Funding boost for Eureka Stockade Gardens

The City of Ballarat has welcomed the announcement by the Federal Government of $96,000 to support the future of the National Heritage-listed Eureka Stockade Gardens.

The funding will help deliver a new Conservation Management Plan for the Eureka Stockade Gardens to ensure that the many people who visit the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park precinct every year will continue to enjoy and learn about one of the most important moments in Australian history, while surrounded by natural beauty.

The park is extensive and has many outstanding features including a large playground, barbecue and picnic facilities, sweeping green lawns, and a scenic lake and walking track.

One of the garden’s most iconic features is the Eureka Monument, commissioned in 1884 to commemorate the Eureka Rebellion – one of Australia's defining historical moments.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said it had been more than 20 years since the last management plan and many changes have happened at the site since then.

“We are extremely grateful to the Federal Government for this funding,” he said.  

“It is timely that this project will update the 2001 plan with a new Conservation Management Plan that will align with the aims and objectives of the 2020 Eureka Interpretation Plan and the 2030 Vision for the Eureka Centre.

“The Eureka Stockade Gardens is a significant and extremely important site for Ballarat. It is a place to remember those who lost their lives at the Eureka Stockade and reflect on the legacy that lives on 168 years later.”

While disputed as the exact location of the Eureka Stockade Rebellion on December 3, 1854, the beautiful gardens are also home to the Eureka Centre where the iconic Eureka Flag can be viewed.

There are many layers of Eureka commemoration reflected throughout the park from the many significant trees to the interpretive plaques that honour those involved in the Eureka Stockade.

A new Conservation Management Plan will address a number of key actions including:

Planning for ongoing structural assessment and conservation of the Eureka Monument.

Re-establishing the visibility of the Eureka Centre building in a way that capitalises on its geographic position and integrates with the historic site.

Identifying suitable sites in the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park for additional seating and shade to support community use.

Making recommendations for appropriate ways to address site clutter and enhance heritage values.

Scoping interpretive and design improvements for entry points and main interfaces of the Eureka Centre and Eureka Stockade Memorial Park.

Explore enhancements to the play zone area to integrate more sensory and interactive play experiences.

An integral part of the development of the new Conservation Management Plan will be key stakeholder engagement including with State and Federal heritage departments and with stakeholder and community groups via drop-in sessions at the Eureka Centre and online engagement via the City of Ballarat’s mySay website.