Thanks to the City of Ballarat my poetry was recently chosen to be published on four park benches in a newly created park on Little Bridge St. It's encouraging to see my city using poetry in such a public way. The park itself is a humble one, which suits these little poems perfectly. If you're ever in town come and take a seat for a while.

The poem Little Bridge by Nathan Curnow was commissioned as part of a placemaking project in Little Bridge Street Pocket Park, Ballarat in 2018. The Park was redesigned to include more passive surveillance, and improved amenity to increase community safety in the area. The poem is engraved onto seating to provide a rest and point of interest space in the small park.

six seats featuring an engraved poem

poetry, little bridge street, ballarat

Old uncle is standing on the mountainside watching over the modern-day empires built on Aboriginal land shaking his head, saying: “they are doing it again, every empire has a rise and fall”. It’s something that has never been learnt over time. — Josh Muir

Josh Muir’s work, Roots, was the first temporary artwork to be installed on the Gallery Annex Wall on the approach to Alfred Deakin Place, Police Lane in Ballarat Central. The space is an important site to host this work given that Alfred Deakin Place is commonly used as a place of discussion, engagement, protest and performance.

Temporary artwork - printed vinyl application to concrete wall

elder, aboriginal and torres strait islander

Whilst my main focus for the artwork design was on the Hotels on Main Road, I felt there was an opportunity to tell a broader story of Main Rd and combine/include some interesting pieces of information from many stages of the history of Main Road. Considering that at one point in time there would have been at more than six hotels in this very short section of street….there’s no doubt Main Rd was an epicentre of communication and festivities for the Goldfields of Ballarat. “No matter what luck he had, every miner needed supplies, food and something to entertain him when he was not searching for gold.” Described as being an overcrowded jumble of muddy streets loosely arranged around mining camps...and loud, muddy, colourful and sometimes illicit. I wanted the artwork composition to consist of overlapping images and text to reflect this sense of hustle and bustle.

Main Road Mural tells the broader story of the history of Main Road in Ballarat. In 2018, the City of Ballarat commissioned local Ballarat artist Travis Price to create an artwork to align with the Main Road Revitalisation Project and deliver a key component of the storytelling (heritage interpretation) project that spans the length of the shopping precinct. The artwork is featured on a prominent site in the shopping precinct of main road and tells the story of Main Road through depicting key timeline events. Main Road, as its name suggests, was one of the main entries to the mining areas of East Ballarat. It had several names: Main Street before 1858, Plank Road between 1858 and 1868 and Main Road from 1868 onwards. The centre of mining life, it was crowded, prosperous, raucous and dirty.

Painted mural on shop wall in Main Road, Ballarat

main road history, ballarat hotels, gold fever, wadawurrung, kulin nation

This depiction of Major George Devine Treloar (1884-1980) by artist Lis Johnson was commissioned by the George Devine Treloar Memorial Committee an initiative of Merimna Kynon of Oceania, Central Portian Pontion Association of Melbourne and Victoria Pontiaki Estiaâ and the City of Ballarat. Treloar was appointed as the League of Nations Commissioner for Refugees in Greece in 1922 where he worked to provide food, aid and comfort to what would eventually total over 100,000 refugees from the collapsing Ottoman Empire. This memorial grew from the desire of the descendants of refugees to honour his memory and his humanitarian work.

Bronze statue of George Treloar and a child on granite plinth

Front: Major George Devine Treloar (Born Ballarat 1884 - Died Dalkeith 1980) Artist: Lis Johnson Commissioned by the George Devine Treloar Memorial Committee an initiative of Merimna Kynon of Oceania, Central Portian Pontion Association of Melbourne and Victoria ‘Pontiaki Estia’ and the City of Ballarat. Unveiled by Ballarat Mayor Councillor Samantha McIntosh on 8 September 2019 His glory lies not in the earth, but in the hearts of men (After Thucydides, 460-395 BCE) Back: Ballarat’s George Devine Treloar – Soldier and Refugee Helper Born in 1884, George Devine Treloar the son of Jane and Thomas Treloar, grew up in Ballarat attending St Patrick’s College. Treloar began his military career by joining the British Army during WWI and transferred to the elite Coldstream Guards where his bravery earnt him the Distinguished Service Order and Military Cross. Treloar was appointed as the League of Nations Commissioner for Refugees in Greece in 1922 where he worked tirelessly – with his wife and family – to provide food, aid and comfort to what would eventually total over 100,000 refugees from the collapsing Ottoman Empire. Based in the town of Komotini and then Thessaloniki, he created new villages to accommodate refugees. For his efforts Treloar would earn the praises of those he had helped. One of the new towns he had helped create was named in his honor – Thrylorion. He was awarded the Greek Gold Cross of the Order of the Redeemer in 1923. This memorial grew from the desire of the descendants of refugees assisted by Major George Devine Treloar in Greece to honor his memory. Without his help their ancestors would not have survived, making their way from across the former Ottoman Empire, from Pontus and Asia Minor to Australia. Here in the town of his birth stands his memorial, dedicated to his memory and good works, created by the people of Ballarat and the descendants of the refugees he saved.

