Eureka fountain springs back to life

AFTER more than a decade of absence, an icon of the city, the fountain Lake Penhalluriack has returned to life.

The project was championed by Eureka Stockade Memorial Park Association and follows work by the group improve the lake and Eureka Stockade Memorial Park as a whole.

“The association was established in 1912 and we’ve transformed this space from clay holes to the beautiful reserve you see here,” said Frank Williams, President of the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park committee.

“We beached the lake in 2000 and following that, removed all the willow trees. We put in a fountain and it was illuminated at night and became a real focal point for the whole community.

“Unfortunately, with a lack of maintenance that fountain fell into disrepair. The city have been enlightened to utilise a spare fountain they had up at Lake Wendouree, so they have installed that here to bring this lake back to its former glory.”

The new fountain will switch on at 8am each day and turn off at 10.30pm. It will also change colour, lighting up blue and white, inspired by the Southern Cross flag.

Mr Williams said the park held a significant place in Ballarat’s and the nation’s history.

“We see this as being the home of the Eureka Rebellion,” he said. “Some 34 people lost their lives on both sides.

“It was the only civil rebellion or insurrection in Australia’s history and as a consequence we believe we owe a duty to those fallen men.

“It’s also of symbolic importance for the fight for democracy which underpins everything that we stand for and the whole basis of our political system.”