Eureka Day events set

AS the region gears up to mark the one-hundred and sixty-seventh anniversary of the Eureka Rebellion, the City of Ballarat has confirmed the official program of events for the milestone.

Eureka Day is set for Friday, 3 December with a commemorative morning service and breakfast set for 8.30am at the Eureka Centre.

“On Eureka Day, across the City of Ballarat, at Bakery Hill, at the Ballarat Old Cemetery, and at the site of the Eureka Stockade, people will gather to remember Eureka and those who died defending their rights or doing their duty,” said mayor Cr Daniel Moloney.

“I truly believe the events of 1854 at the Eureka Stockade propelled the development of the fair and open democratic Australian society we cherish today.

“The Eureka Stockade is of undeniable national importance, but it is also a beloved Ballarat foundation story that resides deep in our hearts.

On the evening of 3 December Goanna front man Shane Howard will deliver the Peter Tobin Oration and then will take to the stage at the Eureka Centre from 8pm to perform his show Rebel Songs.

Howard is the great-grandson of Eureka rebel Patrick Howard.

“This unique evening of story and song celebrates Shane’s ancestral connections and honours Eureka’s legacy,” Cr Moloney said.

The Peter Tobin Oration will also be livestreamed on the Eureka Centre’s Facebook page.

Tickets for both Shane Howard events are limited, visit the centre’s website for more details with tickets for the oration are available from 9am on 29 November.

Lastly, between 10am and 2pm on Sunday 5 December will see Eureka Community Day take place at the centre.

Along with hourly Eureka Flag events, there’ll be live music, free talks, activities and a sausage sizzle.