Old Dubbo Gaol in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia | Museum

Old Dubbo Gaol

Locality: Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia

Phone: +61 2 6801 4460

Address: 90 Maquarie St 2830 Dubbo, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.olddubbogaol.com.au

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25.01.2022 You may have seen our opening hours have changed. As of today Old Dubbo Gaol is altering our opening hours to ensure you get the best experience possible while our redevelopment happens. For any inquiries about our hours or in general call (02) 6801 4460 or email [email protected]

24.01.2022 If you visited Old Dubbo Gaol this week you may have noticed the Hangman's tale theatrette area was closed due to the redevelopment work taking place. Since Monday works have started to restore this area to its former glory, removing plasterboard walls and floors to reveal the Gaol walls hiding beneath. Work will continue to restore this part of the Gaol to its original nature by removing all plasterboard walls and floors and increasing the height of the roof to show the ful...l height of the original wall. Once work is completed the area will become a gallery of displays relating to the gallows and executions conducted in Dubbo Gaol. Make sure to stop by and check it out once it is all done! Redevelopment works at Old Dubbo Gaol are funded by the Regional Cultural Fund grant through Create NSW, and by Dubbo Regional Council #dubbo #dubboregion #dubbonsw #dubboregionalcouncil #creatensw #dubbogaol #olddubbogaol #nsw #regionalnsw See more

23.01.2022 Dubbo Regional Council is seeking feedback on the Cultural Plan currently on display. Make sure to check it out and have your say by following the link below

22.01.2022 Old Dubbo Gaol will be closed to visitors tomorrow (Monday 9th November) due to a scheduled power outage. Admissions will begin again Tuesday 10th from 12pm

22.01.2022 Layers of history Lets take a moment to appreciate the layers of history revealed in the redevelopment upgrade paintwork One section highlighted is where a non-original power-box was removed and the outline of where the original power box was revealed, along with the various colours that had been used during and after the gaol period... Over many years of painting and repainting there is something like an archaeology of paintwork displayed here Redevelopment works at Old Dubbo Gaol are funded by the Regional Cultural Fund grant through Create NSW, and by Dubbo Regional Council #dubbo #dubboregion #dubbonsw #dubboregionalcouncil #creatensw #dubbogaol #olddubbogaol #nsw #regionalnsw

22.01.2022 Mugshot Monday John Sanders of Melbourne was brought to Dubbo Gaol to serve 2 years of hard labor for this offense in 1893. No known previous offenses at the age of 33. What law did he break?

21.01.2022 Assault - A-Z of Crimes in Old Dubbo Gaol According to the NSW Criminal Law Act of 1900 the crime of assault is not just someone being injured, very much depends on intent, severity, circumstance and whom is assaulted. Below are the Dubbo Gaol photo description sheets of William Traynor and Charles Anders. Traynor was convicted of intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and of common assault on Anders while both were inside Dubbo Gaol. It seems a dispute took place when Trayn...or knocked Anders washing off the line in the exercise yard, after two heated arguments Traynor then hit Anders who fell, and then again which knocked Anders unconscious. He received 6 months for the attack. He was lucky, as a prisoner who assaults another in gaol could be whipped as well. Common assault is whosoever assaults any person, although not occasioning actual bodily harm, shall be liable to imprisonment for two years, and if the person assaulted is a female, shall, in addition, be liable to be once privately whipped. A summary punishment, that is if a person accepts their guilt, could see a common assault sentence of up to three months. If the assault causes Actual Bodily Harm, that is injuries but that are not serious or life threatening, they are liable to spend up to 5 years in gaol. While assaults causing grievous bodily harm, that is serious or permanent injury or disfigurement depending on how the injury was made could see a person spend 5 years to life in gaol. The descriptions are very specific, for example assaults involving grain, that is whosoever beats, or uses any violence, or threat of violence to any person, with intent to deter, or hinder him, from buying, or disposing of, or to compel him to buy, or dispose of, any grain, flour, meal, malt, or vegetable produce, in any market or other place could receive a sentence of up to 6 months. From violent assaults, to threats of violence, projectiles being thrown, or objects being laid on railroad tracks, traps being laid, and more, these offences which could or do involve injury could be seen as assaults, they have their very own and detailed descriptions and sentences.

