THE founding member of a Eureka Stockade descendant’s group claims he and other direct descendants of the 1854 rebellion were excluded from the opening of Ballarat’s Museum of Australian Democracy.
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Children of Eureka founder Paul Murphy said the exclusion of relevant descendants was appalling and had left people, including Peter Lalor, Simon Molesworth and Howard Humffray, in a state of disbelief.
“We became aware that the principal families of the Eureka Stockade had not been invited to attend, or participate in, the opening weekend celebrations of M.A.D.E,” Mr Murphy said.
“We are angry and offended at this conscious disrespect to us.
“What an appalling act of stupidity on the part of the organisers.”
Children of Eureka was set up by Mr Murphy in 1988 to represent “all sides” of the Eureka Stockade story.
Peter Lalor, the great-great grandson of the Eureka Stockade leader Peter Lalor, was one person excluded from the M.A.D.E opening, yet said it did not concern him.
“It really doesn’t bother me and I don’t find it offensive at all,” Mr Lalor said.
“It was a surprise, but it’s not something I have lost sleep over.”
The other descendents refused to comment.
The $11.5 million museum, which opened on May 5, celebrates the birth of democracy in Australia and features several highly interactive displays.
M.A.D.E chairman Professor David Battersby said the descendants of the Eureka Stockade were a crucial part of the museum’s planning and at no stage had been left out.
“Three of the youngest descendants of Eureka Stockade played a pivotal role in the opening ceremony,” Professor Battersby said.
“One of those children was Noah Lalor-Philip who is the great-great-great-great grandson of Peter Lalor – the leader of the Eureka Stockade.”