treloar, george devine, refugee, asia minor

Murrup Laarr translates as 'Ancestral Stones' in Wadawurrung. This artwork by Dr Deanne Gilson is located in the North Gardens Indigenous Sculpture Park. The park is a significant project for the City of Ballarat and features works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, celebrating the richness and diversity of culture and telling important cultural stories. Dr Deanne Gilson is a Wadawarrung Traditional Custodian and established artist. She installed the first artwork commissioned by the City of Ballarat for the Sculpture Park in early 2019. Murrup Laarr is a contemporary artwork consisting of a traditionally-built stone hut in the middle of a circle of basalt standing stones, marked with ceramic plates reflecting the stories and symbols of dreaming, memory, ceremony.

The artwork is of aesthetic and cultural, social and spiritual significance to the people of Ballarat and to Wadawurrung people

A traditional hut made from river stone and stacked rocks, with the hut surrounded by large basalt rocks with plaques featuring unique designs on stoneware plates imbedded into them.

Murrup Laarr (Ancestral Stones), 2019 / By Deanne Gilson / Wadawurrung people have always used stones to mark places of ceremony and important business. The stones are the holders of memory and knowledge, Country and Spirit. They mark the cosmos and seasons. They follow the sun, marking the summer and winter solstice, important dates for planting and harvesting and telling stories of past, present and future. / The stones are alive and still present. Murrup Laar has been created using local basalt stones to tell Wadawurrung stories of dreaming, memory and ceremony. / “Creating Murrup Laarr (Ancestral Stones) at this time has placed Aboriginal people and practices back on Country and created a place to tell our stories. I am very honoured to have had this opportunity. An Aboriginal stone circle existed in Ballarat pre-colonisation; by putting back what was lost throughout colonisation I pay homage to my ancestors, past, present and emerging”/ – Deanne Gilson, March 2019

murrup laarr, wadawurrung

Incidents in Time consists of a number of small, whimsical artworks tucked in to the small nooks and crannies that are a feature of Time Lane. This laneway was once a narrow watchmakers shopfront that ran the entire length of the lane and was packed with the accoutrements of a busy 19th Century store. The tiny works are miniature landscapes depicting moments in time, from the banal, to the sublime, to the strange. They spill out onto the laneway and are a treasure hunt for the audience of shoppers and passers-by.

Incidents in Time is of aesthetic significance to the people of Ballarat

Small cast metal forms installed into brick walls of Time Lane, Ballarat

Small cast bronze panels with titles of each vignette

A grand cement rendered masonry structure of a single central arch flanked by wide piers 20metres in width, spanning the roadway, and 18 metres high. Crowned by the 'Rising Sun' symbol of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces beneath which the words Avenue of Honour and Victory are written prominently across the arch. Erected in 1920, the Arch marks the beginning of s 22 kilometre stretch of 3728 trees, each one a memorial to men and women in order of enlistment for World War 1. On 2 June 1920, the Prince of Wales opened the Arch and was presented with a pair of silk pyjamas embroidered with Australian emblems. Each of the 500 'Lucas Girls' had put in a stich. The Arch of Victory, located at the entrance to the Avenue of Honour Ballarat, was erected in 1920 as a memorial to the people of the Ballarat and the surrounding district who enlisted in World War I. The Avenue of Honour, with the Arch of Victory, was officially opened by the Prince of Wales on 3rd June 1920. The single central arch is flanked by wide piers 20 metres in width, spanning the roadway, and 18metres high.

The monument is of historical significance to the people of Ballarat

Cement rendered masonry arch structure

Crowned by the 'Rising Sun' symbol of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces beneath which the words Avenue of Honour and Victory are written prominently across the arch.

arch of victory, avenue of honour ballarat, australian commonwealth military forces, world war i, prince of wales, lucas girls

Point to Sky is one of Akio Makigawa’s final works, the commission was completed posthumously. It is the only public artwork by the celebrated Australian-Japanese sculptor of this scale located in regional Victoria. You will see two stainless steel forms, a smaller more rectangle form and the towering geometric form, with seed pod shapes at the peak. These forms represent the house, the artist is expressing that home is a shelter and also a place for gathering. The house form grows into a tower to symbolise the achievements of mankind and the action taken to protect the rights of the community during the Eureka Stockade. The top seed pod is gold, referencing Ballarat as the centre of the gold rush in Victoria, as well as representing the sun as the source of life. The paving of the forecourt was designed in bluestone, typical of the work of Makigawa.