21.01.2022 Break-in at Old Dubbo Gaol! More stories like this at 10.30am and 2.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays

19.01.2022 Mugshot Monday John Miles was sentenced to 12 months for this crime in 1885. With no other offences - what do you think he did? This is a very special Mugshot Monday. The images we will be sharing for the near future are part of a unique collection of Mugshots that have been colourised by Matt Loughrey at My Colorful Past. ... Using software that predicts the real life colours in a pictures grey scale, Matt brings these Mugshots to life. See more

18.01.2022 Old Dubbo Gaol will be closed to visitors Monday 9th November due to a scheduled power outage. We appreciate your understanding

18.01.2022 Mugshot Monday May the 4th was not with James Thompson who was arrested for his second time. His first stay was 3 months, this was 18! What crime got James Mugshot displayed this Monday?

17.01.2022 BREAKING NEWS: Prisoners from Old Dubbo Gaol are being pardoned by Mayor of The Dubbo Region - Ben Shields, at an official ceremony at the Gaol. Join us for the live stream, as the Mayor officially pardons these long-serving mannequins and animatronics.

17.01.2022 Mugshot Monday We have had celebrity look-a-likes but we now have our first same name! William Smith was sentenced to 6 months of hard labor in late 1893. This mugshot was taken in January of 94. So what did this not-a-celebrity do to find himself behind bars?

16.01.2022 For a brilliant series on early occupations in Dubbo follow Dubbo & District Family History Society inc They are fascinating reads about the wide range of jobs that made our early town tick This current post is on church services. Both Arch-Deacon Wilson and Father Dunne would visit Dubbo Gaol prisoners and hold services within the walls of the site, providing some spiritual comfort to not only prisoners serving time but also to prisoners condemned to death

16.01.2022 These school holidays we are unable to conduct our night tours, performances and guided-escapes tours due to COVID-19 restrictions. You may still find some of our characters wandering the gaol to tell stories and talk with you about life in Dubbo Gaol. They will also be on the look out for offenders who arent physically distancing, and will be ready with the cat o nine tails to give them a friendly reminder.... If you have any questions about Old Dubbo Gaol or what we are doing these holidays feel free to call us on (02) 6801 4460 Safe travels everyone!

15.01.2022 BREAKING NEWS: OLD DUBBO GAOL PRISONERS TO BE PARDONED After more than four decades behind bars, the prisoners from Old Dubbo Gaol (ODG) are set to be pardoned by Mayor of The Dubbo Region - Ben Shields, in a special ceremony later this month. The prisoners have been held in the cells for various crimes, including murder, stealing, and assault, and now some of them are being pardoned, while others are just being transferred to a new facility. As part of the redevelopmen...Continue reading

14.01.2022 ERIC GOSPER In the lead up to the official live-streamed pardoning ceremony of the animatronics in Dubbo Gaol on Tuesday 18th August, we will be sharing some profiles of the characters that have filled the cells for so long. This animatronic was based on the last gaoler in Dubbo Gaol Eric Gosper, who served up until Dubbo Gaols closure in 1966 with his second in command John McTaggart, and warders Ernie Allen, Bill Bailey and Ben Stokes.... Though aged, this animatronic is very special as the two voice recordings are in fact that of the real Eric Gosper. Because of this we have preserved this audio, along with the audio of other animatronics, by converting old cassette tapes and CDs to a cleaned up digital format. Listen to those recordings below, and see some pictures of Gosper in the comments section. Just as Gospers service in Dubbo Gaol ended in 1966 the animatronics is coming to an end, however because of his importance to the site and to the community, and that he is based on the actual Eric Gosper, he will be donated to the Western Plains Cultural Centre collection to live on for posterity.

14.01.2022 Here's a mystery A border of bricks has been discovered just under the surface of the lawn in the exercise yards during upgrades to the site's exhibitions The depth of the bricks would suggest that they aren't original to the gaol period, yet we haven't been able to find anything in photos or records when the gaol was re-opened as a museum that would explain them... Nothing in the original plans reveal what these bricks might be. Is it a border for a garden? Something to do with paths for exercise? Or something that was planned for the museum period but didn't come about? If you know please comment or message, we would love to know ourselves. Not being confident as to whether they are original or not the best course of action is to do nothing, the bricks will remain where they are for posterity Redevelopment works at Old Dubbo Gaol are funded by the Regional Cultural Fund grant through Create NSW, and by Dubbo Regional Council #dubbo #dubboregion #dubbonsw #dubboregionalcouncil #creatensw #dubbogaol #olddubbogaol #nsw #regionalnsw

