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Discover Historic Mount Pleasant

23 May 2019

The Discover Historic Mount Pleasant project was a collaboration between Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre, Ballarat East Neighbourhood House and the Mount Pleasant History Group. The idea for the project was developed by the History Group as part of their vision of sharing and promoting the rich history of the area with the community.

Many hours of research, writing and design were involved in the production of a website, brochure, exhibition and interpretive signage, featuring photographs and information about 20 historic sites around Mt Pleasant. For the community, the project created an enhanced sense of identity and feeling of connectedness, as well as an opportunity to learn about the rich history of the suburbs past. It also promoted an active lifestyle, encouraging residents to walk around Mt Pleasant and discover the different sites. The official launch was held on Thursday 23 May, 2019, at the Ballarat Observatory.

President of the History Group, Mr Max Duthie was thrilled with the project, “The Mt Pleasant History Group is delighted that this project has realised the group’s vision to tell the story of the early days of Mt Pleasant through this signage, and the associated brochure and website. When Cornish miners, who had come to work in the Deep Lead mines on Ballarat, brought their families to settle on the gently sloping hillside of what is now the Mt Pleasant Reserve in an effort to escape the morally unsuitable area of Main Road, they established the first residential suburb in Ballarat and this new signage explores this unique history of Mt Pleasant.”

Suzannah Burton, Chair of the School Council at Mt Pleasant Primary School commented, “Congratulations everyone on what looks like a great launch and a highly successful project. What a fantastic result, the signs look incredible, and the raised sense of community pride, certainly for the school community is palpable!”

To learn more about the history of Mt Pleasant or to download a brochure and walking trail visit: https://www.hulballarat.org.au/cb_pages/discovermtpleasant.php