In Our Group with
Bundaberg Gem and Mineral Society
For almost six decades Bundaberg Gem and Mineral Society has helped bring some sparkle to the community, promoting the wonders of geology, rockhounding and lapidary craft.
Bundaberg Gem and Mineral Society’s Jodi Prange shares the history and fascinating craft of the local organisation.
Tell us about the Bundaberg Gem and Mineral Society?
The Bundaberg Gem and Mineral Society has been operating for 58 years and is a vibrant community organisation.
It has played an integral role in developing a love for gemstones and minerals among community members of all ages.
We currently have over 130 members including juniors and seniors. The group is open to anyone aged 10 to 95 and everyone is welcome to come along and join.
What significant events do you hold during the year?
We host the annual Bundaberg Gemfair on the first weekend in November every year.
This year the Bundaberg Gemfair will again be held in the Main Pavilion at the Recreational Precinct on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 November.
There is something for everyone with traders selling jewellery, gemstones, lapidary equipment, minerals, crystals and gem craft.
The Bundaberg Gemfair hosts traders from all over Queensland as well as local artisans.
A crowd favourite is always the mine, which will be located on the club stall. The mine is still only 50 cents and is always popular with kids young and old.
Entry will be $5 with children under 12 free.
An ATM will be onsite, and food and drinks will be available.
Hourly lucky door prizes are given out and we will have a raffle with beautiful prizes to be won.
The Bundaberg Potters and Woodworkers also attend the Bundaberg Gemfair.
Having the potters’ group and woodworkers’ guild attend also gives the public an opportunity to see what other clubs in the region offer.
The Bundaberg Gem and Mineral Society will also be hosting a mini market on Saturday 22 July between 8 am and 2 pm.
During this mini market Bundaberg Gem and Mineral Society members will be selling their beautiful creations.
We will also have a club stall where community members can purchase stones and other wares as well as finding out further information about the club and what we offer.
The market will be held in front of the Bundaberg Air League building on Kendalls Road with free entry.
Why is the group important to the Bundaberg Region?
The club is a great place for members young and old.
Members will learn a variety of skills in everything from lapidary, silverwork, wire wrapping, enamelling and faceting.
Not only do members get the opportunity to learn new skills, but our group is also a great place to make new friends.
Membership is $25 for adults, plus a once off nomination fee of $10, and session fees are $4, so, quite affordable to join.
When and where do you meet?
There are sessions held on Monday nights, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday with everything from lapidary, silverwork, wire wrapping, enamelling and faceting.
Information about the club, session times and how to join can be found on our website www.bundaberggemclub.com.au as well as on our Facebook page Bundaberg Gem and Mineral Society.
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