News Alert |

Visitors can explore the Eureka Centre for free from today while its permanent exhibition is updated.

The exhibition is being updated as part of the centre’s rebranding following the closure of the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka (M.A.D.E) earlier this year.

The interim works, which form part of broader planning improvements to continue over the next few years, will be staged so the centre can remain open to the public.

Ballarat Mayor Samantha McIntosh said the new Eureka Centre will focus on telling the story of the Eureka Stockade.

“For such a long time the story of Eureka was told in the broader context of developments in international democracy, we now want to shift that focus to one of the 1854 Eureka Stockade and its social impact.

“This renewed focus on the Eureka story will establish a stronger sense of place for both the Ballarat East community and the many incoming visitors who continue to arrive with a deep interest in seeing the Eureka Flag and exploring this historic site.”

Cr McIntosh said the new focus would also inform the delivery of a vibrant, changing program of temporary exhibitions and events.

“The permanent exhibition, which predominantly includes the Eureka Flag, will continue to be a drawcard for visitors to the Eureka Centre, but we’re also focussing our attention on increasing community usage and activation.

“This will include the introduction of historical and genealogical services, increasing public programs and community engagement and improving amenities.”

The interim works are now underway, with visitors offered free entry during this time.

“We still want residents and tourists visiting the centre during this period, however we understand the visitor experience during this time will be impacted – that’s why we have decided to offer free entry,” Cr McIntosh said.

Free entry will be offered until Eureka Day on 3 December 2018.

As part of this year’s Eureka Day commemoration, a two-day program of events has been developed to mark the 164th anniversary of Eureka.

Residents and visitors are invited to join the City of Ballarat as part of the community celebrations taking place on Sunday 2 December.

The day will commence with a Wadawurrung welcome and smoking ceremony, and performances from local school children.

A series of activities and live performances will then take place throughout the day, including a gold panning activity presented by Sovereign Hill.

Singer-songwriter Leah Senior will perform at 12.30pm, followed by Neil Murray at 2pm. 

Leah is a Melbourne-based performer who has received critical acclaim for her two albums. 

Neil hails from Lake Bolac and has a national reputation, with accolades including winning the 1995 APRA song of the year as the composer of My Island Home. 

Local food and drink vendors will also be available onsite throughout the day.

The formal commemoration of Eureka Day will occur on Monday 3 December with a morning commemorative gathering at 9am. A free cooked breakfast will follow.

The annual Peter Tobin Oration will this year be held at 6pm.

“The story of Eureka is unique. It is part of Ballarat’s story and a part of the national story. That’s why we commemorate it each year,” Cr McIntosh said.

“There is something compelling about Eureka that has inspired numerous people over the decades to revisit, re-examine and sometimes to reinterpret the significance of Eureka.

“It’s vitally important that we continue to tell our stories to ensure that our history is not lost; that the narrative continues, that our history is a living history.

So I encourage Ballarat to be a part of this journey on 2-3 December to commemorate and to continue telling our story.”

Eureka Day will be held at the Eureka Centre, 102 Stawell Street South from 10am on 2 December and 9am on 3 December.