Marking 170 years since the Eureka Stockade

The Eureka Centre will join with the wider Ballarat community to mark the 170th anniversary of the Eureka Stockade, unveiling a program of events across November and December. 

The government forces’ attack on an encampment of protesting miners at the Eureka Diggings on the morning of 3 December 1854 — which became known as Eureka Stockade — profoundly shaped Australian democracy.  

In the lead up to the anniversary, the Eureka Centre will host a number of activities that commemorate and reflect upon the events surrounding the Eureka Stockade and its impact on Australia’s democratic traditions, social values and cultural identity. 
 

Program highlights include the community-focused Eureka Sunday event, featuring live music at the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park with the Shane Howard Band and the Emma Donovan Duo.  

The Peter Tobin Oration is also not to missed. Former Wallaby, best-selling author, broadcaster and raconteur, Peter FitzSimons AM and trailblazing historian and Stella Prize winning author, broadcaster and podcaster, Professor Clare Wright OAM will discuss ‘Why Eureka Matters’.  

Visitors can also enjoy free entry to the Eureka Centre from Friday 29 November to Tuesday 3 December 2024. The Ballarat Town Hall clock and the Lake Wendouree and Eureka Stockade Memorial Park fountains will be illuminated in blue from 29 November until 3 December 2024 to mark this special anniversary. 

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said it was important to mark the anniversary of the Eureka Stockade with a program of events. 

“Eureka is a great Australian foundational story that speaks to our national values. But it has a special, more personal significance to the people of Ballarat,” Cr Hudson said.  

“We feel a close connection to those who were involved in this tragic event, annually gathering to honour their sacrifice and the legacy of their struggle. Eureka lives on in Ballarat, finding expression throughout our enterprising, energetic and inclusive community. It is the essence of who we are. 

“It is important we keep that legacy alive, which is why I am pleased to see that this program of events truly has something for everyone — young and old, we can all embody the spirit of Eureka and stand up to injustice.” 

Eureka Stockade 170th anniversary – program of events highlights 

Eureka Sunday Live 
An afternoon of live music featuring the Shane Howard Band and the Emma Donovan Duo will be held to mark the 170th anniversary of the Eureka Stockade. This event will be held on 1 December, from 1pm-4pm, in the beautiful grounds of the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park. No tickets required.  

‘Why Eureka Matters’ with Peter FitzSimons and Professor Clare Wright   
Former Wallaby, best-selling author, broadcaster and raconteur, Peter FitzSimons AM, and trailblazing historian and Stella Prize winning author, broadcaster and podcaster, Professor Clare Wright OAM will share their thoughts on ‘Why Eureka Matters’. They will then join ABC Ballarat broadcaster Steve Martin for a conversation about Eureka’s significance and the importance of keeping its legend and legacy alive. This event will be held at 6pm on Tuesday 3 December at the Ballarat Mining Exchange. Tickets are required via Eventbrite.  

Commemorative Service 
A commemorative service will be held at the Eureka Stockade Monument in the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park to honour those who died and were involved in the 1854 Eureka Rebellion. Breakfast will be provided after the service. This event will be held on Tuesday 3 December at 8am.  

Flag raising ceremony 
The Eureka Flag was first flown at Bakery Hill on 29 November 1854 at a Monster Meeting attended by 10,000 protesters. The next day the flag was marched to the Eureka diggings and hoisted above a makeshift fortress known as the Eureka Stockade. This flag raising ceremony, to be held at 10am on 29 November, will be held to honour the Eureka Flag and its central part in the legend of this momentous event. A morning tea will be held in the Ballarat Town Hall’s Trench Room following the event. No bookings are required. 

Eureka Park – Walking Tours 
Discover the hidden histories of the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park with local cultural historian, Peter Freund. The walking tours will begin at the Eureka Memorial, on the corner of Eureka Street and Stawell Street South, Eureka. There will be multiple dates and times in late November. Participation is free, but bookings are encouraged.  

For more information about the Eureka Stockade 170th anniversary – program of events visit the Eureka Centre website. 

To read more about Anne Hanrahan (pictured) and her connection to the Eureka Stockade, read the ourballarat article.