Mayor's Message - Friday 25 November

Between Friday 2 and Sunday 4 December 2022 the 168th Anniversary of the Eureka Stockade will be commemorated through a weekend program of events at the Eureka Centre. 

The weekend’s program kicks off Friday evening with a ticketed event honouring the contribution of the late Peter Tobin OAM to the commemoration of the Eureka Stockade. This year’s guest speaker will be journalism scholar, Dr. Josie Vines speaking about the role of journalism in the events surrounding the Eureka Stockade.  

Saturday will see a formal commemorative service held at the Centre to remember those killed in the rebellion.  

This year outside of the formal Saturday service, there are some terrific opportunities to engage with the history through some fun activities for all the family. 

The Eureka Pool will be celebrating their 50th Birthday on Saturday 3 November to coincide with the Eureka commemoration and will be offering free entry for the day.  

Sunday is the traditional Eureka Community Day with an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about and reflect on the Eureka legacy.    

The day will see a host of activities that include live music featuring Ballarat’s own, The Dead Salesmen and award-winning sister-duo Charm of Finches, performing live in the Eureka Stockade Memorial Gardens from 12pm. There are also children’s workshops and talks as well as the opportunity to meet descendants of key Eureka figures, hear myths and facts about the Eureka flag, get your face painted or make your own Eureka badge and more.  Lilly’s Café will be open all day.  

The Eureka Stockade is of undeniable national importance, but it is also one of Ballarat’s foundation stories, one that has deep roots in our Ballarat culture. It is an event that supports the City of Ballarat’s Community Vision 2021-2031 through embracing our rich heritage and I urge everyone to go or take your children or grandchildren to enjoy Sunday’s Eureka Community Day. 

Mayor 

Cr Des Hudson