Ballarat’s newest tourist attraction, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka (MADE), will offer a unique exploration of issues of democracy, participation and citizenship for all ages.
The new Museum, which is due to open in March 2013, is situated on the historic site of the Eureka Stockade where, in 1854, miners took up arms against the colonial authorities, rallying against the unfairness of taxation without representation.
The now infamous uprising was a turning point in Australia’s political history, functioning as a catalyst for change and the move towards a representative government. A number of related issues are seen to underpin the actions of the miners and the government’s response, such as questions of class, race, participation, civics and citizenship. Many of these issues still resonate in Australia’s contemporary social and political sphere.
MADE will make use of the latest technologies to explore the issues raised by the Eureka Stockade; visitors will experience what it’s like to be an interrogator, journalist, activist or political leader. The miners’ achievements will be placed in the context of the 3000-year history of democracy, seeing the Stockade as part of an evolution of ideas about human freedom that developed over a long period of time.
The Museum will also be the new home for the historic Eureka Flag, arguably one of Australia’s most recognised symbols. The flag will be displayed in a state-of-the-art case, specifically designed to protect and preserve the iconic textile for future generations, providing the visual link between contemporary issues around democracy and the events on the 1850s goldfields.
The Museum will also host a national IT platform, linking up with students of democracy, and civics and citizenship around the country. Operating on a national scale it will complement the Museum’s more traditional tourism programs, rounding out Ballarat’s impressive list of family-oriented attractions such as Sovereign Hill, Kryal Castle, Lake Wendouree and Ballarat Wildlife Park.
MADE is jointly funded by all three levels of government, with the Federal Government investing $5 million, the Victorian Government matching it with $5 million, and the City of Ballarat contributing $1.1 million.
Project construction, exhibition design and public program development has been undertaken on behalf of the three tiers of government by Lateral Projects. The project has also attracted some of the country’s leading thinkers, entrepreneurs and innovators.
City of Ballarat Director of Destination and Economy, Jeff Pulford, said that the very nature of the issues tackled by MADE will spark people’s imagination.
“We have found that everyone who touches the project gets drawn in by the potential of the debate and the possibility of engaging with our next generation around issues that will shape our nation’s future,” said Mr Pulford.
“This is reflected in the calibre of individuals who have put their hand up to be involved – from the independent Board, to the education and community reference groups. Once again, Eureka has people talking.”
