Typed account of the Red Ribbon Movement of 1853. It mentions the resentment of the miners paying thirty shillings a month (whether they found gold or not) for a licence to dig for gold, why they started wearing a red ribbon, their banner with the pick, shovel and cradle representing labour, the scales representing justice, the Roman bundle of sticks meaning unity and the kangaroo and emu of Australia. They had a meeting and due to common sense on both sides a conflict was averted.event, red ribbon movement 1853, william dexter, derby china factory, la trobe, 40th regiment, george thomson, captain harrison, captain brown, dr jones, w d c denovan, commissioner panton, commissioner wright, bendigo art gallery, bendigo trades hall, eureka stockade incident

In 1853, Bendigo Miners protested against the 30 shilling miners licence the had to pay the government. They wore red ribbons to show their protest and shopkeepers hung red ribbons outside their premises in support. Thousands of miners signed a petition to Governor LaTrobe to no avail. A protest gathering in Pall Mall marched to the Government camp on Camp Hill but this was a peaceful event again to no real avail.Typed notes on The Bendigo Petition and the Red Ribbon Movement. Amongst the petitioners were two women, Florence Foley and Sarah Williamson. Others include J H Abbott, Theodore Ballerstedt, Robert Benson, Captain Brown, W D C Denovan, William Froomes, Henry Holyoake, Doctor Jones, Frederick Ladbury and George Thomson. Also mentioned is how the petition was resolved. Further reading mentioned is: Frank Cusack's book 'A History of Bendigo entitled 'Red Ribbons in the Rain', and Geoff Hocking's book 'The Red Ribbon Rebellion - The Bendigo Petition, which contains names of those who signed the Petition. Written by the Bendigo Historical Society Inc.event, the bendigo petition and the red ribbon movement 1853, governor la trobe, florence foley, sarah williamson, j h abbott, theodore ballerstedt, robert benson, captain brown, w d c denovan, william froomes, henry holyoake, doctor jones, frederick ladbury, george thomson, george edward thomson, anti-license movement, sanders, william dixon campbell denovan, city of bendigo, back creek (bendigo) cemetery, white hills cemetery, joseph henry abbott, the diggers advocate, frank cusack, gold license fee, diggers' banner, william dexter, commissioner panton, commissioner wright, a history of bendigo, frank cusack, geoff hocking, the red ribbon rebellion - the bendigo petition, bendigo historical society inc

Typed notes titled 'a Hill and its Administration'. It mentions the Gold Commissioners, mining licences, Red Ribbon Movement, the buildings around Commissioner's Hill, corrupt police, the iron lock up and the log lock up.document, a hill and its administration, mr horn, captain dana, asst commissioner gilbert, commissioner cockburn, capt john urquart, asst commissioner panton, asst commissioner reid, asst comm j m clow, comm wright, captain bull, asst comm joseph anderson panton, red ribbon movement, governor latrobe, mr thomson, police commissioner mitchell, col valiant, queen victoria, eureka riot, lt finch, mt alexander mail sat 9 sept 1854, bendigo sports centre, post office, garden gully goldmine, high school, old supreme court, st jean's hill, volunteer rifle corp, vic volunteer cal regiment, vol cavalry, bendigo art gallery, a n a lodge, a n a hall, goldfield police, m'lachlan, fly bros, hustlers park mine, bendigo advertiser 15 january 1857, bendigo gaol

Paper - ''Commissioners'' by Gary Tremain Five pages handwritten paper; no date; title is written in with pencil at LH top of first page). References to earlier settlers - pioneers of Bendigo - Messrs Sherit, Heape, Grice, Lachlan MacKinnon, Colin MacKinnon, Donald MacKinnon, McCallum, Hodgkinson, Catto. Heading on first page - ''Five Years in Bendigo - The Establishment of Authority, 1851-1855. Reference to ; Goldfields Commission; Assistant Commissioner Horne; Captain Dana; George Gilbert; Cockburn; Chief Commissioner Wright; Captain Bull; ''digger hunting''; Joseph Panton; ''Red Ribbon Movement''; Chief Commissioner of Police, Mitchell; Lachlan McLachlan; Simon O'Neill; Sergeant Richards; Eureka; Commissioner Rede (in Ballarat).Gary Tremairbendigo, history, early bendigo, goldfields, red ribbon movement, mining of waste lands of the crown.

