Eureka guide’s graphic storytelling awarded

THE Eureka Centre’s new visitor guide has won the information brochure category of the 2021 Museums Australasia Multimedia and Publications Design Awards.

Designed and illustrated by local creative Ben Sanders, the 18-page booklet was an initiative led by education and public programs officer Hermione Higgins, with informational content collaboratively produced by the broader Eureka Centre team.

The guide includes caricatures of iconic figures from the Eureka Stockade, like journalist Clara Seekamp, Governor of Victoria Charles Hotham, and rebellion leader Peter Lalor. The story is told from their point of view.

Sanders said he doesn’t often have the opportunity to work on Ballarat-centric projects, so has enjoyed his ongoing relationship with the Eureka Centre.

“The chance to recreate characters from Eureka times, bring them to life as cartoon characters and incorporate them all the way through the catalogue really appealed to me. It’s so much more than an ordinary booklet,” he said.

“I only live up the road from the Eureka Centre, so to do something about the history of my hometown was really fun.

“We’re now working on a kids’ version of the guide at the moment, which will be more interactive.”

The awarded visitor guide includes a timeline of key events, a map of the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park, and the birth countries of those involved in the rebellion.

It suggests readers take a deeper look at the Eureka story beyond the Centre’s exhibition, and the Eureka Flag.

Other relevant locations around Ballarat are noted on a separate map. The Ballarat Old Cemetery, Bakery Hill, the St Alipius Catholic Church, the Peter Lalor Statue, Ballarat Trades Hall, and Alfred Deakin Place are included.

Visit bit.ly/2SmGMtR for a digital version of the Eureka Centre visitor guide.