Stainless steel panelling and shaping on armature. Set into raised platform of bluestone pavers.

point to sky, akio makigawa, modern, australian sculpture

The Pioneer Miners’ Monument marks the very first finding of gold at Poverty Point in 1851. The quartz structure features a replica of the 62.8kg Welcome Nugget – the world’s largest at the time, found in Ballarat in 1858. The original was once displayed, and local mothers would sit their babies on top for luck. The artwork tells the story of gold discovery with plaques and dates of some of the more famous gold nuggets finds in Ballarat and is a reminder that these gold discoveries changed the world for Australians.

The monument is of aesthetic and historical significance to the people of Ballarat

Fitted copper miniature poppet head set atop a rough made plinth in Quartz and concrete mortar. A copy of the Welcome Nugget (Ballarat) is affixed to the front of the memorial. Includes several plaques listing the nuggets, the companies involved, the shop that paid for the last repair.

THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED/ BY THE BALLARAT HISTORICAL/ SOCIETY TO COMMEMORATE THE/ FINDING OF GOLD AT POVERTY/ POINT 21ST AUGUST 1851 AND IS/ DEDECATED TO THE MEMORY OF/ PIONEER MINERS OF BALLARAT

gold, ballaraat, gold rush

This fountain was created as the result of a bequest from Ballarat businessman Carsten Heinrich Petersen who was killed at the age of eighty-five years when crossing Sturt Street opposite the Base Hospital. On the other side of the street were three brick shops which he owned. The fountain has four bronze frog water spouts beneath four marble stork spouts. Above the top bowl is another stork in bronze with its wings spread and water issues from its outstretched beak. The Petersen Fountain has been restored many times, first in 1977 with funds provided by the Rotary Club of Ballarat South. In 1989 further restoration works were completed to replace bronze frogs and a brass and copper stork made by Ballarat craftsman Lloyd Lusk to replace the original bird which was stolen and never recovered. The second stork was also stolen on the 3rd of August 1983 and further repairs of the fountain were carried out in 1993.

The artwork is of historical and aesthetic significance to the people of Ballarat.

The Petersen Fountain is carved marble, features storks carved into its base and the faces of cherubs in the bowl. It has a copper crane perched at the top and bronze frogs surrounding that spray water. The fountain stands on a granite base.

PRESENTED/ BY/ C.H. PETERSEN/ BORN IN DENMARK 2nd MARCH 1836/ DIED BALLAARAT 9 FEBRUARY 1922

petersen fountain

Mother Earth was created by modernist era sculptor George Allen. It is located in the western median strip at the intersection of Sturt and Raglan Streets. Made from Hawksbury stone on a granite base, the sculptor has created a female figure as the centrepiece, with two reliefs figures at the front and rear depicting a miner and a farmer. The work was created in commemoration of Mr Frank Pinkerton, an esteemed local lawyer in Ballarat. George Allen won the commission to design and execute the Pinkerton Statue in open competition in 1949. The statue is a significant work of one of Victoria's leading sculptors of the mid twentieth century, and controversy at the time surrounding its installation reflects the general attitude of the period to progressive public sculpture.

Mother Earth was classified as regionally significant by the National Trust in 2003. The statement of significance below ha been provided by the National Trust, Victoria: The Pinkerton Statue by George Allen is of a simplified female figure which symbolises 'Earth', with smaller figures representing Mining and Agriculture carved in bas-relief at its base. The statue is carved in Hawkesbury Freestone and mounted on a granite plinth. It is located in a prominent position in central Ballarat. The statue in commemoration of Mr. Frank Pinkerton, an esteemed local lawyer, erected in Ballarat in 1952 is significant for aesthetic and social reasons at a Regional level. The statue is a significant example of the work of one of Victoria's leading sculptors of the mid twentieth century, and the controversy at the time surrounding its installation reflects the general attitude of the period to progressive public sculptures. George Allen won the commission to design and execute the Pinkerton Statue in open competition in 1949 against a large group of his peers. Following this. Allen was again successful in another major competition to design the National War Memorial for the Forecourt of the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne in 1951. Allen chose to work in a 'symbolic' manner using simplified forms with little detail, and relying on the strength of composition, 'boldness of statement' and the consideration of material for impact. Because of its lack of realism the Pinkerton Statue engendered much controversy, particularly within the popular press at the time, although it was generally appreciated in artistic circles. Allen had travelled extensively in Europe in the late 1930's, but his work mainly reflected influences from early modem sculptors in the United Kingdom such as Frank Dobson and Eric Gill. The Pinkerton Statue was the first example of modem sculpture to be erected in Ballarat and is an excellent example Allen's own work and the changing artistic culture of the period. Allen himself said that it reflected the "spirit of the time".

