Glory days returning for civic gardens

BALLARAT Group Training will upgrade the heritage garden spaces beside and behind their Barkly Square premises.

Based on the former Ballarat East Town Hall site, CEO Graham McMahon said BGT has an “ultimate goal” to revitalise these significant civic gardens to their “glory days.”

“The heritage gardens were one of the first civic gardens in Victoria, being gardens that were established by the municipality to beautify the town,” he said.

“We want to get some funding to bring those back, and now we’re heading towards the 100th anniversary of the amalgamation of the City of Ballaarat and the Town of Ballaarat East, it’s an amazing coincidence.

“This needs to be done, and we are the custodians of this site now, so it’s appropriate that we do it, hopefully with some funding support from council or the community so we can facilitate it.”

On Tuesday, 25 May, BGT will hold a public event at Barkly Square to mark the centenary of the municipal merger and share their upcoming plans for the gardens.

A presentation by City of Ballarat heritage advisor John Dyke will explore the early history of the Ballarat East Town Hall and civic gardens, with a large collection of photographs.

“So many dignitaries have been here and planted trees over the years, and royals have visited, so that and more will be discussed on the evening,” Mr McMahon said.

Residents are helping BGT with historical research, and it is expected that BGT’s young cohort of landscaping students will be part of the gardens’ revitalisation under the guidance of their trainers.

The anniversary event starts at 4.15pm next Tuesday, 25 May, running until 7.30pm. Tours will begin at 4.30pm and 5.15pm, with the historical presentation at 6pm, and refreshments at 7pm.