LECTURE

Maryborough’s Chinese Communities: The gold rushes and beyond

Lecture by Dr Sophie Couchman

10.30am, Wednesday 22 April 2026

This lecture is part of the Australian Heritage Festival and the Gallery's Art & Engagement Series. Presented in conjunction with U3A Maryborough Inc.

Dr Sophie Couchman is a Professional Historian and Curator who works closely with communities to tell their stories. She has researched and published in the field of Chinese Australian history for many years and has been working very closely with the See Yup Society since a major fire at the See Yup Temple in 2024. She enjoys sharing history through a range of mediums such as exhibitions, walking tours, oral histories and online resources.

Dr Sophie Couchman's recent projects include: “Chinese Australian Whispers” podcast (2025) and a co-written family history The Old Reliable Firm: Good Workmanship Guaranteed (2025). Sophie also endeavours to contribute the communities she works in. She is President of the Professional Historians Association (Victoria & Tasmania) and a foundation member of the Chinese Australian Family Historians of Victoria.

Cost: $10 per person/$8 concession

Bookings: Book online here or call 03 5461 6600 or email cgsc.art@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au,

Dr Sophie Couchman giving a tour.

Dr Sophie Couchman

Featured banner image: Chinese market gardener, W H Ferguson (photographer) circa1890-1910, Photo courtesy Dunolly Museum.

Contact the host of Maryborough's Chinese Communities: The gold rushes and beyond