September 11th, 2024Events program to celebrate 170 years since the Stockade
Ballarat’s Eureka Centre will join with the wider local 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.”
