Did you miss the live show for Heritage Weekend? No problems, book your ticket and you can watch the live recording any time you like!

This online live performance and history talk is hosted by Brett Edgington and tells the history that began in the aftermath of Eureka to constructing the world’s second oldest Trades Hall and the organisation and advancement of the working class in regional Victoria.

On the night of the 29th April 1856 a group of Ballarat workers met on Bakery Hill to form the Eight Hour Committee, this became the United Eight Hour and then the Ballarat Trades and Labour Council in 1883. In 1886 when picking a land parcel for the construction of the Trades Hall, a site became apparent on Camp Street and the former Government Camp site where soldiers left to attack miners on the Eureka lead on the morning of the 3rd of December 1854, the symbolism of reclaiming this site for working people was provocative.

Eureka and the flag of the Southern Cross remained entwined with the Ballarat TLC and its push for working people. In 1954 while preparing to celebrate the Eureka Centenary, BTLC was suddenly split apart by pro and anti-communist forces and the direction of working solidarity was fiercely contested. 164 years on, BTLC and its Trades Hall building still serve the working people of Ballarat and the region, as Unionism has changed and developed to meet the changing times and labour force.

Once your ticket is purchased you will receive the private Youtube link to tune in.

This is part of our Ballarat Heritage Weekend Livestream Events. Book more shows through this link.

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