Learn about one of Ballarat's Founding Fathers, James Oddie

Sometimes called the “Father of Ballarat”, James Oddie (1824-1910) was a miner, an innovator, a businessman, a publisher, a banker, a visionary and much more.  He became one of Ballarat’s wealthiest and most influential citizens.  As such, he was responsible for establishing our magnificent Art Gallery, our Observatory, and was involved in establishing the School of Mines and our wonderful Botanical Gardens. 

Yet paradoxically, he died in poverty and his name is not recognized by many current Ballarat citizens. 

Noted historian Ann Beggs-Sunter will tell the story of this remarkable pioneer of early Ballarat.