The Magical Codex of Central Deborah
A children’s adventure rooted in history, heart, and hope.
The Heart of Gold
How a children’s book brings Bendigo’s history to life—and redefines treasure.
Episode Summary
In this episode, we dive into The Magical Codex of Central Deborah—a beautifully illustrated children’s book that blends adventure, history, and heart. Follow Ruby and Liam as they discover a mysterious map during a school trip to Bendigo’s Central Deborah Gold Mine, guided by a mischievous wombat and the ghost of Miner Arthur—a tribute to the real-life Ray Beer, the mine’s beloved former manager.
More than a treasure hunt, this story reveals that the true “Heart of Gold” lies in courage, unity, and the enduring spirit of those who built Australia’s past. Designed to be accessible to all children—including those with dyslexia—the book is part of Voodoolily’s mission to make reading inclusive, meaningful, and magical.
The project has been warmly endorsed by The Hon. Maree Edwards MP, who praised it for “bringing history to life in such an inspiring and imaginative way.” It also honors the legacy of Ray Beer through the character of Miner Arthur, as noted by his brother Desmond Beer and historian James Lerk.
Discover how this tale—born from collaboration between writers, illustrators, and historians—aims to spark curiosity, empathy, and a deep respect for heritage in young readers around the world.
Explore More
Read the book: magical-codex.com
Visit the real mine: Central Deborah Gold Mine
Try the Voodoolily Web App for dyslexia-friendly reading: scan the QR code in the book!
