July-November 2011

Although a Commission of Enquiry was held at the end of 1861 to investigate the outcome of the Expedition, no coronial enquiry was undertaken at the time to determine the exact cause of the deaths of Burke and Wills. A coroner is stageing a formal enquiry (unofficial, as the deaths occurred more than 100 years ago) into the deaths of Robert O'Hara Burke, William John Wills and Charley Gray who died 150 years ago in 1861. This is a full forensic investigation into the various theories that have been put forward as to why and how they died, with evidence taken from witnesses in the form of historians who refer to the extensive records of the expedition, and technical experts possessing the latest medical and scientific knowledge. Witnesses include General Peter Cosgrove (Ret), Dr Darrell Lewis (Australian National Museum), Mr Dave Phoenix (President, Burke and Wills Historical Society), Dr Greg Parkinson (Physiologist), Assoc Prof Ian Clark (University of Ballarat) and Dr Peter Thorne (Royal Society of Victoria).

The Royal Society of Victoria is an active participant in the organisation of this event.

Opening event: 30 June 2011

On Thursday 30th June, a Memorial Dinner was held at the Royal Society of Victoria, at which the process of the Enquiry was explained.

Mock inquest: 23-24 July 2011

The mock inquest was held on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July in the Legislative Assembly Chamber, Parliament of Victoria.

Findings: October-November 2011

The Coroner's findings will be announced when her investigations are complete. This is expected to take place in October or early November 2011, at about the time of the 150th anniversary of the news of the deaths of the explorers reaching Melbourne in 1861.