Ballarat Research Hub at Eureka (BRHAE)

The Australiana Research Collection is an extensive collection of books, public and private records, newspapers, maps, plans, catalogues and indexes. The Australiana Research Librarian is available to assist researchers, whether new or experienced, to access the hard-copy and digital collections and to develop research skills. Phone: 03 5333 0306, email: simonjacks@ballarat.vic.gov.au 

Ballarat Archives Centre (BAC) is a service of the Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) providing document access in a designated reading room named in honour of respected local historian, the late Joan Hunt. Requests to retrieve and view records at can be made through the PROV website. Records will be delivered to BAC in time for 10am opening, if they have been ordered prior to 3pm, Monday to Thursday. Much of the Ballarat collection has been digitised and 68 series of Rate Books and Petty Sessions Registers covering Ballarat and the surrounding areas will be available online through PROV’s website. Phone: 03 5329 1628.  

Ballarat & District Genealogical Society Inc. (BDGS) was formed in 1978 to help people discover their family history. THE BDGS collection is housed at BRHAE and much of it is accessible to the public, though some resources are only available to BDGS members. Membership information is available at the link below.

This blog explore Ballarat history and uncover fascinating stories about people and events. Each blog post is researched and written by the Australiana Research Librarian, serving to highlight the tools and resources available to people seeking to undertake their own historical research.