A large Hawkesbury Freestone statue of a female figure and smaller figures representing Mining and Agriculture carved in bas-relief at its base. The statue is mounted on a granite plinth.

CENTRAL FIGURE EARTH EMERGING FROM RELIEF FIGURES REPRESENTING THE INDUSTRIES OF MINING AND AGRICULTURE.

pinkerton, mother earth

The bronze statue of a horse commemorates poet and horseman Adam Lindsay Gordon and the horses and mules killed during WWI. The statue depicts a horse going into battle known as a 'charger' mounted on a base of Warrenheip granite. During World War II the artist, Raymond Ewers was made an official war artist with the rank of lieutenant. Funds were raised from visitors to the Adam Lindsay Gordon cottage for the artwork which was unveiled on the centenary of the poet's arrival in Ballarat. Adam Lindsay Gordon the English born Australian poet spent some time in Ballarat, at one stage owning and running Craig's Stables in the city. He was not a very good businessman and his ventures left him in financial ruin. However his ballads and poems were recognized around the world as strong lines that told the story of the Australian bush. He is the only Australian Poet to be memorialized in Westminster Abbey, UK. The Queen quoted his work in 1992 Queens message..."Kindness in another's trouble, courage in one's own.."

The artwork is of historic and aesthetic significance to the people of Ballarat

Bronze horse on granite plinth

ERECTED BY/ THE ADAM LINDSAY GORDON SOCIETY/ TO MARK THE CENTENARY OF/ THE POET'S LIVING IN BALLAARAT,/ ALSO AS A MEMORIAL TO THE 958,600 HORSES AND MULES/ KILLED IN THE FIRST WORLD WAR/ INCLUDING 196,000/ THAT LEFT THESE SHORES NEVR TO RETURN./ "THE LAY OF THE LAST CHARGER"/ FORWARD, THE TRUMPETS WERE SOUNDING THE CHARGE./ THE ROLL OF THE KETTLEDRUM RAPIDLY RAN/ THAT MUSIC, LIKE WILDFIRE SPREADING AT LARGE/ MADDEN'D THE WAR HORSE AS WELL AS THE MAN./ WHERE ARE THEY? THE WAR-STEEDS WHO SHARED IN OUR GLORY/ THE "LANERCOST" COLT AND THE "ACROBAT" MARE,/ AND THE IRISH DIVISION "KATE KEARNEY" AND "RORY" AND RUSHING "ROSCOMMON" AND EAGER "KILDARE"./ WE TOO, SPRUNG FROM THE LOINS OF ISHMAELITE STALLIONS,/ THE RENDERING OF BLACKTHORNS AND RATTLE OF RAILS./ AND WHAT THEN? THE COLOURS REVERSED, THE DRUMS, MUFFLED/ THE BACK NODDING PLUMES, THE DEAD MARCH AND THE PALL/ THE STERN FACES, SOLDIER-LIKE SILENT UNRUFFLED,/ THE SLOW SACRED MUSIC THAT FLOATS OVER ALL/ BY A.L. GORDON/ UNVEILED BY/ HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR OF BALLAARAT,/ CR. M.J.BROWN/ 1969/ PRESIDENT CR.W.E.ROOF C.B.E. SECRETARY P. ABSOY. ESQ.

horse statue, adam lindsay gordon horse statue

The Ballarat Cenotaph commemorates those who died in service or were killed in action in WWI and WWI. The cenotaph was unveiled by the Governor, Sir Dallas Brooks on the 24th November 1949 in front of a crowd estimated to be between 3000 and 4000 people. It was made possible through donations bolstered by an ANZAC Day radio appeal.

The Ballarat Centotaph is of historical significance to the people of Ballarat

Sandstone obelisk with inscribed lettering and bronze decorative elements attached to two sides and copper cap at the top of the memorial.

OUR GLORIOUS DEAD

cenotaph, our glorious dead

Eternal Flame was created by Ballarat sculptor Peter Blizzard as a marker of the end of WWII in the Pacific. Engraved into the bluestone shaped tile across the base of the statue is details about conflict areas where Australian Troops were active. The metal structure mimics a moving flame with it's polished golden hue, a feature included in many war memorials around the world. Peter Blizzard also designed the Prisoner of War Memorial in the South Gardens, Ballarat Botanic Gardens. The metal structure mimics the moving flame of polished golden hue that is present in war memorials around the world.

