Goldfields

Outbreak at Ballarat: Eureka from the pages of the Mount Alexander Mail 8 December 1854 Compiled by Clare Gervasoni Ballaratís Eureka Stockade was not simply reported locally, but made news worldwide. The discontent on the Ballarat goldfields had been simmering on other goldfields throughout Victoria, and therefore the Eureka battle was big news throughout Victoria, Australia and even Europe. Castlemaine had experienced goldfields agitation as early as 1851, and many grievances were heard on "Agitation Hill," Therefore, the news of the Eureka outbreak was important. Reports were scattered throughout the newspaper, but five days after the Eureka battle, it was deemed necessary to summarise the lead-up to, and culmination, of the battle. This report not only gives details of Eureka," but gives a feeling of contemporary thought on the Mount Alexander goldfield five days after the Eureka battle.