Iconic statue reinstated

AFTER an eight-month hiatus, the Boer War Memorial Statue has returned to Sturt Street gardens boulevard.

The newly cast bronze statue is a like-for-like replacement of the original 117-year-old sculpture depicting a soldier on horseback rescuing a fellow soldier.

The original statue was deemed unrepairable after investigations revealed severe internal corrosion.

Every detail of the original was replicated by Meridian Sculpture using the traditional “lost wax” technique.

The original statue was crafted from beaten copper with a hessian and plaster core, while the new statue is cast in bronze which offers greater durability and resilience.

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the project was a vital investment in preserving Ballarat’s historical legacy.

“This memorial has stood as a powerful tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the Boer War and has been a landmark of Sturt Street for more than a century,” she said.

“We are proud to see it restored in a way that honours the original craftsmanship while ensuring it will endure for generations to come.”

Wendouree MP Juliana Addison said she was thrilled to see the Boer War Memorial Statue return to the centre of the city.

“The reinstatement of the Boer War Memorial Statue is a testament to Ballarat’s commitment to preserving history for future generations,” she said.

Community members are invited to visit the newly reinstated statue and reflect on the legacy of those who served in the Boer War from 1899 to 1902.