Eternal flame is aesthetically and historically significant to the people of Ballarat

Metal construction on bluestone tile base

Conflict areas for Australian Troops are engraved into bluestone shaped tile across the base of the statue.

eternal flame, world war ii, conflict, peter blizzard, australian sculpture

The Peter Lalor statue by Thomas Nelson McLean is said to be a striking likeness of Lalor who is remembered as the leader of the Eureka Rebellion. The artist has depicted Lalor’s missing arm which he lost in the Rebellion efforts on of 3rd December 1854 and 4 bronze relief panels depict major events in Lalor`s life including his involvement at Eureka and in Parliament, where he served as the Speaker of the House. The cast bronze statue stands at a grand scale of 3 meters high and is mounted on a pedestal of polished Aberdeen granite. The statue was gifted to the citizens of Ballarat by James Oddie, who founded a number of Ballarat institutions and was the first chairman of the municipality. It was unveiled by then Premier of Victoria Duncan Gillies on 26 January 1883 to a cheering crowd reported to be in the thousands. The commission cost £2,200. The sculpture was unveiled by then Premier of Victoria Duncan Gillies on 26 January 1983 to a cheering crowd reported to be in the thousands, such was the popularity of Lalor and the appreciation of Eureka rebellion efforts.

The statue is of historic and aesthetic significance to the people of Ballarat

The cast bronze statue of Peter Lalor stands 3 meters high and is mounted on a pedestal of polished Aberdeen granite

Names of rebellion dead. Artist signature on bronze base.

peter lalor, eureka rebellion, eureka, ballarat

Lest We Forget is a contemporary and crisp treatment, marking the sacrifices of Australian forces involved in the conflicts of South East Asia, including the Korean War 1950-53, the Malayan Emergency 1950-60, the Borneo Uprising 1962-64 and the Vietnam War 1962-72. A plaque was added in 2006 by the Victorian Vietnam Veterans Community in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

The memorial is of historic significance to the people of Ballarat

Lest We Forget is a contemporary and crisp treatment, marking the sacrifices of Australian forces involved in the conflicts of South East Asia, including the Korean War 1950-53, the Malayan Emergency 1950-60, the Borneo Uprising 1962-64 and the Vietnam War 1962-72. A plaque was added in 2006 by the Victorian Vietnam Veterans Community in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

Lest We Forget/ Korea/ Malaya/ Borneo/ Vietnam

korean war, malayan emergency, borneo uprising, vietnam war, battle of long tan, war history, ballarat

Leading surgeon and academic Sir Albert Coates (1895-1977) is one of Ballarat's most celebrated sons. A medical orderly during WWI, he returned home to become a pioneering neurosurgeon. A medical man in the worst of circumstances, Coates is often mentioned for his compassion and care in his role as a doctor in the Burma-Siam Railway POW camps. The bronze statue by Louis Laumen captures his down-to-earth nature. Laumen is a Melbourne sculptor who has completed many commissioned bronze public artworks around Australia.

The statue is of aesthetic and historic significance to the people of Ballarat

Bronze figure mounted on granite, amid garden plantings and plaques.

Inscription details the life of Albert Coates.

albert coates, medicine, pow camps

Harold Edward 'Pompey' Elliot was first and foremost a soldier. Schooled in Ballarat, he spoke often of his love of battle, and the sheer beauty of the fighting troops. This contemporary bronze sculpture has detailed elements of the uniform and posture of the military of the time and stance of a man sure of his own strength and willing to command in the harshest of conditions. Signed by the artist along the sword scabbard. Stamp of foundry marking on the boot edging. The four plaques surround the sculpture and plinth detail part of the story of the Major-General and Senator.

The memorial is of historic and aesthetic significance to the people of Ballarat

Bronze soldier statue of General Harold Edward "Pompey" Elliott on bluestone & granite base.

Signed by the artist along the sword scabbard. Stamp of foundry marking on the boot edging. Four plaques surround the sculpture and plinth. Each is mounted and details part of the story of the Major-General and Senator.

pompey elliott

The Dunstan Memorial is a minimal form of rough-cut bluestone and sheet granite in memory of Ballarat born soldier, William Dunstan, who served with honour in Gallipoli, WWI. His unit successfully defended a post despite being seriously wounded. He and one mate were the only survivors of the 10 men defending the trench and all were awarded the Victoria Cross. Following the war Dunstan worked as manager and director of the Herald and Weekly Times.

