While he was known to most people as an accomplished prospector, international TV star and more popularly as the winning subject of a high-profile court case — for Neville Perry himself, beyond the adulation, he was “just Nev”.

And for all the gold Neville unearthed in his lifetime, in the end, the love he had for his family, friends, and the wider prospecting community could be the greatest treasure he left behind.

This immalleable devotion towards, not only his relationships but also some of his gruelling endeavours, will see hundreds gather this weekend at Neville’s property in Dunolly  to celebrate his shining, almost six decade long, legacy.

Neville sadly died last year, aged 58, on December 18, following cancer-related complications.

He received the terminal diagnosis two years prior to his death, and as he underwent treatment for the illness, he was forced to contend with another pressing legal matter — one that potentially exacerbated his physical decline.

In November 2022, as part of a three-day trial, Neville successfully defended himself in the Maryborough Magistrates’ Court against a charge alleging he had knowingly, and without consent, damaged a heritage site between December 2017 and September 2019.

Later that year, in December, after Neville was found not guilty — a momentous outcome, welcomed by his supporters — The Advertiser reported on his comments following the verdict.

“I will say to anybody that if you have a dream and you’re passionate about it, fight for it with all your heart and soul,” Neville said.

Not one to speak without conviction, Neville actioned that very message throughout his own life according to his son Jayden Perry, who said — his “old man” fought to live, to right wrongs, and to ensure his family was set up for success.

“He was an honest, go-getting kind of fella, nothing would stop him,” Jayden added.

“Any obstacle he came across, he would try and work out a way, either over it, around it or under it. 

“Even the [court case], it was stressful for him but he fought through that because of course he wasn’t guilty but to also inspire other people to not just roll over and let them tell you that you’ve done wrong when you haven’t.”

During that turbulent period, where Neville walked the rope between disease-management and trial preparation, the Perrys would come together to ensure every week ended on a high. 

“We made sure Sunday was family day — we would sit around the table and have a yarn,” Jayden said.

“Every time we were together, he spent all of his time with us and the grandkids. He loved his family. 

“He always told us he was proud of us. He just loved people and he wanted to help them where he could. Even with his mining and detecting, he wasn’t thinking about himself, he was thinking about us kids.”

Similar stories of Neville’s selflessness will be shared on the day of the event by people like Brent Shannon, who knew him for nearly 20 years before they became co-stars, appearing on several seasons of Aussie Gold Hunters together. 

“We shared the same passion around gold and because we were two successful prospectors in the area, we became part of the series,” Brent said.

“What we wanted to show to people was our tradition and our heritage — both of us also share the mantle for the two largest [gold] nuggets ever found in television history. 

“One of his goals was to show people around the world that if you do have a major setback, you can still go ahead and do what you love — you live with it, but don’t let it rule your life.”

Brent is also one of the organisers of this week’s gathering, which he is hosting alongside the Perry family to fulfill Neville’s last wish.

“He didn’t want a funeral, he wanted a celebration of life, of gold and of all things he loved,” Brent said.

“So, that’s what we’re doing — inviting people to attend the celebration of a local prospecting legend. It’s [funny], I used to tell him he was a legend and I was so proud of him but he would say “no, no, I’m just Nev”. He wanted to be remembered as this average guy, wanting to have a go, that also faced a big battle.

“It was very enlightening to be able to share the last couple of years with Nev. The way he carried himself has changed me and my outlook on life.”  

Come Saturday, March 23, when people hear accounts of a man who was steadfast, compassionate, inspiring and a trailblazer, they might say that was “just Nev”.

The event, which will get underway from 11 am onwards, at Dunolly’s German Gully ‘Old Lead Diggings’,  will also be filmed as part of an episode for Aussie Gold Hunters.

Food and beverages will also be available to purchase on the day — for more information and to register your interest, visit www.facebook. com/events/1698419431074102?ref=newsfeed