeting at Government House reinforces the growing recognition that the Cornish mining legacy deserves global attention.”
As the World Heritage journey continues, the ACMS Consortium remains committed to working closely with Traditional Owners, local communities, and heritage partners to ensure the values of these sites are preserved and promoted for future generations.
To learn more about the sites, the World Heritage bid and more, visit: burramoontaworldheritage.com.au
Enquiries:
Holly Cowan Community Engagement Coordinator Copper Coast Council Ph: 8828 1200
Barb Button Director of Community Engagement and Development Regional Council of Goyder Ph: 8892 0100