The memorial is of historical significance to the people Ballarat

This is a minimal form of rough-cut bluestone and sheet granite in memory of Ballarat born soldier who served with honor in Gallipoli. His unit successfully defended a post despite being seriously wounded. He and one mate were the only survivors of the 10 men defending the trench and all were awarded the Victoria Cross.

In honour of William Dunstan, VC 1895-1957. William Dunstan was born in Ballarat East and educated at Golden Point State School. Shortly after the outbreak of the First World War, 19 year old Dunstan enlisted in the 7th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st Division of the Australian Imperial Forces. Within 3 weeks he was posted to Gallipoli and was immediately embroiled in the Battle of Lone Pine. Early on the morning of 9th August, 1915, Dunstan and 10 other men were defending a trench captured from the Turks. The enemy launched repeated counter attacks and suffered heavy casualties. Only 3 surviving Australians remained and were rebuilding the blown-up barricade of sandbags when the Turks launched a final vicious assault to regain the trench. Struggling to defend their position, the three Australians resorted to catching the Turkish hand bombs and throwing them back at the enemy or smothering those that landed with Turkish great-coats. Hand bombs killed a 10th defender and wounded both Dunstan and his only remaining companion. Again the Turks were driven back and this time the two wounded Australians were left alone until later relieved and hospitalised. As a result of the intensity of the fighting and the tenacity of the 3 defenders, each was awarded Victoria Crosses for their most conspicuous bravery. Following the war, Dunstan enjoyed a successful career to become the Managing Director of the Herald and Weekly Times. He died in Melbourne aged 62 and is remembered with respect by the citizens of Ballarat.

first world war, wwi, william dunstan, conflict, war

This bronze sculpture of King George V was created to commemorate the King’s 25th year on the throne. It shows the King wearing the full robes of the Order of the Garter. Sculptor Victor Greenhalgh modelled the artwork in Ballarat and sent in to Italy for casting in bronze. The work is set on bluestone with a granite backdrop and features a drinking fountain and a seat.

This monument is of historical and aesthetic significance to the people of Ballarat

Bronze sculpture of King George V set on bluestone with a granite backdrop and features a drinking fountain and a seat.

George V 1910-1936. Signed by the Artist.

kind george v

This statue of Hebe standing tall in Sturt Street is a religious reference to the youth. She holds aloft the cup of youth while the flask or jug of knowledge hangs in her fallen arm. Both Hebe and Ruth as iconic figures face each other across their garden beds forming a part of the sculptural vista of Sturt St. Hebe, Greek Goddess of Youth and the biblical figure Ruth, were the gift of wealthy local benefactor John Permewan, who owned carrier firm Permewan & Wright. He commissioned Charles Summers to sculpt both of the women figures.

The artwork is of aesthetic and historical significance to the people of Ballarat.

Marble sculptural depiction of the Greek goddess Hebe

Presented to The City Council of Ballaarat by John Permewan J.P. 1899/ Unveiled 3 April 1889. / This wealthy gentleman of the firm of carriers Permewan & Wright, was also an investor.

hebe

Statue of Ruth is a religious reference to the harvest and to the importance of motherhood. Ruth was sculpted by Charles Summers a central figure in Australian art from the mid 19th Century. Summers was a founder of the Victorian Society of Fine Arts in 1856 and in 1863 he became a member of the commission of inquiry into the promotion of the fine arts in Victoria. He created many portraits and busts and is known for his bronze depiction of Burke and Wills in Melbourne

The sculpture is of historic and aesthetic significance to the people of Ballarat

Marble sculptural depiction of the biblical figure Ruth

Presented to the City of Ballaarat by the following citizens./ H F Elliot Mayor/ The Hon E Morey MLC/ Cr C B Retallack/ Cr J Heinz/ Cr C C Shoppee/ J N Wilson/ T Stoddart/

ruth, harvest

Irish poet and balladeer Thomas Moore, best-known for penning The Minstrel Boy and The Last Rose of Summer, is honored in this statue prominently located in Sturt Street created by sculptor George Grant from white Carrara marble. George Grant was trained at the School of Art associated with the National Gallery of Victoria, apparently in the 1880s, and then worked as an artist, specialist house painter, and banner artist. Several of his paintings are held by the Ballarat Art Gallery. Moore`s writings range from lyric to satire, from prose romance to history and biography. His popular "Irish Melodies" appeared in ten parts between 1807 and 1835. Moore was a good musician and skillful writer of songs, which he set to Irish tunes, mainly of the 18th century.

This statue is of historic and aesthetic significance to the people of Ballarat.

