Eureka Graves Display: Ballarat Old Cemetery

Ballaarat Old Cemetery is the site for the burial and commemoration of those who died – on both sides – at the battle of Eureka, 3rd December 1854. The Eureka story and that of life and death on the Victorian goldfields is presented in a series of seven wall-mounted sign panels within the Cemetery’s gatehouse.

The scope of this project included consultation with the steering committee, research, copy writing, sourcing of photographs and obtaining clearances, the design, documentation and specification of the sign panels, and obtaining production quotes and organising delivery.

The themes for each of the panels were discussed at meetings with the steering committee, each of whom also helped with sourcing the stories and images:
• Ballaarat Old Cemetery (Gazetted 1856)
• Funeral Customs (of the late 1800’s)
• The Eureka Story (Justice vs The Law)
• The Eureka Monuments (Dedicated to the Fallen)
• The People of Eureka (Myth, poverty and public office)
• Multi-culturalism (on the Goldfields)
• Ballarat Notables (Famous sons and daughters of Ballarat).

As the gatehouse is unattended, the display uses wall-fixed enamelled steel panels for vandal resistance and ease of maintenance.