14.01.2022 Arson - The first in our series A-Z of crimes in Dubbo Gaol where we take a closer look at crimes committed by the prisoners of Dubbo Gaol. According to the Australian Magistrates Handbook 1894 arson was the term given to crimes relating to the misuse of fire, and the variance in sentencing was down to the extent of damage to buildings, property, and if people were injured or killed. A dwelling (a tent that had been lived in regularly counted as a domestic building) or ...church could see criminals serving up to 7 years in gaol or a sentence of life with penal servitude based on the severity of the crime. If someone was in that dwelling the sentence could extend to the death penalty, based on injuries and intent. Setting fire to other buildings would see sentences vary with up to 5 years imprisonment, and even setting fires near buildings could run the risk of up to 2 years behind bars. Arson today will still bring harsh penalties if proven, with a maximum penalty of 21 years in gaol. With regards to bushfires and the intentional lighting of fires that is reckless to the spread of the fire to vegetation or land, a person is liable to at least a non-parole period of 9 years. We have included two charge sheets of arsonists convicted and held briefly in Dubbo Gaol. Jacob Wissing who would receive 5 years penal servitude in 1892 for setting fire to a haystack near Cobar, and 14 year old Thomas Trefusis who in 1891 had three counts of arson to his name after being a terror to fellow workers and residents of Marebone Station. Included is also an image from the Macquarie Regional Library collection of those tasked with putting out fires in Dubbo, the first Dubbo Volunteer Fire Brigade. Before motor cars or fire engines members would have had to cycle to the fire, fire-hose in tow as this image from circa 1900 shows.

13.01.2022 Did you catch us on the today show on Tuesday (23/06/2020) with Tim Davies? If you missed it here it is! Part of the reason we #LoveNSW

13.01.2022 KITCHEN FLOOR UNCOVERED Our cooking ability may be criminal but the Old Dubbo Gaol kitchen has never looked better! Redevelopment works to upgrade the gaol's exhibitions has revealed our original kitchen floor Over the years the Dubbo Gaol kitchen has had non-original features added to it, which have detracted from the space. Work has been done to remove the non-original dividing wall, cabinetry, dishwashers and fridges to return the room back to a more original look... Gone too is the modern commercial kitchen flooring which has revealed the original flooring underneath, while different colour schemes have been uncovered and highlighted in the paintwork. We love the patina and patterns of the flooring, we can't stop looking at it! As part of the redevelopment works this space will be used for temporary exhibitions to tell the many fascinating stories of Dubbo Gaol, crime in the region, and life of the prisoners and guards. Redevelopment works at Old Dubbo Gaol are funded by the Regional Cultural Fund grant through Create NSW, and by Dubbo Regional Council #dubbo #dubboregion #dubbonsw #dubboregionalcouncil #creatensw #dubbogaol #olddubbogaol #nsw #regionalnsw

13.01.2022 The prisoners along with their favorite guard throw a little party

13.01.2022 The weekend The Sydney Morning Herald's Traveller has a great article on our gaol and the redevelopment upgrades! Go Dubbo! #dubbo #dubboregion #olddubbogaol #dubboregionalcouncil

12.01.2022 HIGHLIGHT ON GRAFFITI Redevelopment works upgrading the exhibitions at Old Dubbo Gaol are highlighting the original graffiti and etchings throughout the cells for the first time. As prisoners spent months in the cells of Dubbo Gaol they made their mark on the walls. Whether it was tallies of the days as they passed, their initials, or love notes to someone special on the outside, prisoners left their mark to say they were here... Rather than painting over the etchings and risk covering and losing these original markings, the re-painting instead reveals the original marks left by the prisoners. Pictured is Adam of Shades Of Gray Colour Concepts who carefully painted the Male Cell Division to highlight the graffiti Differences in colour have also been revealed as sections of walls have been left to tell the story of over 150 years of layers of paint Redevelopment works at Old Dubbo Gaol are funded by the Regional Cultural Fund grant through Create NSW, and by Dubbo Regional Council #dubbo #dubboregion #dubbonsw #dubboregionalcouncil #creatensw #dubbogaol #olddubbogaol #nsw #regionalnsw