Marble statue of Thomas Moore above a large sandstone pillar

West: Presented to the City Council of Ballaarat by the following citizens: H.F. Elliot, The Honorable E. Morey M.L.C., Cr C.R. Retallick, Cr J. Heinz. South: R.S. Mitchell, P. Papenhagen, T. Elliot, J. Snow, G.K. Coutts, C. Bailey, J.J. Goller & Co, W.E. Ballhausen, G. Thompson, W.H. Figgis. North: S. Seward, F.G. Haymes, Craig Williamson, R. Giddings, G. Berry, R. Inge, J.A. Pittard, L. Lederman, H. Bremer, D. Jones.

thomas moore

In memorial of Her Majesty Queen Victoria. Presented by the Women's Christian Temperance Union of the city of Ballarat. J. J. Brokenshire, Mayor, 24th May, 1902. The fountain is appropriately situated in Queen Victoria Square, and immediately behind the statue of the late Queen in Sturt Street.

Of historic and aesthetic significance of the people of Ballarat

Two children carved in white marble atop a tall granite base.

For God. Home and Humanity. In Memoriam Her Late Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria presented by the Woman's Christian Temperance Union to the City of Ballarat J.J. Brokenshire, Mayor 24th May 1902.

queen victoria, women's christian temperance union

The Queen Victoria Monument by Australian Sculptor Sir Bertam MacKennal has a granite plinth with 4 bronze picture plates and granite bowl. The work was once a drinking fountain with decorative bronze spouts and taps set into the columned granite base. Queen Victoria died 22 January 1901, this work was commissioned and gifted to the City of Ballarat by the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. This work marked the end of her long reign on the English throne and as Empress of the British Empire including Australia. This magnificent statue commemorates the reign of Queen Victoria (1837 - 1901), and is located in Sturt Street, Ballarat, just outside the Town Hall.

Listed on the Victorian Heritage Database (B7272), the Queen Victoria Monument is significant to the people of Victoria. The Queen Victoria Monument, Ballarat, is a key component of Sturt Street in Ballarat, a notable streetscape of the late Victorian era. It represents a pivotal element in the extensive series of public art forms erected during the late nineteenth century in the heyday of Ballarat and added to during the twentieth century. The Queen Victoria Monument is an over life size statue mounted on a freestone pedestal containing four bronze relief interpretive plaques. It is situated in front of the Ballarat Town Hall, a prominent position on the wide notable picturesque boulevard of Sturt Street. The presence of the monument in the notable Sturt Street gardens precinct together with other significant statues is of importance. The Queen Victoria Monument at Ballarat is historically significant as a fine example of a tribute to the reigning monarch, initiated by citizens, on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee, prior to her death. It reflects the fervour of the citizens of the town that played an important role in the development of the State of Victoria during the latter half of the nineteenth century. The Monument is important for its aesthetic characteristics in that it displays a combination of excellent examples of the artistry and technical skills of the sculptor E.B. MacKennal. These elements are evident in design, carving, and in casting of relief modelling.

Sicilian marble statue of Queen Victoria with hand outstretched holding the Sovereign's Orb with small gold angel figure. Includes granite plinth with 4 bronze elements and granite bowl.

Victoria Dei Gratia Britt Regina Fid. Def. Ind. Imp. 1900. Incorporates four fine bronze scenes from her life; Accession to the Throne (1837), Coronation (1838), Diamond Jubilee (1897) and Signing of the Constitution of the Australian Commonwealth (1900).

queen victoria

The Boer War Memorial was created by sculptor James White in honour of Australian Soldiers who fought in the South African War (1899-1902). White used the electrolytic copper deposit method to produce this large statue, which is sometimes mistaken for a cast bronze work. The Foundation stone was laid on 18 May 1901 by H.R.H The Duke of York (George V). The sculpture was unveiled on the 1st November 1906 by His Excellency Baron Northcote G.C.I.E., C.B. Governor General of Australia and then Mayor of Ballarat, J. J. Brokenshire. Bravery and mateship are beautifully captured in depiction of a scene taken straight from the battlegrounds. Today the memorial is a much-photographed tribute and exploration of the friendships and struggles of men at war. A proud cavalry horse bears the weight of two men in the chaos of the battlefield. The Boer War in Africa was an early example of the Australian Colonies sacrificing men and equipment for Britain to defend it’s Empire against colonial insurgence.

The memorial is of historical and aesthetic significance to the people of Ballarat.

Horse and figure, bronze mounted on bluestone base and granite plinth, plaques list the war dead.

In honour of Australian Soldiers who fought in South Africa 1899-1902. Foundation stone laid 18th May 1901 by H.R.H The Duke of York (George V). Unveiled 1st November 1906 by His Excellency Baron Northcote G.C.I.E., C.B. Governor General of Australia. J. H. Barker Chairman. J. J. Brokenshire Mayor

boer war, south africa monument

Ballarat son Robert O’Hara Burke and his good mate William John Wills are commemorated in the Burke & Wills Fountain. This memorial to the famous explorers also features the names of those who assisted their ill-fated crossing of Australia. The fountain was once lit with gas and stocked with goldfish and tortoises.

