Illuminating Irish women of Eureka

A PROJECT uncovering the unknown contributions of Irish women to Ballarat’s development during the goldrush period is nearly complete.

The findings made by Way Back When historian Lucy Bracey will be presented along with a film by creative director of Yum Studio, Erin McCuskey at the Eureka Centre Ballarat.

The report showcases the story of 18 Irish women who were alive during the same time of the Eureka Rebellion in 1854.

It is in two parts, with the first section being about women connected to Eureka but with a focus on their Irish heritage, and the second about family stories submitted by members of the community.

“We’ve uncovered some amazing stories of endurance, adventure and bravery, building on a strong foundation of stories of women on the goldfields that historians such as Dorothy Wickham and Clare Wright established,” Ms Bracey said.

“What has really stood out is the bravery and endurance of these women.

“Most of them were in their early 20s when they embarked on the dangerous journey to Australia.”

The Records Office Victoria-funded project, led by the Ballarat and District Irish Association, began in May when members of the public were asked to come forward with stories of their ancestors.

Stories uncovered included that of Mary Elizabeth Curtin, who was inside the stockade on the morning of the attack with her young toddler, while eight months pregnant.

The Hayden sisters between them birthed 21 children, were widowed or abandoned by their husbands and ended up owning substantial landholdings in their own right.

Ms Bracey thanked the community for sharing their families’ stories.

“This collection of stories has been brought together to highlight the contribution Irish women made to the Eureka story, and to build on the existing body of work that brings to the forefront women’s voices and experiences,” she said.

“There is great value in family history and in the stories we are told about our ancestors and forebears. It is with much gratitude that we extend our thanks to those families who shared their Irish women with us and allowed us to add their stories to what we hope is a growing collection of Irish Australian women’s voices.”

The event will take place on Friday 15 November from 6pm at the Eureka Centre Ballarat and no booking is required.