Project for children’s home remembrance

THE City of Ballarat is working with a group of former residents of the Ballarat Orphanage to acknowledge 200 Victoria Street’s past.

Since the building’s opening in 1866, it was known as the Ballarat District Orphan Asylum, Ballarat Orphanage and Ballarat Children’s Home until it closed in 1983.

The facility then became a part of St Paul’s College and Damascus College, before being purchased by developers in 2011.

New plans have been released detailing a heritage interpretation to acknowledge the experiences of former residents.

“With the demise of most of the institutional buildings, public memory has faded,” said Frank Golding, former resident of Ballarat Orphanage.

“When former inmates take their children or grandchildren there is almost nothing to show them.

“This collaborative project will rectify that by commemorating the children’s experiences and honouring their vivid memories.”

Four sites have been identified for interpretative elements including Elm Reserve, Magnolia Reserve, the entrance to the toddlers’ block, which is now an early learning centre, and adjacent to the school room which is now a shopping centre.

Elements may include marbles displaying text and images from children in the school room, cubes showcasing children’s paintings, signage, archways and seating.

“As a community we have a responsibility to make sure that the people of 200 Victoria Street and their experiences are not forgotten,” said City of Ballarat mayor Cr Des Hudson.

“The designs for the site recognise the histories of the place, but also support connections for new residents and other users of the area.”