12.01.2022 Tune in to ABC Western Plains tomorrow morning at 8:50am for the history chat to hear a bit about 14 year old Peter McIntyre who spent his life in and out of gaol. From the gaol photos that were taken we can see him as he grows old. Peter is one of the prisoners who will feature as part of our exhibition upgrade and redevelopment. ... All images are from the NSW State Archives Gaol Inmates/Prisoner Photo Index

12.01.2022 Prisoners left their mark in Dubbo Gaol in more ways than one. Here is a selection of the numerous pieces of graffiti left by prisoners in days gone by The complete photographic archive itself includes over 300 images, and was completed with Erin Easey Photo + Video. The project aimed to document as much of the graffiti as we were aware of for posterity, as in the case of some of the graffiti due to fading or the advances of time may be lost.

11.01.2022 THOMAS MOORE In the lead up to the official live-streamed pardoning ceremony of the animatronics in Dubbo Gaol on Tuesday 18th August, we will be sharing some profiles of the characters that have filled the cells for so long. Based on the murderer who was hanged In Dubbo Gaol in 1897, Thomas Moore has one of the more interesting stories in Dubbo Gaol. The prisoner himself was likely involved in a number of other murders, had acted as a Victorian hangman in exchange for a repr...ieve from a life sentence, and when hanged in Dubbo Gaol lost his head on the way down. Initially installed as an animatronic in 1988, in 2002 he received a $25,000 upgrade for more realistic facial features and better movement as compared to other animatronics. Like many of the animatronics his long service in the gaol is coming to an end, though his fate will be much kinder than a visit to the gallows. Because Moore has been a feature of Dubbo Gaol for so long, and his resemblance to the real and original Thomas Moore is so close, he will be donated to the Western Plains Cultural Centres collection to live on for posterity The images below show different versions of mannequins that have occupied the condemned cell over the years since the opening of the gaol as a tourist attraction in 1974. The upgrades to the gaol through our redevelopment are another chapter in their story. Also hear in the comments section below (op) one of the animatronics original audio recordings from 1993.

07.01.2022 Michael Ryan was sentenced to 18 months of hard labor in 1892. What crime did he commit to be locked up here? Check out his wonderfully colorised mugshot below and comment what crime you think he did. Answers are posted Tuesday morning so get those guesses in and tag your friends for bragging rights!

06.01.2022 Billy and Tilly are up to no good (again) and they aren't very good at it either

05.01.2022 While some restrictions are eased, we still still find ourselves cooking more at home than in recent memory For a little cooking #inspo we step back in time as our prisoner Billy shows you how to cook a couple of colonial gaol recipes: mutton broth and milk jelly from the gaol hospital diet Presented by Old Dubbo Gaol & Dubbo Regional Council

05.01.2022 Mugshot Monday James Fletcher was held for 18 months at Old Dubbo Gaol starting in October 1899. Three previous offenses include injure property & vagrancy. in 1899 he was only 25 years old. What crime saw James in Dubbo Gaol?

04.01.2022 Behaving in an Indecent Manner A-Z of Crimes in Old Dubbo Gaol Indecency and lewdness were offences against the public when of an open and notorious character. Acts such as exposing ones self, frequenting a house of ill-fame, public urination, or publicly behaving in a manner considered to be lewd could have resulted in a fine, imprisonment, or both. Interestingly it is noted in the Australian Magistrate Sixth Edition 1894 that prior to this publication the offence was no...t complete unless more than one could see it, however public the place may be, this changed presumably due to a number of offenders going punishment free due to a lack of witnesses. Fines and gaol sentences varied a lot by degree of offence. More serious offences, such as that of John Anderson below, could receive up to 6 months imprisonment. In the case of Edward Davis while the penalties may not have been severe his frustration clearly was. During his time awaiting trial In a Dubbo Gaol cell he vented his frustrations by damaging his convenience, which was another term for a toilet. The damaged caused resulted in a second charge, adding more fines or a longer stay if he defaulted on said fines. Indecent behaviour comes with different charges still today. Minor offences such as indecent language or language used to offend can see a maximum penalty of a few hundred dollars in fines. Gross indecency (presumably close in nature to John Andersons offence) could still see you serve 6 months imprisonment. Additionally, with new technology comes new crimes, thus the crime of indecent filming can see you serving 4 years behind bars. Gaol photograph courtesy of NSW State Archives Newspaper articles courtesy of Trove

04.01.2022 Our only escape...Bin Day!

04.01.2022 We are open for self-guided tours, no pre-booking required! For a contactless entry get your tickets online @ http://www.olddubbogaol.com.au/Visit-Us/Admissions

04.01.2022 Mugshot Monday Henry Brennan was 46 when breaking the law with this crime in 1892. He earned himself 6 months for this crime. What did Henry do to break the law?

