City marks Eureka anniversary

THE bloody battle at the Eureka Stockade was fought one hundred and sixty-six years ago today on Sunday, 3 December.

Annually this date, when government troopers and miners fought over the taxation and administration on the Ballarat goldfields is marked as Eureka Day.

The Flag of the Southern Cross, or the Eureka Flag, was designed by Canadian miner and Ballarat Reform League member Captain Henry Ross.

Ron Egeberg, a Eureka descendant, and the former director of The Eureka Centre said it was, and is, a “uniting” symbol.

“It was stitched by miners’ wives, and the new standard was first raised by the rebels at Bakery Hill, Ballarat, on November 29, 1854,” he said.

“The following day, the fired-up miners swore the oath; ‘We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other and fight to defend our rights and liberties,’ and marched to establish their stockade.

“Of course, we are all aware of the tragic events that occurred on this day 166 years ago at the Eureka Stockade. It was a massacre.”

Mr Egeberg suggested 3 December be made Australia’s national day, in celebration of the country’s democracy.

“Australians should pause today to remember the great sacrifice made at the battle fought at the Eureka Stockade at dawn on December 3, 1854.

“Ballarat and Victoria, as the custodians of Eureka for the nation, should be proud and passionate advocates for promoting December 3 as Australia’s national day, to celebrate our democratic freedoms and the founding story of our democracy,” he said.

“The Eureka story is synonymous with the fortunes of this country. As Mark Twain said, it was ‘a victory won by a battle lost.’”

Mr Egeberg would like the see the Eureka flag flown at half-mast on Eureka Day each year across Australia, as an act of remembrance and respect.

“Eureka can be interpreted as a symbol of nationalism, the birth of Australian democracy or a middle-class tax revolt, but it was without doubt a defining moment in Australia’s history.

“The Eureka flag has become a symbol of free speech, basic rights and a protest against unfair laws and regulations, as well as a symbol of democracy and defiance,” he said.

“We should honour the fallen at Eureka and their fight for a fair go for all.”

 

What’s on for Eureka Day?

 

EUREKA DAWN WALK VIDEO

5am, Thursday, 3 December, Eureka Centre Facebook page.

Retracing the route of the Eureka Dawn Walk held annually from 1998 to 2004, presented by Peter Freund.

 

WREATH-LAYING AND ADDRESS

9am, Thursday, 3 December, Eureka Stockade site.

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Daniel Moloney will lay a wreath for the fallen miners and troopers with his Eureka Day message will be broadcast on the City of Ballarat Facebook page

 

EUREKA GRAVES CEREMONY

11am, Thursday, 3 December, Old Ballarat Cemetery, Macarthur and Drummond Streets.

Ballarat Cemeteries and local politicians will gather at the graves of those who fell and fought at the Stockade to acknowledge their sacrifices, before a small service at the rotunda. It will be filmed for social media due to COVID-19 restrictions.

 

PETER TOBIN ORATION

5.30pm, Thursday, 3 December, Eureka Centre Facebook page.

The archaeology of the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park will be explored by Archaeologist, David Bannear in the annual lecture presented via livestream.

 

EUREKA SUNDAY

10am, Sunday, 6 December, Eureka Centre Facebook page.

Online videos will be presented online for the community day to engage children about the Eureka story, with a flag design and drawing class, and puppet show.