To mark the 170th anniversary of the Eureka Stockade, join us in the beautiful grounds of the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park for an afternoon of live music featuring the Shane Howard Band and the Emma Donovan Duo.
The event begins at 1pm with respected Wadawurrung Elder, Dr Deanne Gilson, presenting the Welcome to Country.
Emma Donovan has been touring the country for over 20 years, performing soulful songs and sharing powerful stories. Emma is best known for her work as singer and songwriter with the Melbourne rhythm combo, The Putbacks, a collaboration built on a shared love for classic American soul and the protest music of Indigenous Australia. She was a founding member of the Stiff Gins and a member of the Black Arm Band, in collaboration with her heroes Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter, Christine Anu, Yothu Yindi and Paul Kelly. Fresh from touring her new country-inspired album, ‘Til my Song is Done’, Emma will perform songs that reflect the depth and diversity of her extensive career. Bring your picnic blankets, camping chairs and Eureka Spirit and help us to mark the birth of Australian Democracy.
Shane Howard joins us to celebrate his ancestral connections and honour the legacy of the Eureka Stockade. Shane is one of Australia's most influential writers and singers and a founding member of the legendary band, Goanna. He has created a uniquely Australian voice that challenges existing social paradigms and reaches across the globe to champion the cause of common people. From the red heart, where he penned his enduring song ‘Solid Rock, Sacred Ground’, to the wilds of Tasmania that gave birth to ‘Let the Franklin Flow’, and the spark of Eureka at Ballarat captured in his ‘Rebel Song’, Shane and his band will lead us through his 40-year creative journey.
Throughout the day there will be free face painting, kids craft activities, lawn games and live music. This special community celebration has something for the whole family to enjoy.