31-page spiral bound booklet by Pat Healy June 2023 'From Forest Creek to Eureka' How the Diggers of the 1850s Gold Rushes drove the developments of Democracy in Victoria. Includes colour images. Chapters include the Monster Meeting, Red Ribbon Movement in Bendigo, Eureka Stockade in Ballarat Published by Chewton Domain Society 2023gold rush, red ribbon agitation, eureka stockade

Document, Spying on the Goldfields by Ralph Birrell, Dissatisfaction over the licence issue that festered on the Victorian Goldfields during the early 1850s, might be said to have its genisis at Reid's Creek on the Ovens goldfield. Soon it spread to other fields and particularly to Bendigo Creek where in 1853 it found overt expression in protest meetings and in the formation of the Red Ribbon Movement. Published in the Victorian Historical Journal, Vol.66, No.1, June 1995.Ralph Birrelldocument, names of bendigo pioneers, bendigo

The discovery of gold in Victoria in 1851 initially overwhelmed the Colonial administration. Towns appeared almost overnight and it was challenging to keep law and order. To keep some control over the gold seekers and help pay for the administration of the goldfields, Lieutenant-Governor La Trobe introduced gold licences in September 1851. Miners paid 30 shillings per month (later reduced to £1 per month or £8 per year) for the right to dig a small ‘claim’, usually about eight feet square (2.4m²). Not surprisingly the licence system was unpopular. The licence was expensive – 30 shillings was a substantial sum for most diggers, who might spend months digging for gold without success. Resistance to the licence fee spread throughout the fields. A Miner’s Association was formed at Mount Alexander (Castlemaine) in December 1851 and at Bendigo in 1853 the Red Ribbon Rebellion was led by the Anti-Gold Licence Association. Diggers wore red ribbons in their hats as a sign of protest, refused to pay their licences and collected a ‘monster’ petition which was presented to Lieutenant-Governor La Trobe. The petition demanded immediate reform of government administration, a reduction in the licence fee, the right to vote and land reform (with poor returns from diggings, miners wanted affordable land on or near the goldfields). This proposal to commemorate a significant event in the history of Bendigo, is for the creation of a permanent installation in Bendigo that will commemorate the valour and integrity of the Bendigo diggers, who stood fast against the Government in the early days of protest on the Victorian diggings. Nine page photocopy of document titled: ' The Red Ribbon Rebellion & the Bendigo Petition. A proposal to commemorate a significant event in the history of Bendigo'. Contents includes a brief history of the Red Ribbon movement; description of the Digger's Banner; information on Governor LaTrobe; William Dixon Campbell Denovan and an outline of the proposed project to commemorate the event. The imposition of a license fee imposed upon the miners, by the Government of Victoria, cause a major agitation on the Bendigo diggings and the Anti-License League was born in Bendigo. Signatures were gathered for a petition: 'It is widely believed that more than 23,000 signatures had been gathered from diggers across all the nearby goldfields; most of those were said to have been lost in the McIvor Escort Robbery of 20 July 1853'. The proposal was prepared by Geoff Hocking in consultation with the Bendigo Historical Society and Jim Evans of the Red Ribbon Repertory Co.mining, sandhurst, red ribbon rebellion, agitation, denovan, latrobe, miners, license fee, diggers

The Red Ribbon Movement of 1853 represented a significant series of events in the history of Bendigo. During that year there was much agitation on the Bendigo gold fields, particularly during July and August of 1853, directed against the payment of what the miners called a tax - a licence fee of thirty shillings ($3) a month for the right to search for gold on what was declared Crown land. They had to pay the licence whether they found gold or not. The miners, or diggers as they were called, also resented the means used by the authorities at the time to collect the gold licence - through so-called 'digger hunts'. The miners were expected to carry their licences with them, and the police, who were often untrained, used harsh methods to check these licences. In Bendigo, the miners took to wearing a red ribbon ‘as a symbol of their protest against the licence. Red was a very common colour in items such as shirts, so was readily available. Shopkeepers too tied red ribbons to their premises as a sign of support for the miners. It should be remembered at that time virtually everyone was a miner. The diggers also had their own banner, designed by William Dexter, a china painter from Devon. This flag showed the pick, shovel and cradle representing labour, the scales representing justice, the Roman bundle of sticks meaning unity and the kangaroo and emu of Australia Many thousands of Bendigo miners signed a petition to La Trobe, the Governor of Victoria, protesting against the licence fee. When the Governor rejected the petition, thousands of diggers marched in peaceful protest. Miners from White Hills, Eaglehawk, Golden Square, Kangaroo Flat as well as from Bendigo Flat, converged on what is now Pall Mall and View Point, surrounding the ~government camp on Camp Hill. The camp had been reinforced with soldiers of the 40 Regiment, as the Government feared bloodshed. The miners then gathered on the hill behind View Point to hear from their leaders - among them George Thomson, Captain Harrison, Captain Brown and W.D.C. Denovan. They resolved to pay a token fee often shillings ($1) for the September licence, whenthey met with Commissioners Panton and Wright on Camp Hill. Although Wright and Panton were sympathetic to the miners, the offer was rejected, but no licence fees were collected for September. Thus a possible bloody conflict was averted by the common sense shown by the miners' leaders and the commissioners. It was a truly democratic protest against arbitrary government and preceded the Eureka Stockade Incident by over a year. Bendigo Historical Society Committee on a Tram, two photos, one of five people standing behind a display cabinet, and the second one a Banner stretched across the tram. On the rear of the photo is "L-R Jim Evans, Terry Davidson, Ron Monro." Second from left is Jim Evans (President) and fourth from the left is Terry Davidson, with extreme right, Ron Munro (Vice President). In the cabinet is the 1853 Bendigo Goldfields Petition (Red Ribbon Rebellion) The society holds the petition in digital form. The diggers had their own banner, designed by William Dexter, a china painter from Devon. This flag showed the pick, shovel and cradle representing labour, the scales representing justice, the Roman bundle of sticks meaning unity and the kangaroo and emu of Australia history, bendigo, tram, 1853 bendigo goldfields petition, red ribbon rebellions

