We are in Ballaarat (Ballarat). Prior to pastoral settlement in 1837 Aboriginal people inhabited the land in the area which was to become known as Ballarat. This word is of native origin from “Balla” and “Arat” meaning ‘resting place’. It was a camp ground or meeting place where groups gathered. In 1837 these two words were first recorded by the squatter Archibald Yuille as “Ballaarat” who no doubt accentuated the vowels in his Scottish brogue. He chose this name for his sheep run on the Yarrowee River.

The official spelling of the City of Ballaarat had a double ‘a’ from the time of the proclamation of the township in 1852, the incorporation of the municipality in 1855, the creation of a borough in 1863 and the declaration of a city in 1870. It remained that way for 143 years until local government amalgamation in 1994, when the spelling was changed to the City of Ballarat to signify the incorporation of districts from an area greater than the pre-1994 city.

The town is graced with many beautiful historic buildings we spent most the morning wandering around this small city. In the afternoon we visited the Eureka Stockade Museum, it is very informative and well appointed with innovative and interesting displays.

The origin of the Eureka Stockade flag is interesting, a flag to gather all people together regardless of race to protect them from tyranny. Yet today we see the flag used by minorities to exclude others and use malicious words and actions against said people. Perhaps the story that sums up the collective protection represented by the flag is the American negro John Joseph abandoned by his home country, During court deliberations about the actions of him fighting at the Eureka Stockade he was found by the Victorian jury not to be guilty and was paraded down the street after court in front of thousands as a hero, we think this best represents Australia a safe haven for all free democratic thinking people.

We also learnt about the indigenous activist Simon Wonga, elder of the Wurundjeri people an impressive man, and we remember the camp at Wyperfeld National Park that was named after him – good to see.

We had a coffee on the shore of Lake Wendouree, interesting collection of boat sheds along the shores and in the lake.