The fountain is of historic and aesthetic significance to the people of Ballarat

Bluestone and cast metal fountain

Robert O'Hara Burke, Leader, Died 30th June, 1861. William John Wills, Second, Died 39th June, 1861. Ludwig Becker, Naturalist, Died 29th April, 1861. Charles Grey, Assistant, Died 17th April, 1861. John King the only survivor of the EXPEDITION Died at St Kilda January 13th 1872. In Memory of the explorers who perished while crossing the Australian Continent in the year 1861. Erected by the Inhabitants of Ballarat.

burke & wills, robert o’hara burke, william john wills, ludwig becker, charles grey, john king

This is Australia’s first monument to the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns and his dog. It was carved from marble in Italy by sculptor John Udny and is inscribed with quotes from the writer himself and features beautiful patterned tiles at its base. This sculpture tells us much of Ballarat’s Scottish history by placing their most revered poet and ballardier of Auld Lang Syne at the corner of Lydiard and Sturt Streets. The local design was carried out by artist John Undy in Carrara marble and placed with this scene. The proud figure of Burns faces west and is accompanied by his collie dog with a book purposely hanging in his hand and a pencil in the other as his constant companions. Burns is mounted on a plinth engraved with some beautiful Burn’s poetry and surrounded by art deco styled tiling and a cast iron palisade.

The statue is of aesthetic and historical significance to the people of Ballarat

Carved marble statue of Scottish poet Robert Burns and his dog

Includes panels with poems and writings by Robert Burns. Plaque reads - Designed by Thomas Thompson Ballarat Sculptured by John Undy, Carrara, Italy.

robert burns, scottish poet

This quartz and bluestone monument pays tribute to James Galloway the founder of the the eight-hour day system that gave workers the right to stop work after 8 hours without any penalty. The system was widely celebrated as a world first and Australia became known as a workingman’s paradise. Eight hour day is translated as: Eight hours of work, eight hours of leisure and eight hours of rest. In 1880, the 8hr day Anniversary Committee decided to mark the establishment of the 8hrs day by erecting a monument to the memory of the pioneer of the 8hr movement in the colony, James Galloway. The campaign for the Galloway monument was so successful that one year later on 21 April 1881, and after the longest 8hrs day procession to that date, the Mayor of the City, Councillor A T Morrison, imbarred the monument at the foot of Sturt Street, Ballarat.

The monument is of historic significance to the people of Ballarat

Granite spire with four cast iron drinking fountains and marble tablets. Inscriptionplaques are attached to the sides of the spire.

Erected in honor of the late James Galloway the founder of the Eight Hour System in Victoria/ Born at Springfield Fifeshire 28th February 1828 Died at Collingwood Melbourne 3rd June 1860/ Amicus Humani Generis/ This Monument is tendered in trust to the City Council for the working men of Ballarat April 21st 1880/ Eight Hours Labor Eight Hours Recreation Eight Hours Rest

james galloway, eight-hour day, 8 hour, workers rights, ballarat, trades hall

This memorial designed by Peter Blizzard is dedicated to more than 36,000 Australian men and women were held captive as prisoners by the enemy during the Boer War, World War 1, World War 2 and the Korean War. This memorial honours them. Water springs from beneath the 'Lest We Forget' stone then flows down the wall into the narrow watercourse in front of the first group of names and into the reflective pool, then continues past the second group of names. Finally it disappears under the pathway, returning to its source under the 'Lest We Forget' stone to start the journey again. Water symbolizes the essential nature of man, sacrifice, suffering, spirituality, healing, cleansing, birth and re-birth. In this memorial it forms a continuous cycle, binding all Australian Prisoners of War together for all time. The memorial is created from natural materials and is designed to be in harmony with the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, and to create a sense of timeless, dignity and respect. The long pathway of the monument is designed to create a visual perspective of the large distances that Australians travelled to the various conflicts. The paving is shaped like railway sleepers in recognition of the role that railways and railway journeys were relevant to many prisoners of war.

The memorial is of historical and aesthetic importance to the people of Ballarat

Monument made from carved bluestone, water feature and flags

Inscribed with the names of 36,000 Australian men and women were held captive as prisoners by the enemy during the Boer War, World War 1, World War 2 and the Korean War. The listing is by surname and initials and shown by war.

prisoners of war, boer war, world war 1, world war 2, korean war, lest we forget, peter blizzard