Reflecting and acknowledging the past at Victoria Street

The City of Ballarat is working with a small group of former residents to acknowledge the past, at the redevelopment of 200 Victoria Street, more commonly known as the old Ballarat Orphanage.  

Since opening in 1866, the Victoria Street site over the years was known as the Ballarat District Orphan Asylum, Ballarat Orphanage and Ballarat Children’s Home until its closure in 1983.  

The facility then entered a new era as St Paul’s College and then Damascus College, before being purchased by developers in 2011.

New concept plans have been revealed detailing the collaboration to remember the thousands of children who passed through these doors has been a huge project for the small but dedicated working group.  

Developing heritage interpretation is an opportunity not only to acknowledge the experiences of former residents in all their diversity, but to do so in such a way that is embedded in and responsive to the site.  

Frank Golding, former resident of Ballarat Orphanage said when people visit the site of the old Ballarat Orphanage and Children’s Home, most don’t realise that this was where more than 4,000 children grew up without their parents.  

“With the demise of most of the institutional buildings, public memory has faded. When former inmates take their children or grandchildren there is almost nothing to show them. This collaborative project will rectify that by commemorating the children’s experiences and honouring their vivid memories,” he said.  

The designs will create a meaningful experience not only for the former community of residents, their loved ones and those who are interested in the site’s history, but also for visitors and new residents of the mixed-use redevelopment.  

Four sites have been identified for inclusion of interpretive elements:  

• Elm Reserve (toddler’s park)  
• Magnolia Reserve  
• Entrance to toddler’s block (now an Early Learning Centre)  
• Adjacent to the school room (now the shopping centre redevelopment).  

Items such as large marbles displaying images and text from children in the school room and large cubes resembling building blocks will showcase children’s paintings.  

Signage, archways and seating will also be installed with a nod to the site's history.  

City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson said the stories of former residents are incredibly moving and bring to life the historic buildings and objects associated with the site.

“As a community we have a responsibility to make sure that the people of 200 Victoria Street and their experiences are not forgotten,” he said.  

“The designs for the site recognise the histories of the place, but also support connections for new residents and other users of the area.”