New Gympie gold rush as fossicking licence demand soars by 40 per cent during pandemic

As Australians reel from the uncertainty created by the coronavirus pandemic, some are taking inspiration from earlier generations and trying to make their own luck — by fossicking for gold.

In fact, the potentially lucrative pastime has become so popular in the Gympie region, 170 kilometres north of Brisbane, that local Mayor Glen Hartwig says demand for fossicking permits has leapt by 40 per cent…