02.01.2022 Some of the upgrade work at Old Dubbo Gaol have uncovered things that hadn't been seen in years and left us scratching our heads to figure them out. These archways uncovered in the former Hangman's Theatrette would have lead from a work yard to the back of the Gaoler's residence adjoining the Gaol. But we can't see exactly where and what this would lead to. Did the ladies tend to the Gaoler's garden? Could he only use the Garden if the ladies were locked away? Was this a conv...enient location for a laundry that was located in the Gaoler's residence? Lets us know what you think and stay tuned for more updates on the work taking place. Redevelopment works at Old Dubbo Gaol are funded by the Regional Cultural Fund grant through Create NSW and by Dubbo Regional Council #dubbo #dubboregion #dubbonsw #dubboregionalcouncil #creatensw #dubbogaol #olddubbogaol #nsw #regionalnsw See more

02.01.2022 Great News! Old Dubbo Gaol will be open to the the public from Monday June 1st.

02.01.2022 Old Dubbo Gaol Redevelopment UPDATE During lockdown progress was made on our major exhibition upgrade with Lightwell Studio recording audio and visuals for all new multimedia displays In one particularly powerful moment some of our nationally significant hangmans ropes were allowed out of storage to be filmed. Dubbo Regional Councils Ian Eddison from the Wellington Caves can be seen having his hands filmed as "the hangman"... Lightwell Studio also recorded audio grabs for various experiences around the site, which included the sounds of tapping in an original gaol secret code, whispers, marching drills, prayers, and whistles in tunes that were familiar to prisoners of the time This project is made possible through a grant from Create NSW and is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Dubbo Regional Council

02.01.2022 Begging for Alms A-Z of Crimes in Old Dubbo Gaol In a perceived effort to prevent more serious crimes the Vagrancy Act of 1902 listed Begging for Alms (i.e. begging for money) as an offence punishable by up to 6 months imprisonment. It was believed that those who were idle (that is being a vagrant, begging, or generally being homeless) were more likely to commit crimes, which could then lead to more serious forms of criminal behaviour. This crime was among a number of str...eet crimes for which police could make summary arrests without a warrant. The Vagrancy Act was commonly used to remove those seen as undesirable from the streets. We have included some charge sheets below of some prisoners charged with begging for alms. In the case of Ernest Cornell he made the mistake of approaching a plain clothes officer to request a coupla bob, saying hed just been released from hospital (in reality hed been released from Dubbo Gaol) thus earning himself 7 days back inside Dubbo Gaol. He had already served 31 convictions for drunkenness. In the case of George Herbert Randall he had been about Macquarie Street begging for money, in some cases pretending he was a returned soldier to elicit sympathy. Although he had over 50 convictions he stated Ive never been up for this before. It was generally believed that their presence could constitute a chronic street nuisance and, while each person begging would only be a minor problem, it was a problem to many passers-by often leading to those begging receiving a criminal treatment.

02.01.2022 Old Dubbo Gaol is once again open! We are returning to our regular opening hours of 9am-4pm. All visitors to the site will be encouraged to respect physical distancing and wash their hands regularly at sanitising stations set-up within the site. Restrictions still remain in place and Old Dubbo Gaol will not be conducting tours or performances until restrictions ease further.... If you are visiting Old Dubbo Gaol please be respectful of the precautions we have put in place and if you are feeling unwell please stay at home.

01.01.2022 Were talking all things paranormal, coming to you LIVE from inside the Old Dubbo Gaol for a fright night school holiday special. Annabelle Amos from Dubbo Re...gional Council is joined by our resident Gaol experts and Prohibition podcast stars Chris Anemaat and Josh Ronan, alongside Milla Ross, who are here to answer all of your questions about what goes on when the Gaol doors slam shut at night. Have you had a paranormal experience at the Gaol on one of the ghost tours? Keen to find out about the history of the Gaol and some of the deaths that occurred here? Pop your questions in the comments section and well ask the experts!