WHEN singer/song writer Shane Howard casts an eye over the almost completed Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka, he feels a certain sense of pride.
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There is pride in knowing that his great-grandfather was a key figure in the Eureka Stockade in 1854, and pride that the famous Eureka Flag will soon make its home at the centre.
The man famous for his role as leader singer of Australian rock band Goanna was in Ballarat yesterday to perform as part of a special Eureka Day ceremony at MADE.
Mr Howard's great-grandfather Patrick Howard was arrested by troopers during the rebellion, and was later released without being charged.
"To see the museum nearing completion is a dream come true for many people, including myself," he said.
"It's really important for a lot of reasons. For me, it's important on a personal and family level, as well as a national and political level."
To be opened in May next year, the museum will cement Ballarat's place as the home of Australian democracy.
Among a long list of attractions and interactive features will be the Eureka Flag.
Speaking at a special ceremony at the site yesterday, Ballarat mayor John Burt said the region had a responsibility to preserve the history of the Eureka Rebellion.
"The story of Eureka must be preserved and remembered," Cr Burt said.
"We take seriously our inherited role as guardians of the Eureka story."
