Herculean donation restores treasure

A WISH to give back to a community that has given him so much is the reason local philanthropist Richard Thege said he was prompted to donate a cool $240,000 to restore the treasured Statue of Hercules in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

The landmark contribution marks the first time a community member has funded the restoration of a significant statue in the city’s Public Art Collection, setting a powerful precedent.

To express its gratitude, the City of Ballarat last Thursday hosted a special event to thank Mr Thege for his extraordinary donation to conserve the historic Stoddart Collection in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

“I was horrified when I found out that Hercules was sitting in limbo in Melbourne,” Mr Thege said.

“I was a school bus and charter bus operator for 34 years and I’ve been very well supported for my work.”

City of Ballarat deputy mayor Cr Ben Taylor expressed the council’s deep appreciation for Mr Thege’s generosity.

“Richard’s donation is more than financial support, it is a powerful gesture of care and pride in our city,” Cr Taylor said.

“He has led the way with a first-of-its-kind act of support, and for that, we are truly grateful.”

The Stoddart Collection, gifted to Ballarat in 1884 by Thomas Stoddart, comprises 12 white marble statues sourced from Italy and placed on Sicilian marble pedestals and Victorian granite bases.

Among them, the statue of Hercules – crafted by artist Angelo Bertozzi – has long stood as a symbol of strength and endurance.

However, in early 2022 Hercules was in a critical state, with cracks threatening its structural integrity.

Thanks to Mr Thege’s donation, expert conservator Katie Smith and her team at ICS Conservations were able to restore the statue to its former glory.

“When I was told that the Stoddart Collection needed repair and Hercules was in a warehouse in Melbourne, I was happy to help,” Mr Thege said.

The restoration ensures Hercules will remain safe for another 150 years, allowing future generations to continue cherishing this beloved piece of Ballarat’s cultural heritage.

Cr Taylor said the Stoddart Collection was part of the fabric of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

“These statues are an extremely significant part of the gardens and the story of our city. Thanks to Richard’s contribution, Hercules once again stands proudly on his plinth, and the rest of the collection is being preserved for generations to come.”

The donation was facilitated by the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation, enabling the City of Ballarat to access the funds and commence the conservation works.

Mr Thege said the impact of this project extends beyond preservation, it reinforces civic pride and encourages community ownership of public art.

“The privilege of being able to fund the repair of the collection allows me to give back to a community that has given me so much,” he said.

To commemorate his generous donation, a plaque has been placed at the north edge of the Hercules garden bed, and Mr Thege’s contribution will also be acknowledged across the City of Ballarat’s digital platforms and printed materials, including the Public Art Walk Maps.