The Eureka Flag
State of the art exhibition space at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery is the resting place for the original Eureka Flag, which holds a rich history and connection to the Eureka story.
The Eureka Flag, also known as the flag of the Southern Cross or the Ballarat Reform League Flag was first flown on November 29 1854 at a “Monster Meeting” of miners on Bakery Hill, Ballarat.
The design of the flag incorporates white stars on a dark blue background and it is believed to have been made by a group of women on the diggings. The flag measured 400cm by 260cms and was constructed using wool and cotton materials.
The flag was also flown at the Eureka Stockade during the attack by soldiers and police on December 3 1854. It is recorded that trooper John King removed the flag from its pole. The flag was presented as evidence at the Eureka Trials in Melbourne during February/March 1855.
The King family presented the flag to the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery in 1895. During the early 1970s the flag was washed and later prepared for display at the Gallery by Val D’Angri. It was unveiled by Prime Minister Gough Whitlam on December 3 1973.
To view the flag, Visit the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery