A five-month event program was launched on Monday at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka.

Indigenous artist Aunty Marlene Gilson’s painting Mount Warrenheip will be the official image while filmmakers Leslie Falkiner-Rose, Lucinda Horrocks, Jary Nemo and Erin McCuskey will all create footage to become part of M.A.D.E’s permanent exhibition. Instrumentalist Adam Simmons will compose a piece of music, with lyrics by Freya Hollick and Hap Heywood. The Art Gallery of Ballarat, Sovereign Hill and M.A.D.E will also run events.

M.A.D.E director Jane Smith said the celebrations were a “great collaboration” between the state government, M.A.D.E, the City of Ballarat, the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Sovereign Hill and Ballarat Regional Tourism.

“The combining of resources, talents and funds means the 160th anniversary be presented as a calendar of events designed to attract a broad cross-section of the community,” Ms Smith said. 

“It’s a great opportunity for Ballarat to show

how wonderful it is.”

Mayor Joshua Morris said it was a great chance to mark “Ballarat’s unique role in Australian history”.

“The wide range of events and, in particular the involvement of local groups and residents, will make this a wonderful time of celebration for our city,” Cr Morris said.

Western Victoria MP Simon Ramsay said the Eureka message had “journeyed through the decades maintaining its relevance”.

“These celebrations provide a reminder of just how alive the Eureka spirit it, and how importantly we value our unique and rigorous democracy,” Mr Ramsay said.

The first project started is the re-creation of the Eureka flag, which will be flown at a memorial service on December 3.

The program is being funded with $300,000 from the state government and $200,000 from the City of Ballarat.

fiona.henderson@fairfaxmedia.com.au