Ballarat's shared history with the US Marines

This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the 11th US Marine Regiment encampment at Victoria Park in 1943, and the friendships and enduring relationships that remain.  

In 1943 a tented camp in Victoria Park provided for 1200 military personnel to stay from January to October 1943.  

The US Marine Corp called Ballarat home during those months, and many lifelong friendships were formed through the magnificent hospitality of the Ballarat community.  

The new sports pavilion soon to be completed in Victoria Park is the historical site of the camp, and a boulder found on the site will be home to a new historical marker to commemorate the United States Marine Corp’s stay in Ballarat.  

On 24 February 2023, a Civic Reception will be held at the Ballarat Town Hall to honour the US Marines and their contribution to Ballarat, with dignitaries arriving in the city for the anniversary.  

This is an occasion for representatives from the American Ex-Servicemen's Association, the US Marines and descendants of local families that hosted the Marines in 1943 to come together to celebrate the significance of this shared heritage.  

The Commanding Officer and Sergeant Major of the 11th Marines Regiment will travel from Camp Pendelton, California as official representatives of the Marine Corps to the Civic Reception.  

Shields that acknowledge the association between the City of Ballarat and the US Maine Corps will also be showcased during the reception.  

The group will spend a few days in Ballarat, touring the city and visiting places they did many years ago.  

Ballarat High School will host a Dedication Ceremony on Saturday 25 February commencing at 11am, with the public invited to attend to enjoy stories, a presentation of the historical marker (to be installed on Military Drive in Victoria Park at a later date) and music from a Ballarat Brass Band.  

The City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said to be able to honour this unique part of Ballarat’s rich history is very special.  

“It is amazing to be able to celebrate Ballarat’s past by ensuring the future generations know the stories from the US Marines time in Ballarat,” he said.  

“Ballarat really is a wonderful place, to hear stories of many residents opening their hearts and homes to the exhausted young men over the months while they awaited re-following their time in the Solomon Islands, is incredible.”