Water is key to a thriving community and it is through the representation of water Flow enlivens the space at Bakery Hill. Historically ‘water races’ ran through the valleys of the Greater Ballarat area unearthing the minerals that forged prosperity and wealth. This water still flows today unearthing new possibilities for the community. Possibilities focusing on sustainability, ecology, health and prosperity. Flowing over the site a series of kinetic turbines flutter in the wind creating a contemporary water race. The interactive elements offer visual stimulation enticing people to connect with the artwork and in turn the surrounding spaces. Bakery Hill has great historical significance. It’s connection to the Eureka Stockade and the series of events that were to unfold during the 1850’s was to become the turning point in Australian political history. The placement of each turbine is to mirror a point of history in the timeline of events that occurred during the Eureka Stockade. The Water Race is a symbol of possibilities, the ones created by history and those of modern society. It is a visual timeline that can be read by traversing the site. The connecting turbines that flow and turn in sync are a representation of time passing and the interconnectedness of history with the community that surrounds it. The gateway to Bridge Mall is framed through the placement of each turbine allowing the sense of prosperity and wealth to flow through to the surrounding community. This gateway also references the significance of Bakery Hill reinvigorating the historical site by reconnecting it back to its town centre. The artwork is of aesthetic and historical significance to the people of BallaratTwelve steel turbines set on poles with dates attached and a large bronze 'timeline' plaqueFLOW/ Plotting the motion of Wind, Water, History and Time/ by Holly Grace and Aaron Robinson/ This site has great historical significance. It’s connection to the Eureka Stockade and the series of events that unfolded in the 1850’s was to become the turning point in Australian history. The placement of each turbine within this artwork mirrors a point of history in the events that led up to the Eureka Stockade. It is a visual timeline that can be read by traversing the site. The connecting turbines that flow and turn in sync are a representation of time passing. They are a symbol of the community’s connection to their history. 1851 June James Esmond makes the first discovery of gold in Victoria at Clunes./ 1st July The Port Phillip District separates from New South Wales and becomes the Colony of Victoria. It is still subject to British rule./ August Gold is discovered at Buninyong and at Golden Point, Ballarat. Lt-Governor La Trobe introduces the Gold Licence system in an attempt to reduce the colony’s debt./ 20th September First gold licences issued in Ballarat. / 1852 August/ Eureka Lead discovered on the Ballarat goldfields. December Charles La Trobe resigns as Lt-Governor but he is not relieved until 1854/ July – December/ Unrest builds on the various goldfields with protest meetings held in Bendigo and Castlemaine. Bendigo’s Red Ribbon Movement is active on the goldfields and the Bendigo Petition is presented to Lt-Governor./ December/ Charles Hotham is appointed Lt-Governor/ 1854 March/ A bill to extend the Elective Franchise is passed by the Legislative Council and sent to London for the assent of the British Parliament. 22nd June/ Lt-Governor Sir Charles Hotham arrives in Victoria. The colony faces mounting debt and Hotham orders weekly licence hunts in an attempt to increase income./ August/ Hotham is acclaimed during his visit to the Ballarat goldfield./ 13th September? Hotham orders twice-weekly licence hunts to further increase revenue./ September – October/ Miners are experiencing problems – no shafts bottomed on the Eureka Lead for five weeks./ 7th October/ James Scobie is murdered outside the Eureka Hotel. Many diggers believe that publican James Bentley is responsible./ 9th October/ At Scobie’s inquest, Bentley is acquitted, despite strong evidence of his guilt./ 10th October/ Father Smythe’s servant is beaten up by authorities and falsely arrested for not holding a licence./ 15th October/ Mass meeting of miners on Bakery Hill. Catholic miners meet after Mass. // 17th October/ A meeting of up to 10,000 Diggers is held near the Eureka Hotel to protest against Bentley’s acquittal. The meeting results in the burning of the hotel. Three diggers, Westerby, Fletcher and McIntyre, are arrested. Hotham dispatches 400 soldiers to Ballarat. 