Eureka Rebellion Precinct,
Ballarat, Victoria.
Eureka
Rebellion Precinct, Ballarat, Victoria
The Eureka Rebellion Historic
Precinct, comprising the Eureka Stockade
battlefield, Stockyard Hill, the site of the Free
Trade Hotel, the probable site of the Eureka
Stockade itself, the Eureka Stockade Reserve and
the Eureka Stockade monument, is of National
significance for its association with one of the
most influential events in Australia's history
since European settlement.
The Eureka Rebellion,
culminating in the fight for the Eureka Stockade on
3 December 1854, has become synonymous in
Australia's history with the concept of fair play
and equal opportunity for all and remains a key
element in the concept of an Australian cultural
tradition and identity. The Eureka flag has been
adopted by different groups in the community as a
symbol of this association (Criteria A & G).
The Eureka Rebellion Historic Precinct is also
significant for its association with the activities
of the Ballarat Reform League which, through its
actions to establish a Stockade and take up arms
against government forces, was influential in the
establishment of democratic government in the
Colony of Victoria (Criterion A &
H).
The precinct is significant
for its association with the legend of Eureka and
Peter Lalor, the leader of the Eureka Stockade
battle, which have been immortalised in Australian
literature, theatre, film and folklore (Criteria A,
G & H).
Within the wider boundaries
of the historic precinct, the Eureka Stockade
Reserve is significant as the site of the fight for
the Eureka Stockade and for its long standing
association with the commemoration of the Eureka
Rebellion since its proclamation in 1870. This
association is enhanced by the many structures and
plantings established on the Reserve by the
community since 1884, including the Eureka Stockade
Memorial, the drinking fountain, the Eureka
Stockade Memorial Park Gates, a field gun, the
Eureka Halls, glasshouse, caretaker's residence,
caravan park and Lake Penhallurick (Criteria A
& D).
The Reserve is also
significant as the focus for community celebrations
and strong community attachment, from the time of
its establishment in 1870 until the closure of the
swimming pool in 1964 and for its continuing
importance as a recreational reserve for visitors
and residents today (Criterion G).
The Eureka Rebellion Historic
Precinct is significant for its association with
Peter Lalor, who led the miners in battle against
government troops at the Eureka Stockade and who
went on to become a Member of the Legislative
Council and later served as Speaker almost until
his death in 1889 (Criterion H). The Reserve is
significant for its ability to demonstrate Ballarat
community attitudes towards the events of the
Eureka Rebellion, particularly through the physical
development of the Reserve and its variety of
social uses since 1870 (Criteria A &
G).
The Eureka Stockade Monument,
located in the Eureka Stockade Reserve, is
significant as the main memorial commemorating the
site of the Eureka Stockade and the events of 3
December 1854. Its significance is enhanced by the
addition of the marble tablet to the memorial by
the Eureka Improvement Committee in 1923, honouring
the heroism of the pioneers who died at the Eureka
Stockade in their fight for liberty and the
soldiers who died during the final battle (Criteria
A & B).
The Eureka Stockade Monument
is significant as the symbolic focus for the Eureka
tradition and associated anniversaries, pilgrimages
and political protests by different groups in the
Australian community (Criterion G).
.....
|