22nd October/ Another large meeting is held to address grievances. The Catholics send their leaders, Hayes, Kennedy and Manning to meet Rede. The Government Camp is under siege 11th November/ A public meeting on Bakery Hill results in the formal establishment of the Ballarat Reform League and adoption of the League’s proposals./ 21st November/ The enquiry into the Bentley affair is published. It recommends the dismissal of the judge and the establishment of a Royal Commission. 23rd November/ Westerby, Fletcher and McIntyre are convicted of burning the hotel. The Ballarat Reform League demands their release. 27th November/ A deputation from The Ballarat Reform League, including Humffray, Black and Kennedy, meet with Hotham to demand the release of the three prisoners. Hotham does not believe the diggers have the right to “demand anything”, Rede requests reinforcements in Ballarat. 28th November/ Miners attack the troop reinforcements and wagons passing near the Eureka diggings. A drummer boy is seriously wounded. 29th November/ A “Monster Meeting” attended by more than 10,000 diggers is held on Bakery Hill. The Southern Cross flag is flown for the first time. Peter Lalor addresses the miners and a number of diggers burn their licences. 30th November/ A licence hunt occurs in the morning at the order of Commissioner Rede. Another meeting of radical miners is held on Bakery Hill. Peter Lalor becomes leader of the diggers and calls for volunteers. Many diggers wear an oath to defend their rights and liberties under the Southern Cross flag. A number of diggers move to the Eureka Lead and start to erect a stockade. 3rd December In the early hours of Sunday morning 296 soldiers and police led by Captain Thomas proceed from the Government Camp to the Eureka Lead and attack the Stockade. 22 diggers and 7 military are officially listed as being killed. Many others are wounded. Approximately 120 diggers are arrested and marched to the Government Camp. 4th December/ Funeral of some of the fallen diggers and soldiers. Martial Law is proclaimed in Ballarat. Henry Seekamp, editor of the Ballarat Times is charged with seditious libel. 6th December/ Major General Sir Robert Nickle, commander-in-chief of the military forces in the Australian colonies, arrives in Ballarat. 9th December/ General Nickle repeals martial law. 14th December/ The Gold Fields Commission sits for the first time. 18th December/ The first Ballarat sitting of the Gold Fields Commission is held at Bath’s Hotel. 1855 23rd January/ Henry Seekamp is found guilt of sedition and sentenced to three months in prison. 22nd February/ The Eureka trials starts in Melbourne. February to March/ 13 prisoners are tried and acquitted amid great public rejoicing. 27th March Report of the Royal Commission recommends miners’ rights and significant reforms. 10th November/ Peter Lalor and John Basson Humffray are nominated for seats in the legislative Council. 31st December Sir Charles Hotham dies before his resignation takes effect. flow, aaron robinson, holly grace, public art, eureka stockade, bakery hill

Sixteen colour photographs of Red Ribbon Re-enactment performed by members of the Bendigo Historical Society and students from Bendigo schools. Re-enactment started in Rosalind Park, near plaque commemorating the movement and proceeded through the Park to a point outside the Bendigo Art Gallery. Photos show various stages of the re-enactment and participants including Jim Evans, Norm Harris, Phyllis Harris.bendigo, history, red ribbon agitation

Twenty four colour photographs of Red Ribbon Re-enactment performed by members of the Bendigo Historical Society and students from Bendigo schools. Re-enactment started in Rosalind Park, near plaque commemorating the movement and proceeded through the Park to a point outside the Bendigo Art Gallery. Photos show various stages of the re-enactment and participants including Jim Evans, Norm Harris, Phyllis Harris.bendigo, history, red ribbon agitation